Accidents March 9

Accidents March 9

MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Police Department shared that on Friday, March 6, 2026, shortly before 10:00 p.m., officers were called to the area of Morton Boulevard and La Loma Avenue following a report of a collision.

When officers reached the scene, they found a motorcyclist who had been struck by a motor vehicle. The vehicle believed to be involved was no longer at the scene when police got there. The injured motorcyclist was taken to a nearby hospital, where they later, sadly, passed away as a result of their injuries.

Investigators have since located the vehicle believed to be connected to the crash. Authorities say the circumstances surrounding the collision are still being examined, and the Traffic Safety Unit with the Modesto Police Department continues working to determine exactly what happened and the driver’s role in the incident.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car and motorcycle accident lawyer serving Modesto and Stanislaus County. If you or a loved one were injured in a crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, know that you’re not alone. AutoAccident.com is one of the most trusted personal injury firms in California, and across the U.S. Our caring legal team is here to help you navigate the legal process, hold at-fault drivers accountable, and fight for the justice you deserve. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our
or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

RIVERBANK, CA – In a tragic story, the California Highway Patrol reported that two adults and two children, ages 2 and 5, lost their lives in a devastating crash Sunday morning near Riverbank.

Two other young children were injured — one of them seriously. Not long after 3 in the morning, emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene as descriptions came in of a single-vehicle crash on the Oakdale-Waterford Highway with the vehicle on fire, according to a Modesto Fire Department incident report.

Emergency crews discovered four people trapped in the car. Two others, both children, got out of the vehicle on their own, and were taken to a local hospital. One was then flown out of the area for further treatment. Both are expected to survive. Sadly, the four people trapped in the car were declared dead at the scene. The California Highway Patrol is heading the investigation.

The CHP Modesto office spokesperson said the preliminary investigation found that the operator of a 2014 Dodge SUV was moving north on the Oakdale-Waterford Highway. For unclear reasons, the SUV went off the road and struck a concrete pillar not far from an irrigation canal. The vehicle immediately became fully engulfed in flames, taking four lives. Luckily, a 12 year-old and a 7-year-old were able to exit the SUV. The older child, who suffered serious injuries, was taken by air ambulance to the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. The younger child was treated for moderate injuries. It is unknown if drugs and/or alcohol contributed to this crash.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Riverbank and Stanislaus County. At AutoAccident.com, we understand how devastating an auto accident can be. If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in a crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our experienced legal team is here to provide compassionate support and help you understand your rights and options. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our
or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.