Accidents October 22

Accidents October 22

SONORA, CA – An 82-year-old woman visiting from Beijing tragically lost her life in a rollover crash on Highway 120 near Menke Ness Road, just east of Sonora, on October 13, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when the driver of a 2025 Jeep Compass attempted to pass a Caltrans vehicle that was turning left into a driveway. While trying to avoid a collision, the Jeep swerved, struck an embankment, and overturned.

The woman, who was seated in the back of the Jeep, did not survive the crash. Her name has not been released as authorities work to notify her family. The driver of the Jeep suffered minor injuries, while the front-seat passenger sustained moderate injuries.

No other vehicles were struck, and officials have stated that drugs or alcohol are not believed to have played a role in the incident. The crash is still under active investigation.

This heartbreaking accident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly moments on the road can change lives. Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones during this time of loss.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Sonora and Tuolumne 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 online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

 

MERCED, CA — A solo vehicle crash late Friday night in Merced could have ended in tragedy—but thankfully, the driver walked away with only minor injuries after a guardrail pierced through the car’s passenger side.

According to the California Highway Patrol’s Merced office, officers were called to the scene after reports of a crash involving a single vehicle. Investigators say the driver may have fallen asleep behind the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road.

When first responders arrived, they found a disturbing sight: a section of guardrail had entered through the passenger side of the car. Miraculously, the driver was alone in the vehicle at the time, and no one else was hurt. The driver was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Following the crash, CHP Merced took to social media to remind the public of the very real dangers of drowsy driving. In their message, they compared driving while fatigued to driving under the influence—both can significantly slow reaction times, impair judgment, and reduce awareness.

Officers urged anyone feeling tired behind the wheel to make the safe choice: pull over, rest, or find someone else to drive. This incident stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of rest and alertness when driving—because sometimes, even a moment’s lapse can have serious consequences.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Merced and Merced County. If you or a loved one were injured in a crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, the experienced legal team of AutoAccident.com 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 online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

 

MODESTO, CA – The California Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help in locating the driver of a white Chevrolet Silverado who fled the scene of a serious three-vehicle crash Friday morning on Crows Landing Road in south Modesto.

The collision occurred around 9:30 a.m., just south of Glenn Avenue. When officers arrived, they found that three vehicles had been involved — but one had already left the scene.

According to investigators, a 29-year-old male was driving a Ford F-150 in one lane, while another man was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the adjacent lane. A white Chevrolet Silverado approached from behind and made an unsafe lane change into the motorcycle’s lane, prompting the motorcyclist to take evasive action to avoid a crash.

In the process, he lost control of his motorcycle and was thrown into the path of the Ford truck. Despite the efforts to avoid further harm, the motorcyclist was struck and sustained major injuries. He was transported to Doctors Medical Center for urgent medical care.

The Ford driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. The driver of the Silverado, however, fled before law enforcement arrived. The CHP believes the vehicle is a white Chevrolet Silverado, model year 2019 or newer.

Officers are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about the fleeing driver to come forward.

This tragic incident underscores how a single reckless moment can cause lasting harm — and how crucial it is for all involved to remain at the scene and take responsibility. The thoughts of the community are with the motorcyclist and his loved ones as he begins the road to recovery.

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 online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

 

MODESTO, CA — A 35-year-old Sonora man sustained serious injuries Friday morning in a single-vehicle crash east of Lancaster Road on State Route 108/120, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Modesto Area Office.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:43 a.m. as the man was driving eastbound. CHP investigators determined that the driver had likely fallen asleep at the wheel, causing his Honda CR-V to drift off the roadway. The vehicle veered to the left, left the north shoulder, crashed through a fence, became briefly airborne, and eventually came to rest on an embankment.

Emergency responders from Oak Valley Ambulance arrived quickly and transported the man to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto. He sustained major injuries in the crash, but CHP officials noted that he was wearing a seat belt—likely sparing him from even more severe harm.

Authorities do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident. The crash is still under active investigation by the Modesto Area CHP.

In the aftermath of the crash, CHP reiterated an important reminder: drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Motorists who feel fatigued are urged to pull over, switch drivers, or take a break before continuing their journey.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how critical it is to stay alert behind the wheel—and how even a brief moment of drowsiness can have life-altering consequences.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car 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, the experienced legal team of AutoAccident.com 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 online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

 

STOCKTON, CA — According to the Stockton Police Department, a serious two-vehicle crash in Stockton early Tuesday morning left a young child with critical injuries and two adults with minor injuries.

The collision occurred around 12:30 a.m. near Northbank Court and Pacific Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, they found two drivers involved—a 25-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman. The woman’s vehicle also had a young passenger, a child believed to be around five years old.

Emergency responders quickly transported the child to a nearby hospital, where the child remains in critical condition. Both drivers were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

At this time, the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of how suddenly lives can change on the road. Our thoughts are with the child and their family during this deeply difficult time.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Stockton and San Joaquin 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 online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

 

MODESTO, CA — A multi-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning on northbound Highway 99 in Modesto resulted in possible major injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP officers were dispatched to the scene around 5:23 a.m., near the on-ramp for Crows Landing Road. Four vehicles were involved in the collision.

Details about the cause of the crash are still unclear, and the incident remains under investigation. Emergency crews responded quickly to assess injuries and assist those involved.

Motorists in the area experienced delays as authorities worked to clear the scene. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car 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, the experienced legal team of AutoAccident.com 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 online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

 

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, CA — A devastating head-on collision in the Stockton area has claimed the lives of three people—two of them young children—and left several others seriously injured, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The crash, which occurred Sunday night, is now being investigated as a DUI case.

CHP reports the collision took place about 9:20 p.m. on Mariposa Road, just west of Dodds Road. A gray-colored Ford SUV was driving eastward when it crossed into the opposite lane and crashed head-on with a silver Hyundai sedan carrying a family of five.

Inside the Hyundai were a female driver, her three young children, and a male passenger in the front seat. The man died at the scene. The children—ages 4, 2, and 1—were rushed to the hospital.

Tragically, the 4-year-old and 2-year-old were later pronounced dead at San Joaquin General Hospital. The 1-year-old remains hospitalized with major injuries. The mother is also being treated for serious injuries.

The driver of the Ford SUV, who sustained moderate injuries, was transported to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto and has since been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Authorities have not yet released the driver’s identity.

This heartbreaking incident has left a community mourning unimaginable loss. The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate and urges all drivers to never get behind the wheel while impaired.

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer serving Stockton and San Joaquin County, and Modesto and Stanislaus County. At AutoAccident.com, we understand how unsettling and overwhelming car accidents can be. If you or a loved one were 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 online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.