Three Injured, One Killed While Changing Tire on Highway 50 in Sacramento

Three Injured, One Killed While Changing Tire on Highway 50 in Sacramento

One killed while changing tire on Highway 50 in Sacramento and three others injured after being struck by a passing vehicle late Sunday night, August 16, 2026, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Four Men Struck on Shoulder of Highway 50

The collision was reported at approximately 11:35 p.m. on eastbound Highway 50 near 34th Street.

According to CHP’s preliminary investigation, a vehicle developed a flat tire and pulled onto the right shoulder of the freeway. Friends of the driver reportedly stopped behind the disabled vehicle to help change the tire.

Four men were outside the vehicles working on the flat tire when a passing SUV reportedly drifted from the roadway and onto the shoulder, striking the group.

One Man Killed and Another Seriously Injured

One of the men suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. A second man sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The other two men suffered minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.

Authorities have not released the identities of those involved.

SUV Driver Remained at the Scene

CHP reported that the driver of the SUV remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Authorities said driving under the influence is not suspected as a factor in the collision.

The circumstances surrounding why the SUV left the travel lane remain under investigation.

Stopping on a Freeway Shoulder Can Be Extremely Dangerous

Freeway shoulders provide limited separation between disabled vehicles and high-speed traffic. When possible, motorists experiencing vehicle trouble should move as far away from active traffic lanes as safely possible, activate their hazard lights, and remain aware of approaching vehicles.

Drivers should also avoid drifting onto shoulders, remain attentive behind the wheel, and provide additional space when approaching disabled vehicles or people alongside the freeway.

Check out this video with accident attorney Ed Smith to discover how to select the best injury lawyer for your claim:

Navigating Wrongful Death & Personal Injury Claims After Roadside Crashes

Accidents along the shoulder or roadside often cause catastrophic harm to victims and overwhelming loss for their families. When a negligent driver drifts out of their lane and strikes pedestrians, stopped drivers, or roadside workers, injured individuals and surviving family members have the right to seek justice.

A dedicated personal injury and wrongful death attorney takes on the burden of investigating the crash—securing physical and electronic data, analyzing police files, and holding at-fault drivers accountable. Depending on the details of the case, financial recovery may cover emergency medical care, lost wages, funeral and burial expenses, loss of future financial support, and emotional loss.

Speak with the Law Offices of Ed Smith

If a roadside or highway accident in Sacramento or Sacramento County caused severe injuries or the loss of a loved one, turn to the Law Offices of Ed Smith. Our firm handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Folsom, and nearby Northern California communities.

Reach out for free, compassionate advice by calling (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400, or visit AutoAccident.com to explore your legal options.