One man was killed, and another was injured after a head-on collision involving two cars on Highway 4 in Tracy on Monday evening, July 3, 2023.
The California Highway Patrol responded to the accident around 6:00 p.m. on Highway 4, west of Tracy Boulevard.
In a 2018 Ford F150 truck, a 53-year-old Brentwood man was driving at about 50 mph along the highway. At the same time, a 43-year-old Stockton man was traveling east at an unknown speed toward Tracy Boulevard in a 2001 Honda Accord.
Apparently, for some reason, the driver of the Ford F150 crossed the double yellow line directly into the path of Honda, resulting in a head-on collision.
The Honda’s driver was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining severe injuries. The Ford truck driver sustained moderate injuries and was transported to San Joaquin General Hospital. Both drivers reportedly wore seat belts during the accident.
People involved in the accident were not yet identified.
As the investigation continues, the Tracy CHP requests any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.
Car Accident Lawyers in San Joaquin County
Accident investigations become more complicated when multiple vehicles are involved. Those lucky enough to walk away from a car crash may have difficulty processing the loss and suffering they’ve experienced.
You should see a lawyer if you’ve been harmed in a car crash. In a personal injury case, the harmed party can seek monetary compensation. An accomplished lawyer will investigate the wreckage and the surrounding circumstances. No matter who was at fault or how much insurance you have, you should be paid for your losses.
You can rely on our most trusted San Joaquin County car accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 Million for California clients.
If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Whether you are the injured or the family of the killed victim, it is essential to realize that your words and actions starting at the accident site can substantially affect the outcome of your claim or lawsuit. Consider the following recommendations to maximize the value of your injury claim:
- Stay calm and remain at the scene to ensure safety. You should check yourself for injuries before helping others.
- Get to a safe location and wait for the authorities. Pull over any vehicles that cannot move to the side of the road. To prevent further collisions, activate your hazard lights.
- Call 911 to report your collision. Call the police unless the collision was minimal, no one was hurt, and no property was damaged. The police can investigate by speaking with prospective witnesses and gathering evidence.
- Exchange information with all parties involved. Document everything, from your injuries to the weather, road conditions, and the vehicle that hit you.
- Do not admit fault to the police. Give the police officer an honest account of events.
- Seek medical attention. See a specialist or your primary care physician as soon as possible. Receiving immediate medical care can lessen the severity of injuries.
- Report it to your insurance company. Insurance companies in California have different deadlines for reporting accidents.
- Contact insurance adjusters. You can talk to a claims adjuster but only share the necessary information with them. You should consult a lawyer before accepting a settlement offer or providing a recorded statement to an insurance company.
- Create a file. Gather and file all paperwork related to the incident, such as the police report, medical bills, details about the other driver, and plans for treating any injuries, in a case file.
- Seek immediate legal counsel from an experienced California car accident lawyer.
Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident Statistics
Every 60 seconds, a car accident occurs in the United States. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries in the United States, particularly among children aged 2 to 34.
Vehicles are responsible for over 10,000 fatalities in California each year. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported 35,766 fatal crashes and 38,824 fatalities in 2020.
Since 2013, the state has had 23.5% more fatal car accidents. There were 485,866 car accidents in 2017, with 3,898 fatalities and 276,823 injuries. In 2018, there were nine traffic fatalities for every 100,000 residents in the state.
Even when driving cautiously, drivers can still kill or seriously injure others. Driving safely and paying attention at all times is critical.