[07-23-2025] Tuolumne County, CA – Four Killed, One Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash at Shaws Flat Road and Highway 49 in Sonora

Four people were killed and another was injured in a two-vehicle collision in Sonora on Wednesday evening, July 23, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 5:54 p.m. at the intersection of Shaws Flat Road and Highway 49.

A westbound Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by a 56-year-old man from Puerto Rico, stopped at the intersection but then proceeded into the path of a northbound pickup truck driven by an 18-year-old man from Jamestown who was traveling at approximately 60 miles per hour.

The impact caused the Jeep to be propelled in a northwesterly direction before it came to rest on the west shoulder of Highway 49. The driver of the Jeep and all three of his passengers were killed in the crash.

The driver of the pickup sustained moderate to major injuries. Authorities stated that drugs and alcohol are not currently suspected as factors in the collision.

The incident remains under investigation.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers In Sonora, CA

When a collision results in the loss of life or serious injury, the aftermath can feel overwhelming for victims and families. Grief, trauma, and unanswered questions often follow, especially in cases involving multiple fatalities. Understanding your rights may help you take necessary steps while navigating a difficult time.

Car accident lawyers in Sonora can assist with reviewing official crash reports, helping preserve evidence, and explaining what legal options may be available. If a loved one has been lost or seriously hurt in a traffic crash, seeking early legal support may help protect your interests and provide guidance moving forward.

You may contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Steps To Take After A Fatal Crash

Following a crash that results in multiple fatalities or critical injuries, taking the right steps may help protect your well-being, preserve evidence, and support any insurance or legal process.

1. Request The Official CHP Report
   Obtain a copy of the crash report from the California Highway Patrol once it becomes available. It may contain key details about the vehicles involved, witness statements, and contributing factors.
2. Preserve Physical Evidence And Records
   If possible, retain vehicle photos, debris, clothing, or personal items from the scene. These may later help clarify what happened. Keep all medical documents, funeral records, and receipts related to accident-related expenses.
3. Track Expenses And Emotional Impact
   Document hospital bills, travel costs, missed work, and counseling needs. In wrongful death cases, families may want to record changes in household responsibilities, income, and emotional effects.
4. Avoid Early Settlement Discussions
   Insurance companies may reach out soon after a crash. You are not obligated to accept early offers or provide recorded statements without first speaking to legal counsel.
5. Speak With A Car Accident Attorney
   An attorney may help gather additional evidence, explain what claims may be available, and ensure you understand how to move forward with your case. Legal support may ease the burden during an already difficult period.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

Preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 39,345 people died in U.S. traffic crashes in 2024, marking a 3.8% decrease from the 40,901 deaths in 2023. This is the first time since 2020 that traffic fatalities dropped below 40,000. The decline has continued for 11 straight quarters, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve road safety.