Modesto, CA – A multi-car crash on State Route 132 on Saturday, September 21, 2024, left two people dead, including a 26-year-old man from Ceres and an 11-month-old infant, and hospitalized others, according to The Modesto Bee with additional reporting from KCRA.
The accident, which occurred just before 1 PM near River Road, involved five vehicles and prompted an extensive emergency response.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that a 26-year-old man driving a 2001 Honda sedan was traveling eastbound when his vehicle crossed the double yellow lines and sideswiped a 2012 Honda SUV driven by Hector Garcia. The initial impact sent the Honda sedan into the westbound lane, where it collided head-on with a 2021 Toyota sedan operated by Lizandro Castillo, also westbound.
Castillo’s 11-month-old daughter, who was a passenger in the back seat of the Toyota, suffered critical injuries in the collision. Despite being airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center for urgent treatment, the infant succumbed to her injuries the next day.
The Honda sedan’s driver, whose name has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. Hector Garcia, the driver of the SUV, was also injured but is expected to recover. Meanwhile, Lizandro Castillo, the Toyota driver, suffered minor injuries but was primarily focused on his injured daughter’s wellbeing as she was rushed to the hospital.
Other vehicles involved in the aftermath of the collision included a 2004 Chevrolet van driven by Esther Yahaira and a 2011 Honda sedan driven by Abel Velasquez. Yahaira attempted to brake to avoid the crash ahead, but her van was struck by the out-of-control Honda sedan. Velasquez’s car then rear-ended Yahaira’s van as the sudden chaos unfolded.
Authorities are still investigating whether drugs or alcohol were involved. The CHP continues to work on gathering information and conducting interviews with the survivors to determine the cause of the young man’s vehicle crossing the centerline.
Personal Injury Claims
After a car accident, victims and their families often deal with emotional distress along with unexpected financial burdens, such as medical bills, lost income, and, in the worst cases, burial costs.
Those responsible for the accident are responsible for covering these expenses through their insurance provider. However, insurance companies usually try to reduce payouts for claims they can’t deny.
This is where a skilled personal injury attorney becomes essential, helping ensure victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of Comparative Negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially to blame.
