Merced County, CA – On the night of Sunday, September 14, 2025, a two-vehicle collision on State Route 59 near East Washington Road left one driver dead, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash occurred around 11:13 PM and involved two vehicles. One vehicle left the roadway, scattering debris across both northbound and southbound lanes.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and found one driver had suffered fatal injuries at the scene. Paramedics pronounced the individual dead on arrival.
Fire crews and the California Department of Transportation blocked both northbound and southbound lanes while clearing debris and securing the area. Flares were set out to protect other motorists during the cleanup. Tow operators removed the vehicles from the roadway before reopening the highway just after 1:40 AM.
CHP officers documented the scene, collected evidence, and coordinated with Caltrans and the California Department of Forestry to investigate the cause of the crash. The collision remains under investigation.
Authorities asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the California Highway Patrol.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
