Merced County, CA (July 21, 2025) – A tragic wrong-way collision early Monday morning claimed the life of a 21-year-old man from Elk Grove and left four of his passengers with serious injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 2:12 a.m. on southbound Highway 99 near Hammett Avenue in Livingston. Authorities reported that the Elk Grove man was driving north in the southbound fast lane when his vehicle collided head-on with a car driven by a 41-year-old man from San Bernardino. The impact pushed the Elk Grove man’s car into the path of an oncoming tractor-trailer, which was unable to stop in time.
The driver of the Elk Grove vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, while his four passengers sustained major injuries. The CHP is continuing its investigation and awaiting notification of the driver’s next of kin.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes of recovery to the injured.
Commercial Truck Collisions in California
Crashes involving 18-wheelers, big rigs, and freight trucks are common on major routes like I-5, I-80, and corridors through the San Joaquin Valley—including Highway 99 in Merced County, where a recent tragic collision involved a tractor-trailer and claimed the life of a young Elk Grove man. Due to their massive size, commercial trucks often cause severe injuries in a collision, including spinal trauma, brain injuries, or permanent disability. These crashes are often complex. Large trucks are subject to strict safety regulations that encompass maintenance, driver schedules, and cargo handling. When those rules are disregarded, the likelihood of a crash increases significantly. Truck accidents typically involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, and cargo contractors. Identifying fault requires quick access to driver logs, black box data, and inspection records. That’s why getting legal support from an experienced Merced truck accident lawyer is critical for victims and their families.
Call a Truck Accident Lawyer Near You Today
At JG Winter Law, we help victims of commercial truck crashes and semi-truck collisions throughout California. Our team works to recover compensation for medical care, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs. Call 844-734-2626 now to speak with a Merced truck accident lawyer for a free consultation.
Note: The information in this publication is sourced from secondary materials such as news reports, blogs, police records, and eyewitness accounts. J.G. Winter Law has not independently confirmed these details. If you find inaccuracies or wish for the story to be removed, please contact us. We will quickly respond by correcting or removing the content as needed.
Disclaimer: The image featured in this post does not depict the incident mentioned. The purpose of this post is not to attract business, and it should not be interpreted as offering medical or legal counsel. In the event of an accident resulting in injury to yourself or a loved one, it’s crucial to obtain medical care without delay, followed by a consultation with an attorney to understand your legal options.
