Oakland, CA (Oct. 18, 2026) – A driver died in a two-car crash on westbound Highway 24 in Oakland on Sunday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol said. The crash happened where Highway 24 turns into Interstate 980, east of the 27th Street off-ramp. The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene, according to CHP.
The driver of the Toyota Camry suffered minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, CHP said. The name of the Honda driver has not been released.
Three westbound lanes of I-980 were blocked for hours after the crash. This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.
Legal Options for a Family After a Fatal Freeway Crash in Oakland
The Toyota driver’s arrest on suspicion of DUI is a fact the police reported, not a finding about fault. Civil liability depends on what the investigation shows about the lanes, speed, and how each car moved before impact. Other parties could also matter, depending on the roadway and traffic conditions.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. A family can recover damages even if the Honda driver is found partly at fault, with the award reduced by that share. Insurers often assign partial blame to lower what they pay, so the legal standard should guide every response.
A wrongful death claim in California generally must be filed within two years of the date of death, which means by October 18, 2028. Highway 24 and Interstate 980 are state routes. If a claim involves a public entity, such as a roadway defect or a traffic control problem, a written government claim must be filed within six months under Government Code section 911.2, which means by April 18, 2027.
A wrongful death claim lets surviving spouses, children, and certain dependent relatives pursue funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. A survival claim belongs to the estate and covers losses the driver suffered before dying.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys
The Law Offices of J.G. Winter represents injured people and families across Northern and Central California. Our Stockton office at 304 W Harding Way is the closest of our offices to the Bay Area, and our Stockton car accident attorneys explain the claims available after a crash like this one.
Our founder, Jeremy Winter, works directly with each client, so families know who is handling the case from the first call. Families facing a sudden freeway death often have questions about timing, insurance, and what can be recovered, and those questions deserve direct answers.
Our nearest office is in Stockton at 304 W Harding Way, Stockton, CA 95204. Call 844-764-2596 to speak with us, visit the office, or fill out our contact form.
