Turlock, CA – On the evening of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, a two-vehicle collision resulted in the death of Elijah Bland, 22, and caused major injuries to another driver, according to The Modesto Bee.

The Turlock Police Department reports that the accident took place around 11:30 PM at the intersection of Geer Road and East Christoffersen Parkway.

Emergency personnel arrived to find two vehicles with extensive damage blocking the roadway. Officers from the Cal State University Police Department were first to arrive, followed by Turlock police officers, firefighters, and American Medical Response medics. 

Bland, a Modesto resident, was found pinned and unresponsive inside his vehicle. First responders attempted CPR and other life-saving measures while working to extricate him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other driver, an unidentified woman, sustained major injuries in the crash and was transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities report that she is expected to survive.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. It has not yet been determined whether impairment, excessive speed, or failure to yield were contributing factors. 

Investigators continue to gather evidence and review the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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.

California Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.