Fresno, CA – On the afternoon of Sunday, January 4, 2026, 58-year-old Paul Nichelmann was killed in a wrong-way traffic collision that injured two other motorists on Highway 99, according to KSEE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the collision occurred just after 2:00 PM on southbound Highway 99 near the Clinton Avenue off-ramp.
CHP dispatchers began receiving multiple calls reporting a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 99 from the Olive Avenue area shortly before the crash was reported.
Investigators determined that Nichelmann was driving a Ford Ranger northbound in the far-left lane of the southbound side of the freeway. At the same time, a Ford Bronco driven by a woman and a Chevrolet Equinox driven by another woman were traveling southbound toward the oncoming vehicle.
According to CHP, the driver of the Ford Bronco attempted to take evasive action but was unable to avoid a head-on collision with the Ford Ranger. The Chevrolet Equinox was also unable to avoid the crash and became involved moments later.
All three vehicles came to rest blocking the No. 1 and No. 2 southbound lanes of Highway 99, prompting lane closures and traffic control measures.
Nichelmann was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. The drivers of the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Equinox were taken to local hospitals for treatment of injuries, though their conditions were not released.
CHP officers conducted an on-scene investigation that included roadway measurements, vehicle inspections, and witness interviews. Caltrans assisted with traffic management while emergency personnel worked to clear the scene.
Authorities stated that it is not yet known whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision, pending toxicology results. The investigation remains ongoing.
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.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Fresno Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Fresno Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
