Tracy, CA – On the morning of Tuesday, March 17, 2026, a single-vehicle collision resulted in the death of a 51-year-old man, according to FOX40, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 10:20 AM on westbound Highway 132, west of the Chrisman Road overcrossing.
Authorities said the man was driving a Ford Mustang westbound on Highway 132 when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the vehicle and steered onto the asphalt and dirt shoulder to the left. The Mustang traveled into the grass center median, where it overturned multiple times, struck a tree stump and a tree, and came to rest on its roof east of Interstate 580.
South County Fire personnel responded to the scene and removed the driver from the vehicle. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office was contacted to respond in its capacity as coroner.
The number one lane of Highway 132 was shut down during the response, and fire department crews temporarily closed Highway 132 to prepare a landing zone before the helicopter was stood down.
Two witnesses at the scene told investigators that the driver had not been driving recklessly prior to the crash. Authorities confirmed that he was wearing a seat belt and did not appear to be under the influence at the time of the collision. The investigation remains ongoing.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s comparative negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages through a wrongful death claim.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
