Madera County, CA – In the early hours of Wednesday, May 6, 2026, a multi-vehicle collision involving a horse left five people hospitalized, one with major head injuries, according to ABC10.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:00 AM on Highway 41 south of Mecca Lane, near Coarsegold.
Authorities said a 59-year-old man driving a 2021 Honda CR-V stopped in the roadway after encountering a horse standing in the lane. A 71-year-old man from Merced, driving a 2014 Honda Accord, struck the horse, which redirected the Accord into the stopped CR-V. The Accord then went off the east side of the highway, down an embankment, and came to rest on its side.
The horse sustained fatal injuries in the collision. The CR-V driver sustained injuries and was transported by ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. The Accord driver sustained major head injuries and was airlifted to the same hospital.
Three passengers in the Accord, all from Merced and ranging in age from 51 to 75, were also airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center with injuries ranging from moderate to major head injuries.
Investigators determined that drugs and alcohol do not appear to have been contributing factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Personal Injury 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 evidence reveal that another party contributed to the injuries, victims may be eligible to file a personal injury claim with the responsible party’s insurance, which can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
Madera Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Madera car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
