San Joaquin County, CA – In the early hours of Monday, July 13, 2026, a suspected DUI head-on collision resulted in the death of a 51-year-old Lodi man and led to the arrest of a 31-year-old North Highlands man, according to KCRA, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 5:51 AM on Highway 12 west of Guard Road, west of Lodi.
Authorities said the North Highlands man was driving westbound on Highway 12 when he crossed over the solid double yellow lines while attempting to pass a big rig and struck an oncoming pickup truck head-on. The impact sent both vehicles off the roadway, and the pickup truck became fully engulfed in flames.
The Lodi man, who was driving the pickup, died at the scene. A brush fire also ignited near the crash site, prompting a fire department response. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office was notified to respond in its capacity as coroner.
The North Highlands driver was transported to a hospital with major injuries. While at the hospital, officers determined he was impaired at the time of the crash and placed him under arrest. He faces charges of driving under the influence and manslaughter following treatment.
Two tows were requested for the vehicles, including a flatbed for a Honda and a separate tow for a Chevrolet S10. Caltrans was notified and responded. The roadway was reopened following the initial response.
The identities of the driver and victim had not been officially released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
San Joaquin County DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When an impaired driver crosses into oncoming traffic and causes a fatal head-on collision, that driver faces both criminal prosecution and civil liability for the resulting death. A driver who violates a California traffic safety law may be considered to have committed negligence per se, increasing their share of liability in the ensuing collision.
Regardless of the outcome of the criminal case, the victim’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
San Joaquin County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on Highway 12 west of Guard Road, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
