Oakdale, CA – On the evening of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, a three-vehicle collision resulted in the death of Benjamin Paul, 48, of Modesto, and left two others with minor injuries, according to The Modesto Bee.

The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash occurred around 10:11 PM on Highway 120, west of Valley Home Road near Oakdale.

According to investigators, Paul was driving a 2024 Lexus sedan westbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane. The Lexus first sideswiped a 2014 Kenworth big rig hauling a trailer, then continued forward and collided head-on with a 2021 Chevrolet SUV traveling in the opposite direction.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and transported Paul to Oak Valley Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet SUV, a 33-year-old man from Oakdale, was not injured, but two of his passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The 27-year-old Oakdale man operating the Kenworth was also uninjured.

The exact cause of the incident has not yet been determined, and it is currently unknown whether alcohol, drugs, or another contributing factor played a role. The collision remains under active investigation.

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.