Stanislaus County, CA – On the afternoon of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, a six-vehicle crash resulted in the death of an unidentified adult male driver, according to The Modesto Bee, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:14 PM near southbound Interstate 5 and the Howard Road off-ramp, just north of Ingram Creek Road.
Emergency personnel arrived to find multiple vehicles with crash-related damage along the freeway. Authorities said a 2018 Toyota Tacoma traveling south in the slow lane approached stopped traffic and first sideswiped the left rear of a 2018 Toyota SUV that was stopped on the right shoulder, pushing it into a 2021 Subaru SUV.
The Toyota pickup reportedly continued south, sideswiping a 2006 Honda sedan and a 1998 Acura sedan before colliding with the rear of a stopped 2015 Freightliner big rig in the slow lane. The front end of the Toyota Tacoma was reported to be completely crushed into the rear of the big rig.
The driver of the Toyota pickup was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said he was not wearing a seat belt. No other injuries were reported. Authorities have not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol were factors.
The slow lane and additional lanes were temporarily closed, and Caltrans implemented a traffic closure while officers investigated.
The Stanislaus County Coroner was notified, and the identity of the deceased has not been released pending next of kin notification. This is an ongoing 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 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.
