Sacramento, CA – On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 9, 2026, a single-vehicle collision resulted in a fatality and left two passengers injured, according to KCRA, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:17 PM on southbound State Route 51 near Fulton Avenue, an area near a softball complex adjacent to the freeway.
Authorities said a white Dodge Caravan drove off the freeway, through a chain-link fence, and struck a tree near Longview Avenue. The crash caused approximately 75 feet of fence damage and knocked out five metal posts. Sacramento Fire Department responded and worked to extricate an occupant from the vehicle.
All three occupants were transported to the hospital, where the driver was pronounced dead. One passenger, identified in radio traffic as Lisa Yabakivou, was transported to UC Davis Medical Center with suspected major injuries.
A tow was requested for the vehicle. All lanes were reopened at approximately 5:22 PM, though a tree crew was still needed to address damage near the shoulder.
The crash remains under investigation.
Sacramento Car Accidents and Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims
California law follows the principle of comparative negligence. This means that even if a driver is found partially at fault for an accident, they or their surviving family members may still pursue compensation if the negligence of another party, such as a road hazard or defective vehicle equipment, contributed to the crash. Investigators with California law enforcement examine factors such as speed, roadway conditions, and vehicle condition to determine what role outside factors may have played.
Because the vehicle traveled a significant distance off the freeway, through a fence, and into a tree, the physical evidence at the scene, including the extent of the fence and vegetation damage, may help investigators reconstruct the vehicle’s speed and trajectory leading up to the crash. The family of the deceased driver may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, while the injured passengers may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim, both of which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs, lost income, and other damages related to the accident.
Passenger Liability and Wrongful Death Claims
A driver’s liability coverage extends to those inside their vehicle as well as outside. In many cases, those passengers are someone who knows the driver personally. So, when a passenger is injured and their driver is found liable, they may feel reluctant to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
In many cases, however, a wrongful death claim may be required for an insurer to offer a fair settlement. A personal injury attorney can facilitate this process and, as a neutral third party, help navigate any emotional complexities that may arise.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on State Route 51 near Fulton Avenue, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
