INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT?

[07-21-2025] Merced County, CA – One Killed, Four Injured in Wrong-Way Crash on Highway 99 Near Hammatt Avenue

A 21-year-old man from Elk Grove was killed and four passengers were injured in a wrong-way crash on Highway 99 in Merced County early Monday morning, July 21, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the Merced Communication Center received a call just after 2:00 a.m. about a head-on collision on Highway 99, south of Hammatt Avenue. Officers arrived and determined that three vehicles were involved.

CHP reported that the Elk Grove man was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu the wrong way on southbound Highway 99 when he struck a 2020 Toyota Camry head-on and then collided with the trailer of a big rig.

The driver of the Chevrolet was pronounced dead at the scene. Four passengers in the vehicle, ranging in age from 19 to 21, were transported to the hospital for treatment. The drivers of the Camry and the big rig were not injured.

CHP stated it is currently unknown whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?

Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:

Check yourself for any injuries.
Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.