Galt, CA – In the early hours of Tuesday, September 29, 2026, a fiery multi-vehicle collision resulted in a driver losing their life, according to KCRA, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:00 AM on southbound Highway 99 south of Twin Cities Road, near West Stockton Boulevard in Galt.
Authorities said a vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 99 in the far left lane struck a construction attenuator truck ahead of it, then veered right across all lanes of traffic and the shoulder before flying off the freeway onto the frontage road, landing on its roof on West Stockton Boulevard directly in front of a big rig.
The big rig struck the vehicle, which became fully engulfed in flames. A witness reported hearing an explosion and seeing heavy smoke.
The Galt Police Department shut down West Stockton Boulevard, and fire personnel responded to the scene. The driver of the burned vehicle died as a result of the crash. The big rig driver was not injured.
The coroner was notified and responded. A wrecker and flatbed tow were requested for the completely burned, overturned vehicle. Investigators confirmed a VIN match to the vehicle and later recovered its license plate. The roadway was cleared by mid-morning.
Galt Truck Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires all drivers to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, including slow-moving construction and attenuator trucks marking active work zones, and also requires commercial truck drivers to maintain a safe following distance and remain prepared to stop for hazards in the roadway. Investigators with California law enforcement examine the actions of the driver who first struck the construction truck, as well as the big rig driver's ability to react to the overturned vehicle, to determine what role each may have played in the fatal outcome.
The family of the driver who lost their life may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
For more information on wrongful death claims, visit MaisonLaw.com.