Stanislaus County, CA — June 9, 2025, One person was killed following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 9:30 A.M. on Hwy. 99.
According to official statements, an 18-wheeler was traveling in the northbound lanes on Highway 99 near Keyes Road, and was approaching an Acura that was parked on the shoulder, when a man reportedly walked directly in the path of the semi.
First responders arrived on scene and transported the 48-year-old man to the hospital with critical injuries where he was later pronounced deceased, and at this time his identity has not been released. The cause of the crashed is still being determined, and this remains an ongoing investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When reports say that a man “walked directly in the path” of an 18-wheeler, it may sound like an open-and-shut case. But from experience, I can tell you that even statements like that deserve a second look. There are still many unanswered questions about what led up to this incident—questions that determine not just what happened, but who, if anyone, failed to do their part to prevent it.
Unanswered Questions About the Sequence of Events
The report says the 18-wheeler was “approaching an Acura parked on the shoulder.” That raises several possibilities. Was the man who was struck a pedestrian exiting the Acura? Was he attempting to cross the highway? Or was he walking along the shoulder when the truck came too close?
Each of these scenarios points to different investigative angles. For instance, if the truck veered onto the shoulder, investigators need to ask: Why? Was the driver fatigued, distracted, or reacting to something else on the road? On the other hand, if the man stepped into a moving lane of traffic, then the key issue becomes whether the driver had enough time and distance to react appropriately—or whether anything could’ve prevented the encounter in the first place.
What Kind of Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
Getting to the truth of what happened requires more than just witness statements or roadside debris. A proper investigation would involve:
- ECM data (the truck’s “black box”) to show the truck’s speed, braking, and steering inputs just before the crash.
- In-cab cameras, if installed, to provide a visual record of what the driver saw—or didn’t see.
- Driver cell phone records, which can show whether the driver was distracted.
- Lighting and visibility conditions, especially if this occurred early morning or late evening.
- Positioning of the Acura, which might indicate why the man was outside the vehicle and where he was standing or walking.
Without these facts, it’s premature to make assumptions about fault or cause.
Why This Matters
In one case I handled, a driver hit a pedestrian near a disabled vehicle. The initial police report leaned heavily in favor of the trucker. But once we obtained cell records and in-cab video, it became clear the driver never saw the pedestrian because he wasn’t looking. That changed the entire direction of the case.
It’s critical to remember that investigations can and often do uncover details that official statements gloss over. That’s not because police intend to mislead anyone—but because their job is to manage a scene, not to conduct a forensic deep-dive like we would in litigation.
Key Takeaways
- A thorough investigation can reveal factors—like distraction or improper vehicle positioning—that aren’t apparent from initial reports.
- It’s unclear whether the truck was still in its lane or had drifted toward the shoulder at the time of the crash.
- Investigators should examine black box data, in-cab video, and driver phone use to determine whether the trucker could have avoided the man.
- The man’s connection to the parked Acura is not yet explained; was he the driver or a bystander?
- Assumptions about fault are premature until all available evidence has been reviewed.
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