LODI, San Joaquin County, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 — Two vehicles collided on Monday evening, September 28, on eastbound State Route 12 at E Brandt Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. The agency reported minor injuries in the crash.
The California Highway Patrol identified the vehicles as a blue Ford F150 pickup and a gray Toyota. Both were reported on the right shoulder after the crash. The collision was initially logged as a crash report with a vehicle possibly blocking traffic, before being reclassified as a minor-injury collision.
A tow truck was requested at the scene, and one vehicle was later released to its owner. Officers remained at the location for a period after the crash while the roadway was cleared.
No further details on the cause of the crash or the extent of injuries have been released. The California Highway Patrol has not indicated whether the collision remains under investigation.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
What the Numbers Show About Injury Crashes on California Highways
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure includes collisions ranging from low-speed fender benders to high-speed highway crashes, and it reflects how routine injury-producing wrecks have become on roads carrying mixed local and through traffic, such as state highways passing through smaller cities.
Two-vehicle collisions on state routes often happen at intersections or driveway access points, where a through lane meets cross traffic or turning movements. Speed differentials at these points, even modest ones, can be enough to cause injury without producing a high-speed pileup.
California's highway patrol responds to thousands of these calls a year, most of which are resolved with tow trucks and minor injury reports rather than fatalities. The scale of the national injury count is a reminder that these events are not rare. They are a daily feature of highway traffic that agencies track, log, and respond to as routine business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speed change how bad a crash is?
Yes. Higher speed means more force at impact and less time for either driver to react, so even a small increase in speed can raise the odds of injury.
Why is distracted driving such a common factor in crashes like this?
A driver looking at a phone or otherwise not watching the road can miss a stopped vehicle, a merge, or a change in the light in the second or two that matter most.
How much do weather and road surface matter?
Wet pavement, glare, or poor visibility can extend stopping distance and reduce traction, increasing the risk of collisions at intersections and highway merge points.
What should someone do right after a crash like this?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, call 911, and exchange information with the other driver while waiting for officers to arrive.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Lodi, CA
If you're involved in a collision on a highway in or around Lodi, get to a safe area away from traffic as soon as you can and call for help. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical check afterward is worth doing, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Take photos of the vehicles and the scene if it's safe to do so, and get the responding agency's report number for your records. Follow up with your insurance company promptly and keep any paperwork from the tow company or medical providers in one place.
