OAKDALE, Stanislaus County, Calif., Sept. 20, 2026 — Three people were hospitalized on Saturday morning, September 19, after a car left Highway 120 near Oakdale and crashed into a house.
The Modesto Fire Department said the sedan was heading westbound on Highway 120, also known as Lon Dale Road, when it reportedly left the roadway for an unknown reason. Detectives said the car went through a fence and crossed a private driveway before hitting the house, coming to rest about halfway inside the structure.
Two people were inside the home at the time, according to fire officials. They and the driver of the car were taken to the hospital by ambulance with injuries described as varying in severity. No further details on their conditions have been released.
The fire department received the call shortly after 9:20 a.m. and sent three fire chiefs, two engines, two ladder trucks and a rescue rig to the scene, authorities said. The California Highway Patrol is investigating what caused the vehicle to leave the road.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
When Vehicles Leave the Road and Hit Buildings
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, ATVs were involved in 92 percent of off-highway-vehicle injuries over the five years summarized in its safety data in 2022. That figure comes from a different category of vehicle, but it illustrates a broader point that applies to passenger cars too: when a vehicle departs a road or trail unexpectedly, the type of vehicle and the terrain or structures it meets largely determine the outcome.
Cars that leave a roadway and strike homes or other buildings are generally grouped under "run-off-road" crashes in state and federal data. These crashes can happen on straight stretches as well as curves, and they are not limited to any one kind of highway. Speed, road design, and a driver's response time all play a role in whether a vehicle stays on the pavement.
Homes located close to a roadway carry some risk from these events, though most run-off-road crashes end in a ditch, field, or guardrail rather than a structure. When a vehicle does reach a building, the outcome depends heavily on the vehicle's speed and how far it travels before impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after being in a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers involved and, if you're able, take photos of the scene before vehicles are moved.
Where do most car accidents happen?
Most crashes occur on local roads and intersections rather than highways, though highway crashes tend to happen at higher speeds and can cause more serious damage.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Common injuries include whiplash, bruising, cuts from broken glass, and, in more serious crashes, broken bones or head injuries. Even low-speed crashes can cause injuries that aren't immediately obvious.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Oakdale, California
Anyone involved in a crash in Oakdale should seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first, since some symptoms take hours or days to appear. Keep a copy of any fire department or California Highway Patrol report for your records, and follow up with your insurance company promptly. If your home or property was damaged in a nearby crash, document it with photos before repairs begin and report it to your insurer.
