Del Loma SR 299 head-on crash kills 4, injures 2; CHP investigates possible alcohol

• What we know about the State Route 299 head-on crash near Del Loma
• When and where the collision occurred
• Vehicles and people involved
• What investigators have said so far
• Local roadway context on SR 299 and safety considerations
• Legal and safety implications from a personal injury perspective
• Potential civil liability issues and how wrongful death claims work
• How to obtain key records: police report, coroner documents, and medical records
• Insurance issues that commonly arise after fatal and severe-injury crashes
• Immediate steps to preserve evidence and protect rights
• Community reflection and road safety resources
• Why timely action matters after a serious crash
• Commentary from Gosuits Del Loma, California Personal Injury Attorney
• References

What we know about the State Route 299 head-on crash near Del Loma

On Saturday evening, January 24, 2026, a deadly head-on collision on State Route 299 in Trinity County took the lives of four people and left two others with serious injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash occurred near Del Loma, west of Big Bar, around 6:50 p.m. Investigators report that a westbound white Jeep Grand Cherokee crossed into the eastbound lane while negotiating a curve and struck a red Chevrolet Impala that had five people inside. Four occupants of the Impala were pronounced deceased. The fifth occupant sustained major injuries and was airlifted for treatment. The Jeep’s driver was also seriously injured. Identities have not been released. The cause has not yet been determined. CHP indicated alcohol is being evaluated as a possible factor.

When and where the collision occurred

The incident happened at approximately 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, on State Route 299 near Del Loma in Trinity County, a sparsely populated area along the Trinity River. The location is west of Big Bar, a rural community where SR 299 winds through forested terrain and steep canyon segments on the route that links the North State to the coast. Evening driving on this corridor frequently combines darkness, sharp curves, and rapidly changing weather, all of which can elevate risk even for cautious drivers.

Vehicles and people involved

The collision involved a white Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling westbound and a red Chevrolet Impala traveling eastbound. According to CHP, the Jeep crossed over the center line while navigating a curve and struck the Impala. Four people in the Impala died at the scene. A fifth passenger was airlifted with major injuries to a nearby hospital. The Jeep’s driver suffered serious injuries. Officials have not released the names of those involved pending notifications and formal identification.

What investigators have said so far

CHP’s Trinity River Area Office responded, secured the scene, and began a collision investigation. Early information indicates cross-centerline movement by the westbound Jeep during a curve, resulting in a head-on impact with the Impala. While the precise cause remains under investigation, CHP stated that alcohol is being evaluated as a potential factor. No definitive conclusions have been made public yet. In California, crossing into the opposing lane where not permitted can violate roadway rules requiring travel on the right half of the roadway, subject to designated exceptions [2]. If impairment is involved, state law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs [10].

In many rural head-on collisions, investigators look at several elements: driver actions in the seconds before impact, roadway curve geometry, visibility, speed, tire and brake condition, roadway surface, and potential impairment or distraction. Federal roadway safety research highlights that roadway departures, including crossing a center line on two-lane roads, are a leading cause of severe crashes, especially on rural facilities with curves and limited shoulders [4].

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Local roadway context on SR 299 and safety considerations

Neighbors in Trinity County know that stretches of SR 299 between Big Bar, Del Loma, and points west feature tight turns, narrow shoulders, and changing elevations. Add dusk visibility, rain or fog drifting from the river canyon, and holiday or weekend traffic, and sudden hazards can appear with little warning. Head-on collisions are especially deadly because of the combined forces of two vehicles traveling toward one another. National data continues to show that impairment remains a significant contributor to fatal crashes, underscoring why investigators assess alcohol and drugs as part of serious collision reconstructions [3].

Although we do not yet know the causes of this crash, the location reminds drivers to reduce speed before curves, maintain lane discipline, leave ample following distance, and remain alert to oncoming vehicles that may drift. On rural two-lane highways, even a brief lapse can be catastrophic.

Legal and safety implications from a personal injury perspective

When a vehicle crosses center lines and triggers a head-on collision, civil liability often centers on whether a driver failed to use reasonable care, violated traffic laws about lane position, or drove while impaired. California’s rules of the road require staying on the right half of the roadway with limited exceptions [2]. If evidence later shows alcohol or drug impairment, that conduct can weigh heavily in a civil case, regardless of any criminal proceedings [10]. Investigators will examine scene measurements, vehicle damage profiles, event data recorder downloads, and witness accounts to determine responsibility.

Families who have lost loved ones frequently ask how civil claims work in this situation. California recognizes two related civil actions when a death is caused by wrongful conduct: a wrongful death claim brought by eligible survivors, and a survival action on behalf of the decedent’s estate for certain damages the decedent could have claimed if they had lived [5] [6]. Skilled wrongful death attorneys help families understand how these distinct claims are investigated, valued, and pursued based on the available evidence and the insurance landscape.

Potential civil liability issues and how wrongful death claims work

Civil liability typically hinges on whether a driver failed to act with reasonable care. Evidence that a driver crossed into oncoming traffic during a curve may support allegations of negligence, but every case is fact-specific. Photographs, scene diagrams, skid measurements, onboard telematics, and trauma timelines can all influence outcomes. In multi-occupant collisions, questions also arise about seat belt use, airbag deployments, and whether any third-party roadway or vehicle issues contributed, though such theories require careful, evidence-based evaluation.

California’s wrongful death statute allows certain family members to seek damages for losses such as the financial support the decedent would have provided and the value of the relationship, including loss of care, comfort, and society [5]. The survival action can address specific harms suffered by the decedent before death, like medical expenses and, in some circumstances, punitive damages if warranted by the evidence and law [6]. Each case requires analysis of eligibility, damages, and available insurance assets. For those seeking an overview of expected timelines, this resource provides helpful context: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Wrongful Death Lawsuit.

Because there may be multiple insurance policies in play, including liability coverage for the at-fault driver, underinsured motorist coverage, and other sources, the process of identifying all coverage and negotiating on behalf of multiple claimants must be methodical. Where several families are affected, policy limits and fair allocation become central concerns.

It is common for insurance representatives to reach out early. Before any conversation with an insurer, consulting with legal counsel is prudent to understand rights and obligations. What is said to an adjuster can be recorded and used later.

Mentioning this once to help readers locate guidance: wrongful death attorneys can evaluate fault, coverage limits, and claimant eligibility to help families make informed decisions. That evaluation often happens early so that critical evidence does not disappear.

How to obtain key records: police report, coroner documents, and medical records

CHP collision report for SR 299 crashes

In California, the California Highway Patrol maintains the official collision report for state highway crashes they investigate. Requesting the report typically requires completing Form CHP 190 and submitting it to the appropriate Area Office, in this instance the CHP Trinity River Area Office. CHP provides instructions and a downloadable request form on its website [1]. The CHP office locator can help identify the correct location for submission and any fees [9].

Why the report matters: The collision report usually includes diagrams, scene descriptions, witness statements, and any preliminary determinations. Supplemental reports or reconstruction analyses may follow in serious or fatal cases. Requesting the report as soon as it becomes available helps ensure families and representatives understand the factual foundation of the investigation.

Coroner and vital records in Trinity County

In Trinity County, coroner functions are handled at the county level. After a fatal crash, the coroner’s office manages identification, cause and manner of death determinations, and, when appropriate, autopsy and toxicology. While procedures can vary by county, California’s vital records system manages certified copies of death certificates via the California Department of Public Health. CDPH provides guidance on ordering death certificates, acceptable identification, and eligibility categories for requesters [7]. Families typically contact the county coroner or vital records office for autopsy report procedures and any wait times, which can be extended when toxicology testing is involved.

Medical records and HIPAA access

Survivors who were airlifted or treated at regional hospitals have a right to access their medical records in most circumstances under federal privacy rules. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains how individuals or personal representatives can request records, expected timelines, allowable fees, and what to do if a request is denied [8]. Copies of imaging, operative notes, and discharge summaries can become essential evidence for proving injury severity and treatment needs in civil claims.

Insurance issues that commonly arise after fatal and severe-injury crashes

After a fatal crash on a rural highway like SR 299, several insurance considerations typically arise:

• Liability insurance of the at-fault driver may be primary for bodily injury and wrongful death claims. Limits can be insufficient where multiple fatalities and severe injuries occur.
• Underinsured motorist coverage on a decedent’s or injured person’s own policy can sometimes provide additional recovery if the at-fault driver’s limits are inadequate.
• MedPay benefits, when present, can offset certain medical costs, but they may be subject to reimbursement rules.
• Multiple claimants competing for the same liability limits require careful strategy to avoid prejudicing any claimant’s rights.
• Policy limits disclosure and claims handling practices are guided by state rules and consumer protections through the California Department of Insurance [11].

Insurance companies may request recorded statements or medical authorizations quickly. Before responding, contacting an attorney ensures the request is appropriate and tailored. Insurance adjusters work for their company. Statements can be used later in ways that are not obvious at the time. California wrongful death attorneys in California understand how to gather medical billing evidence, coordinate with multiple insurers, and seek policy information consistent with California law.

Immediate steps to preserve evidence and protect rights

Evidence in rural collisions can change overnight because of weather, debris removal, and traffic. While each case is unique, here are time-sensitive tasks that often help protect civil claims:

• Secure the collision report as soon as it is released by CHP using the CHP 190 process [1].
• Preserve vehicle evidence by ensuring no repairs or salvage disposal occur before an inspection. Event data recorders in many vehicles can store speed, braking, and other pre-impact data.
• Document the scene with photographs of skid marks, gouge marks, debris fields, guardrails, and signage while they still reflect the crash dynamics.
• Gather witness information so that investigators and civil representatives can follow up while memories are fresh.
• Request medical and coroner records following applicable procedures to substantiate injury severity and cause of death [7] [8].

Wrongful death attorneys coordinate these steps to prevent the loss of key information and to organize documentation for insurance carriers and, if necessary, courts.

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Community reflection and road safety resources

Trinity County communities like Del Loma and Big Bar are tight-knit, with people often knowing one another through school events, river outings, and the daily passing along SR 299. The loss of four lives in a single crash hits hard. Rural corridors carry unique hazards, and federal safety guidance emphasizes countermeasures such as centerline rumble strips and enhanced curve signage to reduce roadway departure and head-on crashes on two-lane roads [4]. As agencies continue to assess and improve safety across California’s rural highways, driver caution and impairment-free driving remain the most immediate protections for everyone sharing these roads [3].

Why timely action matters after a serious crash

What to do next and why it matters

The window after a catastrophic collision is when evidence is most available and memories are clearest. Taking certain steps promptly helps ensure a full and fair accounting of what happened and who is responsible.

• Identify and preserve all insurance coverages: Locating every applicable policy early avoids delays that can stall necessary care or long-term planning. It also prevents missing deadlines that insurers enforce.
• Lock down key evidence: Vehicle inspections, scene measurements, and electronic data must be captured before they disappear. Weather and cleanup can erase critical details in days.
• Organize medical and coroner documentation: Medical records and coroner determinations become the backbone of any claim seeking accountability. Delays can lengthen timelines and complicate proof.
• Structure communications with insurers: Insurers may ask for broad statements or authorizations. Knowing what to provide, and when, prevents inadvertent admissions or disclosure of unnecessary information.
• Understand timelines: California sets filing deadlines for wrongful death and survival actions. Missing a deadline can permanently bar claims [5] [6].

Base-level legal guidance often starts with a no-cost consultation, so families can learn their options before talking to insurance companies. Early guidance helps avoid missteps. For general planning, wrongful death attorneys can outline approaches for complex, multi-claimant crashes where policy limits and equitable distributions are at stake. They can also explain strategies for coordinating with law enforcement and coroner offices to keep documentation moving.

Commentary from Gosuits Del Loma, California Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the SR 299 tragedy near Del Loma, including the families mourning four lives lost and the survivors facing difficult recoveries. This article is intended for educational purposes and general information. It summarizes what is publicly known and offers guidance on the civil process that often follows a catastrophic crash.

Based on early reports, the collision occurred when a westbound vehicle entered the opposing lane during a curve and struck an eastbound car carrying five people. Investigators will determine whether impairment, speed, visibility, or other factors were involved. In civil claims, lane encroachments and impairment evidence can weigh heavily, but conclusions should always follow a thorough review of the facts and the official reports.

In our experience, insurance companies and large corporate entities take advantage of the complexity that follows a fatal crash. They may request recorded statements before families understand the legal landscape, push for broad medical authorizations, or delay disclosure of policy information. These tactics can shift leverage and reduce claim value long before anyone steps into a courtroom.

That is why early, informed decision-making matters. A free consultation lets people understand the difference between wrongful death and survival claims, how multiple claimants impact policy limits, and which evidence needs to be preserved immediately. It also ensures that anything said to an insurer is thoughtful and limited to what is necessary, since those statements can be used later. The right guidance early on does not guarantee outcomes, but it does help families avoid pitfalls and protect their rights while the investigation unfolds.

References

1. Collision Report Request CHP 190 – California Highway Patrol
2. Vehicle Code § 21650 Right side of roadway – California Legislative Information
3. Alcohol-Impaired Driving: 2022 Data – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
4. Roadway Departure Safety – Federal Highway Administration
5. Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 Wrongful death – California Legislative Information
6. Code of Civil Procedure § 377.30 Survival actions – California Legislative Information
7. Vital Records: Birth, Death, Marriage – California Department of Public Health
8. Individuals’ Right under HIPAA to Access Health Information – U.S. HHS
9. Find a CHP Office – California Highway Patrol
10. Vehicle Code § 23152 DUI – California Legislative Information
11. Automobile Insurance Guides for Consumers – California Department of Insurance