Acton, CA - CHP Investigates Fatal Freeway Crash That Killed Stranded Driver

Acton, California (August 10, 2026) - The California Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash on the southbound 14 Freeway. Officials said a man died after running out of gas and stopping his truck in a traffic lane Monday night.

CHP Newhall Area units and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded around 11 p.m. Crews were sent to reports of a two-vehicle crash and a body in the southbound lanes near Ward Road, according to CHP Officer Andre Ortiz.

Ortiz said the driver of a white Ford pickup truck ran out of gas. He stopped in the No. 3 lane of southbound State Route 14 at Ward Road. He got out and was standing behind his truck when a red Tesla sedan struck him and his vehicle.

Los Angeles County Fire Department crews airlifted the man to Antelope Valley Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the Tesla stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. CHP said alcohol and drugs do not appear to have played a role.

The man's identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.

Roadside Breakdown Accidents in California

A driver stopped in a live lane after a breakdown is still owed a duty of care by everyone else on the road.

• What investigators examine: sight lines and lighting at the crash site, following distance, speed, and whether any driver-assist features were active
• Comparative negligence: California's pure comparative fault rule means a family can still recover even if the stranded driver is found partly at fault for stopping in a live lane, with any award reduced by that share
• Preserve now: the Tesla's onboard data, CHP's collision report, and any nearby traffic camera footage before it is overwritten

Wrongful death claims in California generally must be filed within two years of the date of death (CCP § 377.60). That puts the deadline at August 10, 2028.

Contact Our California Wrongful Death Attorneys

A family waiting on a name and a cause of death deserves more than silence. That is especially true when their loved one was just trying to get help after running out of gas.

Christian Contreras Law has recovered more than $200 million for California families. Our California wrongful death lawyers know how to secure dashcam and vehicle data before it disappears.

Modern vehicles like the Tesla involved here often store crash data showing speed and braking. That data only helps if it's requested before it's overwritten.

We handle these cases on contingency, so there's no cost upfront and nothing owed unless we recover for you.

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• $200M+ recovered for clients
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Legal Disclaimer

This page is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Incident information is based on publicly available reports and may change as the investigation continues. The Law Offices of Christian Contreras is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any law enforcement or emergency response agency. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and no outcome is promised or implied.