Dunnigan, California (October 22, 2025) — A man was struck and killed Tuesday night by a big rig that fled the scene along Interstate 5 near Dunnigan, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Incident Details: The deadly collision occurred around 8:10 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-5 near County Road 8. CHP said officers were initially dispatched to a nearby rest area after receiving reports of a pedestrian on or near the freeway. Minutes later, another call came in reporting that a vehicle had struck the pedestrian. Responding officers found the victim deceased at the scene.
The crash occurred in an active construction zone, where Caltrans crews were working nearby. Witnesses told CHP that a white big rig with a front grille guard initially slowed after hitting the pedestrian, but then continued southbound without stopping. The victim’s identity has not yet been released, pending notification of family members.
Investigation: CHP Woodland is leading the investigation and asking for the public’s help identifying the truck and its driver. Investigators will review traffic and surveillance cameras along I-5, particularly in areas with construction monitoring or weigh station footage, to locate the big rig involved. Caltrans workers who witnessed the impact have already provided preliminary descriptions to authorities.
Leaving the scene of a fatal crash violates California Vehicle Code §20001, which requires any driver involved in an accident causing injury or death to stop, identify themselves, and render aid. The case is being treated as a felony hit-and-run. Investigators will also examine whether lighting conditions, construction signage, or pedestrian access may have played a role in the incident.
This section of I-5 near Dunnigan is often dimly lit and heavily trafficked by long-haul trucks, particularly through ongoing construction areas, where lane shifts and reduced shoulders can create additional hazards for workers and pedestrians.
Legal Considerations: From a civil standpoint, the victim’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim once the truck driver or trucking company is identified. Commercial drivers are held to strict safety standards under state and federal law, and failure to stop after a collision can expose the driver and their employer to severe criminal and civil penalties.
If the driver was operating as part of a carrier or logistics company, that entity may share liability under principles of negligent hiring, training, or supervision. Even if the driver remains unidentified, families can sometimes pursue claims through uninsured motorist coverage or the state’s victim compensation programs. Experienced truck accident attorneys often work closely with CHP investigators to trace vehicle movements through weigh station data, GPS logs, or commercial telematics systems.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the man killed in this tragic hit-and-run.
Source: KCRA News