Published: September 3, 2026
By: Yaghmai Law Firm, APC
(Orland, CA) – A driver suffered serious injuries after their vehicle veered off Highway 99W north of Orland and struck a power pole and a tree, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 29, along Highway 99W just south of County Road 6 in Glenn County, the CHP said. Investigators reported that the driver said he had fallen asleep behind the wheel.
According to the CHP, the car left the roadway, brought down a power pole, and then hit a tree. The driver was seriously hurt and is believed to have sustained broken ribs, officials said, adding that the outcome could have been far worse.
In a social media post about the incident, the CHP urged motorists not to drive while fatigued. "When you are fatigued while driving, don't try to push through it. Stop and walk around, get some caffeine, or take a nap," the agency wrote. No additional information about the crash has been released.
Know Your Rights After a Crash
After a serious crash, California law gives injured people and families limited time to act. Evidence like vehicle data, camera footage, and witness memories fades quickly. A free, no-obligation case review can help you understand your options. Call or text (888) 800-6731, or start a free case review online. Asistencia en español disponible.
Analysis of the Highway 99W Collision
When a single vehicle leaves the roadway and strikes fixed objects, investigators generally look at how the vehicle came to depart its lane, including factors such as driver fatigue, speed, and road conditions. Under California's Basic Speed Law, Vehicle Code section 22350, a motorist may not travel faster than is reasonable and prudent for the weather, visibility, traffic, and roadway. If evidence were to show that a driver's speed was not suited to the conditions, that statute could become part of the analysis.
California's general negligence principle, Civil Code section 1714(a), provides that a person is responsible for harm caused to another by a lack of ordinary care. Where a crash also involves injuries to passengers or other parties, investigators and civil claims may examine whether a driver exercised the care an ordinarily careful person would in the same circumstances. Should a statutory violation be established, Evidence Code section 669 can create a presumption of negligence when the violation proximately caused the type of injury the law was meant to prevent and the injured person falls within the class the law protects.
When more than one party bears some responsibility, Civil Code section 1431.2 governs how non-economic damages are allocated according to each party's share of fault. The measure of recoverable damages is set by Civil Code section 3333, which allows compensation for all detriment proximately caused by a wrongful act, whether or not it could have been anticipated. These frameworks describe how a case would be evaluated in general terms and do not indicate any conclusion about this particular incident.
What Injured Drivers and Families Can Do
Anyone hurt in a crash should obtain a copy of the CHP collision report, follow through on medical care even when injuries seem manageable, and preserve evidence such as photographs, vehicle damage, and witness contacts. A driver involved in an injury crash must file a written report with law enforcement within 24 hours under Vehicle Code section 20008 and report it to the DMV within 10 days under Vehicle Code section 16000. California law under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 generally gives an injured person two years from the date of injury to bring a personal-injury claim, so acting promptly protects those rights. Were you, or someone you love, involved in this crash? A California car accident lawyer at Yaghmai Law Firm can explain your options and deal with the insurance companies for you. Call or text (888) 800-6731 or request a free case review.
.
About the Author
Houtan Yaghmai, Esq., President & Managing Attorney of Yaghmai Law Firm, APC. California State Bar No. 298487. Speaks English, French, and Persian. The firm represents personal injury clients throughout Southern California – consultations by phone, text, or video, no office visits required.
This post was assembled with AI assistance from publicly reported news sources cited below. All California Vehicle Code references were verified against leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Facts were re-checked via additional web searches before publication. This post is based on initial news reports and may be updated as new facts develop. Nothing in this article is legal advice. Yaghmai Law Firm, APC is not associated with the investigating agencies and does not represent any party named in this post unless explicitly stated.
Sources:
1. KRCR Redding – Sleepy driver seriously injured after crashing into tree near Orland: CHP
