Hyundai veered over double yellow line into oncoming traffic east of Carbondale Road
January 24, 2026 | Amador, CA
A tragic head-on collision in thick fog claimed the life of an infant and left two women with serious injuries in Amador County.
The California Highway Patrol reported the incident occurred on State Route 16 east of Carbondale Road.
Isaac Wilson Shirley died and Sandy So, 33, suffered serious injuries after a Hyundai Elantra struck their Honda Fit on State Route 16 east of Carbondale Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
The crash involved a black 2018 Hyundai Elantra and a silver 2016 Honda Fit. According to CHP details:
- The Hyundai, driven by a 24-year-old woman from Jackson, was traveling eastbound around 2 a.m.
- For reasons still under investigation, it crossed the solid double yellow line into oncoming traffic.
- The Honda, driven by 33-year-old Sandy So of Jackson, attempted to swerve but collided head-on.
- Infant passenger Isaac Wilson Shirley, under 1 year old from Jackson, suffered fatal injuries and passed away five days later on Jan. 29.
Both drivers were airlifted to a hospital with major injuries. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office confirmed Shirley's identity.
Key Crash Details
- Date and Time: Jan. 24, around 2 a.m.
- Location: SR 16 east of Carbondale Road, Amador County
- Vehicles Involved: 2018 Hyundai Elantra, black, and 2016 Honda Fit, silver
- Injuries: One infant fatality, and two women with serious injuries
- Conditions: Thick fog contributed to visibility issues
- Agency: California Highway Patrol leading the ongoing investigation
Why Do Head-On Crashes Occur?
Head-on collisions, though less common than other accidents, often result in severe outcomes due to high-impact forces. Factors like poor visibility from fog, crossing center lines, and failure to yield play significant roles.
Statistic |
Data |
Source |
|---|
Annual Traffic Fatalities |
39,345 in 2024 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Head-On Crash Fatality Rate |
Disproportionately high due to the collision force |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Common Causes |
Drowsiness, weather, lane departure |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, an independent investigation is crucial to protect affected parties. National legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough reviews to ensure justice.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and families must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Prompt evidence preservation can strengthen claims for wrongful death or personal injury.
- Families may pursue damages for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Injured parties like drivers could seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and life disruptions.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital.”
Pending the CHP investigation, eligible parties may explore wrongful death claims or personal injury lawsuits.
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(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).