GROVELAND, CA - Man Killed in Head-On Crash on Highway 120 at Smith Station Road

Elderly Man Dies, Ioan Tudosa Seriously Injured in Morning Head-On Crash in Groveland

GROVELAND, CA (November 16, 2018) – An 82-year-old Groveland man was killed following a head-on crash Friday morning on Highway 120 at Smith Station Road.

The fatal crash happened around 10:41 a.m. when an eastbound 1990 Acura Integra was approaching the junction with Smith Station Road. At the same time, a westbound 2018 Nissan Versa approached a curve before the intersection.

The driver of the Nissan, a 43-year-old Ioan Tudosa, was reportedly distracted as he approached the right curve in the roadway, causing his vehicle to drift over the solid yellow center divider, into the eastbound lane directly into the path of the Acura. He then steered abruptly to the right. His car’s front end smashed into the Acura’s front end.

Both vehicles sustained major front-end damages.

The Groveland man was wearing the shoulder portion of his seatbelt but he did not use the lap portion. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not yet been released pending notification of his family members.

Tudosa was wearing a seatbelt and airbags deployed in his car. He was taken to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto with major injuries.

Tudosa was on his way back to San Francisco and he was doing about 50 miles per hour when the crash happened. The Groveland man’s destination was unknown and the CHP listed his speed as undetermined.

The roadway near the crash site was closed for about 2 and a half hours to allow tow trucks to remove one of the vehicles that was blocking both lanes. Highway 120 was re-opened roughly around 1:30 p.m.

Authorities did not rule out drugs and/or alcohol as contributing factors of the crash. Further investigation is underway.

During this time of tragedy, we would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of the victim. We hope they find strength and comfort as they grieve over their loss.

The sudden loss of a loved one is an extremely difficult time for any family member. During this time, there are many questions and legal decisions that need to be made. Our litigators at Sweet Law Group understand your situation and can help provide you with unmatched legal representation. We will fight hard for you to hold the responsible party accountable and help you receive compensation to pay for the high costs of medical, funeral, and legal expenses. Schedule a free consultation with us at (800) 203-3061.