One Killed, Several Injured in Highway 33 Crash 

CHP reported a fatal traffic accident in Mendota on Tuesday morning, July 5th. 

It was just before 4:45 a.m. when a Nissan Sentra and Toyota Sienna collided at West Panoche Road and Highway 33. 

32-year-old Alberto Rojas was driving west in the Nissan when he stopped at the stop sign. 

As he tried crossing the intersection, a Toyota Sienna struck his vehicle, which was driven by a 55-year-old Santos Valentin. 

Rojas, a Fresno resident, sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Madera Community Regional Hospital.

The female passenger in the Nissan was also airlifted to the same hospital where she sadly died. Her name is being withheld at this time. 

Another female passenger in the Nissan sustained major injuries and was taken to the same hospital. She is expected to be okay. 

A 26-year-old male passenger in the Nissan also sustained minor injuries but was not hospitalized. 

Valentin declined medical treatment for his minor injuries and two male passengers in the Toyota were taken to Community Regional Hospital with moderate injuries. 

The crash remains under investigation.

Tips for after accident procedures:

• Always stop at the scene 
• Call 911 if there are any injuries 
• Get vehicle to safety if it is moveable, if it is not, put on hazards
• Exchange information with others involved and document everything 
• Call 911 to report accident – they determine who was at fault

If your injuries are caused by the negligence of a third party you may be entitled to compensation. 

It is also important to remember that in the state of California a person involved in a car accident who has sustained injuries has to file a claim within two years of the accident. 

Contact JT Legal Group at (888) 529-3111 if you need legal assistance following an accident.