Newman man seriously injured in crash

A Newman man suffered major injuries in a two-vehicle accident Friday morning near Hilmar.

Michael J. Staten, 40, of Newman was driving a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck southbound on Highway 165, south of Bradbury Road at about 25 miles per hour, according to California Highway Patrol officer John Patterson.

James R. Lamre, 57, of Atwater was driving a 2006 Freightliner tractor truck pulling two tank trailers loaded with a dry powder cement mix northbound on Highway 165, going about 45 miles per hour.

For unknown reasons, Staten allowed the Chevrolet to drift gradually to the left and travel into the northbound lane of the highway. Lamre saw the pickup drifting and turned the Freightliner to the right in an attempt to avoid a collision.

The left front of the pickup collided with the left rear of the Freightliner. The Chevrolet then collided with the axle of the front trailer, causing both trailers to roll over onto their sides.

The Chevrolet received major damage and came to rest blocking the northbound lane of the highway, facing east. The Freightliner ended up on the right shoulder of the highway, partially blocking the right turn lane.

Staten received major injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Lamre wasn’t injured. Driving under the influence doesn’t appear to be a factor in the collision, which remains under investigation.

-- Carol Reiter