It happened in the eastbound lane of Highway 4 just before San Marco at 4:45 a.m.
California Highway Patrol says the driver of one car lost control and bounced off a passing car. It then ran into a van pushing it into the center median.
The car then spun out and caught fire on the right shoulder.
"A passing motorist stopped and pulled the unconscious driver from the vehicle saving his life," said Kerry Grimes from the California Highway Patrol.
The driver was taken to the hospital along with a passenger from another vehicle.
CHP is says bad weather and high speed likely played a role in this accident and two others overnight on highway four.
They are warning motorists to be especially careful on slick oily roads.
