San Benito County, CA – On the morning of Friday, January 30, 2026, a two-vehicle roundabout collision resulted in fatal injuries to a 36-year-old man from Salinas and minor injuries to another driver, according to KSBW, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 7:12 AM at the Highway 156 roundabout near Bixby Road.
Authorities stated the collision occurred within the roundabout along Highway 156 and involved a Dodge coupe and a Honda sedan. Initial CHP dispatch records indicate that one vehicle traveled over the center median before striking the other vehicle inside the roundabout, resulting in a broadside impact. Fire department personnel responded within minutes and reported moderate damage to at least one of the vehicles involved.
Investigators said one driver sustained minor injuries and was evaluated and treated at the scene, while the driver of the other vehicle suffered critical injuries and was later pronounced dead as a result of the crash. Officials noted that it remains unclear which driver was operating which vehicle at the time of the collision, and that determination is part of the ongoing investigation.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as a 36-year-old resident of Salinas. CHP officers secured the scene, documented vehicle positions, and collected physical evidence as part of standard investigative procedures.
Westbound lanes of Highway 156 were temporarily shut down to allow for emergency response, evidence collection, and vehicle removal, with traffic rerouted to a frontage road. The roadway was reopened later in the morning once the scene was cleared and it was deemed safe for travel.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
Salinas Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Salinas Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
