Santa Cruz County, CA – On the evening of Sunday, June 14, 2026, a suspected DUI collision resulted in two fatalities and left two others injured, according to KSBW, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 8:47 PM at State Route 152 and Casserly Road.
Authorities said a 19-year-old Watsonville man was driving a white 2011 Infiniti G37 westbound on Highway 152 east of Casserly Road, with a male passenger in his early 20s, when the vehicle collided with a gray 2026 Toyota Camry driven by a 19-year-old Capitola man traveling eastbound through the intersection with a 17-year-old female passenger.
For reasons still under investigation, the two vehicles collided at the intersection. Both occupants of the Toyota were pronounced dead at the scene. One of the vehicles was reported to be smoking following the impact.
The driver of the Infiniti sustained major injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Natividad Medical Center. His passenger also sustained major injuries and was airlifted by air ambulance to Valley Medical Center. Fire department personnel performed life-saving measures on one of the occupants at the scene.
A SigAlert was issued closing both lanes of Casserly Road, with the westbound lane of State Route 152 also shut down. Caltrans was contacted to assist with a traffic control crew. Alcohol or drugs are being investigated as possible factors in the crash. The driver of the Infiniti was arrested and remained in custody. The investigation remains ongoing.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
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.
Passenger Liability
A driver’s liability coverage extends to those inside their vehicle as well as outside. In many cases, those passengers are someone who knows the driver personally. So, when a passenger is injured and their driver is found liable, they may feel reluctant to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
In many cases, however, a wrongful death claim may be required for an insurer to offer a fair settlement that covers the injured party’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. A personal injury attorney can facilitate this process and, as a neutral third party, help navigate any emotional complexities that may arise.
Santa Cruz Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Santa Cruz fatal car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
