Pacific Grove, CA – On the afternoon of Saturday, May 16, 2026, a suspected DUI head-on collision resulted in the death of Victor Smith, 39, of Pacific Grove, according to KSBW.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 3:04 PM on 17-Mile Drive west of Majella Road.
Authorities said Smith was driving a Chevrolet coupe eastbound on 17-Mile Drive when, for reasons still under investigation, he crossed over the solid double yellow lines into the westbound lane and collided head-on with a Prevost tour bus driven by a 61-year-old man from Hesperia. The bus was carrying 48 passengers at the time of the crash.
Smith was transported to a local hospital with major injuries, where he died on June 5, weeks after the collision. A 59-year-old female passenger on the bus sustained minor injuries and declined medical transport.
Authorities said alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash, and Smith was suspected of driving under the influence at the time of the collision.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified Smith following his death. The investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of comparative negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially responsible.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
