Salinas, CA – On the evening of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a head-on collision resulted in at least one person losing their life, according to KSBW, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 7:30 PM at Espinosa Road just south of Rodgers Road.
Authorities said two vehicles collided head-on and came to rest across both the eastbound and westbound lanes, creating an extensive debris field that included vehicle parts and shattered glass. Responders initially treated the event as a major-injury crash, and the severity of the impact prompted multiple emergency calls, additional units, and several tow rotations as officials worked to secure the scene.
The roadway was immediately shut down in both directions between SR-183 and Christensen Road to allow for medical response and collision investigation. Caltrans assisted with closures after one vehicle reportedly drove through a barricade toward the crash, requiring officers to reinforce the hard closure at SR-183.
CHP did not specify how many occupants were inside either vehicle or whether any additional injuries occurred beyond the confirmed fatality. Fire personnel were requested to assist at the intersection, and investigators later arranged for both vehicles to be transported for detailed evidence processing.
Officials said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The roadway was reopened shortly after midnight on December 8, following an extended nighttime response to document the scene and remove both vehicles.
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.
