Novato, CA – In the early hours of Saturday, April 11, 2026, a suspected DUI single-vehicle collision resulted in the death of a teenager and left three others in critical condition, according to KRON.
The Novato Police Department reports that the accident took place just before 1:00 AM at San Marin Drive and Simmons Lane.
Authorities said a sedan carrying five teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18 struck a utility pole, causing a brief power outage in the area. A preliminary investigation found that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, and speed was also identified as a contributing factor in the crash.
All five occupants were transported to a local hospital. One passenger was pronounced dead at the hospital.
School leadership from Rancho Cotate and El Camino high schools confirmed that four of the five teens involved, including the one who died, were current students, while the fifth was a former student.
Anyone who observed the collision is asked to contact the Novato Police Department Traffic Section. 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.”
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a personal injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these emotional complexities.
California Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California personal injury lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
