Phelan, CA - Man Killed, Several Hurt in Accident on Caughlin Rd

Phelan, CA (August 29, 2025) – A male riding in a Can-Am died and several others were injured on August 29 after the off-road vehicle and a Toyota Corolla collided in Phelan.

The collision was reported at 6:38 p.m. along Caughlin Road just north of Dos Palmas Road. According to the California Highway Patrol, the Toyota Corolla was carrying two females and one male. The male riding in the Can-Am sustained life-threatening injuries and later died at the hospital.

Authorities have not confirmed how many total occupants were in the Can-Am or whether the male who died was the driver or a passenger. The male driver of the Toyota Corolla was arrested on suspicion of DUI. A female passenger from the Corolla was also transported with injuries, along with an adult male from the Can-Am, who suffered less severe injuries. Meanwhile, an investigation is still ongoing.

We offer our deepest condolences to the deceased victim's family members. Our thoughts are also with the injured victims and their loved ones in hopes of their full recovery.

DUI Accidents in California

Driving under the influence continues to be one of the leading—and most avoidable—causes of multi-vehicle accidents on California roads. Thousands of crashes each year involve drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Even those under the limit may experience impaired judgment and delayed reaction times, increasing the risk of serious collisions.

When an impaired driver sets off a chain-reaction crash, civil liability is often straightforward. A DUI arrest, breathalyzer failure, or criminal conviction can serve as compelling proof of negligence. In egregious cases, juries may award punitive damages to penalize extreme recklessness. Additional liability may extend to establishments that continued serving a clearly intoxicated individual or to companies—like rideshare platforms—that failed to vet a driver’s DUI history during the hiring process.

Pileups and multi-vehicle wrecks are a daily danger across California’s freeways and major arteries. These collisions frequently leave victims facing totaled vehicles, debilitating injuries, and long-term emotional trauma. Fortunately, state law allows anyone harmed by an intoxicated or negligent driver to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Thanks to California’s comparative fault system, even partially at-fault drivers may still recover damages, reduced in proportion to their degree of responsibility.

It’s essential to act quickly after a crash. Seek medical treatment right away, document the scene with photos, speak with any witnesses, and ensure a police report is filed. In suspected DUI cases, request that officers conduct field sobriety tests and carefully document any signs of intoxication. Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident—don’t delay.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a DUI-related collision, Countrywide Trial Lawyers is here to help your family seek justice. Our wrongful death attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the crash, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and pursue full and fair compensation so you can focus on grieving, healing, and honoring your loved one’s life.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with our auto accident attorneys at Countrywide Trial Lawyers as soon as possible if you have been hurt or a loved one has died in a collision caused by another driver's negligence. Call us at 844-844-9119 for compassionate and personalized guidance today and learn more about your legal options.