Sacramento, CA - Woman Dies, Several Hurt in Head-on Collision on Hwy 36

Sacramento, CA (January 15, 2025) – The California Highway Patrol arrested a Sacramento man accused of driving intoxicated on Tuesday, January 14, and causing a multi-vehicle crash in Northern California that killed a woman and left a 10-year-old girl severely injured.

CHP officials said the 49-year-old man was headed east on Highway 36 around 7:45 a.m. near the Lassen County community of Johnstonville at a high rate of speed and crashed into four vehicles at a traffic light that had just turned green, according to a news release from the CHP’s Susanville office. Several people were reportedly hurt, and a woman died at the site.

Meanwhile, authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information about the crash to come forward; in the interim, an investigation is still ongoing.

We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased woman's family members. Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their loved ones in hopes of their fast recovery.

Head-on Accidents in California

Head-on collisions typically occur when one vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, often due to distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, or fatigue. California’s winding mountain roads and busy freeways can also contribute to these accidents, especially when drivers fail to navigate curves or merge lanes safely. Poor weather conditions, such as rain or fog, and road construction zones further increase the risk.

Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of car accidents in California, often resulting in devastating injuries or fatalities. With the state’s vast network of highways, rural roads, and heavily trafficked urban areas, these crashes remain a serious concern for drivers and passengers alike. The impact of a head-on collision is often catastrophic. The combined force of two vehicles colliding at speed frequently leads to life-threatening injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries. Victims and their families may face overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma in the aftermath.

Determining liability in head-on collisions can be complex, as it may involve analyzing driver behavior, road conditions, and potential negligence, such as a failure to maintain road safety measures. Evidence like police reports, eyewitness accounts, and vehicle damage assessments is crucial in establishing fault.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a head-on collision in California, acting quickly is essential. Seeking medical attention, documenting the accident scene, and consulting legal resources can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys at Countrywide Trial Lawyers as soon as possible if you've lost a loved one in a deadly crash. Call us at 844-844-9119 for compassionate and personalized guidance today and learn more about your legal options. You don't have to cope with this frustrating, stressful time on your own.