[01-11-2025] Imperial County, CA – One Killed After Two-Vehicle Head-On Crash on I-8 Near SR-98

A fatal head-on collision occurred on westbound Interstate 8 near State Route 98 in Imperial County, early Saturday morning, January 11, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was reported at approximately 5:12 a.m. when a wrong-way driver collided head-on with another vehicle, resulting in a fatality.

All westbound lanes of Interstate 8 were blocked for several hours as Caltrans and CHP officers worked to clear the scene. Traffic was diverted to State Route 98 during the closure.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers In Imperial County, CA

Wrong-way crashes often result in devastating outcomes, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Understanding your legal rights after such an incident may help you take the necessary steps toward accountability and recovery. Legal guidance can assist in reviewing police reports, identifying liable parties, and pursuing compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other related losses.

Our car accident lawyers in Imperial County can help you understand how California law applies to wrong-way or head-on collisions and what legal options may be available to you.

If your loved one has been involved in a fatal car accident, you may contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Fatal Car Accident

The aftermath of a fatal car crash can be devastating. Taking the right steps may help preserve critical evidence and protect your rights.

1. Call 911 And Report The Incident
   Immediately contact emergency services. First responders will assist at the scene, provide medical aid, and prepare an official report that may be crucial for future investigations or claims.
2. Preserve Evidence And Document The Scene
   If it is safe, take photographs of the crash site, vehicle positions, and road conditions. This documentation can help clarify how the collision occurred and support any legal claims.
3. Collect Witness Information
   If there are witnesses, gather their contact details. Their statements may provide important information about how the crash happened and who may be responsible.
4. Consult With Car Accident Lawyers
   Car accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options, handle insurance communications, and ensure all relevant evidence is reviewed. Legal support from personal injury lawyers in Imperial County can also guide you through pursuing compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and other damages.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

California Car Accident Statistics

Data from the California Office of Traffic Safety show that deaths from motor vehicle crashes decreased by nearly 11 percent in 2023, dropping from 4,539 in 2022 to 4,061. The Mileage Death Rate (MDR), which measures fatalities per 100 million miles driven, also declined from 1.34 to 1.26, a 6 percent decrease. This indicates that, on average, the risk of dying per mile traveled went down, even as Californians continued to drive millions of miles statewide.

Alcohol-impaired driving remains a contributing factor in fatal crashes, though some improvement was recorded in 2023. Deaths involving drivers or motorcyclists with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher fell by 4.5 percent, from 1,419 in 2022 to 1,355. Drug-impaired driving continues to present risks as well. In 2021, more than half of the tested drivers killed in crashes, or about 50.3 percent, had traces of legal or illegal drugs in their system.

Seatbelt use also continues to play a key role in saving lives. Fatalities among passengers who were not restrained decreased by 8.6 percent, from 853 in 2022 to 780 in 2023. Overall, these figures suggest that California is making progress in improving road safety, although impaired driving caused by alcohol or drugs remains a serious concern.