[03-17-2025] Sonoma County, CA – Driver Killed in Suspected DUI Crash at Montgomery Drive and Farmers Lane

A driver was killed in a crash involving a suspected DUI driver at a northeast Santa Rosa intersection on Monday night, March 17, 2025.

According to Santa Rosa police Sgt. Patricia Seffens, 21-year-old Aaron H. was speeding eastbound on Montgomery Drive in a Nissan Maxima at approximately 10:07 p.m. when he crashed into a Toyota Camry traveling north on Farmers Lane. The impact sent both vehicles onto the property of St. Eugene’s Cathedral.

The Camry’s driver, who was the sole occupant, died at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his identity pending family notification. Officials confirmed that he had the right-of-way at the time of the crash.

The Nissa driver sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a hospital before being released. The California Highway Patrol, handling the investigation, later arrested him on charges of vehicular manslaughter, DUI involving drugs causing injury, driving without a license, and violating his probation.

The investigation is ongoing.

Contact Our Trusted DUI Accident Victim Lawyers in Santa Rosa, CA

A DUI accident can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardships. If you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, but our team is here to help.

At Arash Law, our Santa Rosa DUI accident lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., provide expert legal guidance to ensure you understand your rights and options. We will gather the necessary evidence—such as police reports and medical records—to build a strong case and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

With over $750 million recovered for accident victims, Arash Law is recognized as one of California’s top personal injury firms. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we are dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf.

Don’t wait to take action. Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule your free consultation today.

What To Do After Being A Victim Of A DUI Accident

Being involved in a DUI accident can be overwhelming, but the steps you take afterward can significantly affect your recovery and ability to seek compensation. To safeguard your health and legal rights, follow these important actions.

1. Stay calm and move to a safer area if you can. Assess your condition before checking other people involved.
2. Call 911 immediately so paramedics and local authorities can respond to the scene. This can also quickly alert nearby officers if the impaired driver is trying to commit a hit-and-run.
3. Don’t engage with the intoxicated or drugged driver. Their behavior may be unpredictable; let the police handle the situation with them.
4. If you’re able, take photos and videos of the scene. Capture the scene from different angles and highlight important details like visible injuries, property damage, road marks, debris from the accident, etc.
5. Politely request any witnesses to provide statements to the police. Ask for their phone number, as well, in case you need to contact them later.
6. Seek a thorough medical evaluation, even if you feel fine. Some injuries might not show symptoms immediately.
7. Consult our lawyers in Santa Rosa for DUI accident victims. The sooner you get legal representation, the better. Our attorneys can work immediately to protect your rights and preserve evidence.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2020, 11,654 fatalities resulted from crashes involving at least one alcohol-impaired driver, making up 30% of all traffic deaths in the U.S. This was a 14.3% increase from 2019 when 10,196 deaths were recorded.

On average, a drunk driving fatality occurred every 45 minutes. The 21 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups had the highest percentage of impaired drivers in fatal crashes, each accounting for 26% of incidents.

Among vehicle types, motorcycle riders had the highest rate of alcohol impairment in fatal crashes at 27%, followed by passenger car drivers (23%), light truck drivers (19%), and large truck drivers (3%).

In crashes involving children 14 and younger, 229 fatalities (21%) were linked to alcohol-impaired driving. Additionally, 67% (7,831 deaths) of all DUI-related fatalities involved a driver with a BAC of 0.15 g/dL or higher.

Alcohol impairment in fatal crashes was 3.1 times higher at night than during the day.