[05-20-2025] Colusa County, CA – Man And Woman Killed in Head-On Crash on Highway 20

A man from Clearlake and a woman from Live Oak were killed in a head-on crash caused by a wrong-way driver on Highway 20 in Colusa County on Tuesday afternoon, May 20, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol’s Williams Area office, the fatal collision occurred around 2:20 p.m. on Highway 20 near the Colusa County line.

Authorities identified the deceased as 68-year-old Bernardino G. of Clearlake and 49-year-old Misti W. of Live Oak. CHP said Bernardino was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe westbound in the eastbound lane at an undetermined speed. Misti, traveling eastbound in a 2023 Hyundai Tucson, was in the proper lane when the vehicles collided head-on.

Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles and were pronounced dead at the scene. The CHP noted that both victims were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Call Our Car Accident Attorneys In Colusa County, CA

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or if you’re dealing with the loss of someone close, legal help is available. Our legal team is here to support you as you work through the challenges of recovering and securing compensation for your injuries and losses.

We offer a free consultation where our experienced car accident lawyers in Colusa County will review your case, explain the next steps, and identify important factors that may affect your settlement. If you are having trouble obtaining necessary information or a police report, we can assist with that as well.

To speak with a lawyer, call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After A Car Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident, here are the steps to take to ensure your safety and set up the right support for your case, as long as you’re able to do so.

1. Get To A Safe Location
   If possible, move your vehicle off the road to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Then, find a safe place to wait for the police to arrive.
2. Seek Medical Attention
   Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately for help. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor to make sure there are no hidden injuries.
3. Call The Authorities
   Contact the police and report the accident as soon as possible. They will investigate the scene and document important details. Paramedics will also assess your health and recommend further treatment if needed.
4. Gather Evidence
   While waiting for help, take photos and videos of the scene. This could include damage to vehicles, injuries, traffic conditions, and anything else that may help your case later. These photos will be valuable for your claim.
5. Exchange Information
   Make sure to exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s).
6. Speak To Insurance Adjusters
   After the accident, the other party’s insurance adjuster may contact you. Be careful not to share too much information. Avoid recording a statement or accepting any settlement offers until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
7. Create A File
   Organize all documents related to the accident in a file. Keep the police report, medical bills, information from the other driver, and any treatment plans you receive. Having everything in one place will help you later on.
8. Consult An Attorney
   Once you are ready to move forward with your case, contact a car accident attorney. They can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your options.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

In 2023, crashes between motor vehicles were the most common cause of traffic fatalities, but they made up less than half of all deaths, accounting for 43%. The second most common type of fatal crash involved collisions with fixed objects, which made up over 26% of deaths. Pedestrian accidents and non-collision incidents, such as rollovers, followed behind.

While crashes between motor vehicles caused fewer fatalities, they were responsible for a much higher percentage of injuries. They accounted for 79% of all injuries, 74% of injury crashes, and 72% of all crashes.

On the other hand, single-vehicle accidents involving fixed objects, pedestrians, and non-collisions caused a larger proportion of fatalities and fatal crashes. These types of crashes made up 53% of all fatalities and fatal crashes but only 25% or less of injuries, injury crashes, or all crashes.

Among collisions between motor vehicles, angle collisions were the deadliest, causing about 8,700 deaths in 2023. The data also includes estimated numbers of deaths, injuries, fatal crashes, injury crashes, and all types of crashes.