[08-10-2025] San Mateo County, CA – One Dead, Several Injured in Four-Vehicle DUI Crash on Highway 101 in East Palo Alto

A woman was killed and multiple people were injured in a four-vehicle crash on Highway 101 in East Palo Alto early Sunday morning, August 10, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. on the northbound side of the freeway, south of University Avenue.

CHP said the driver of an Acura SUV rear-ended a Toyota RAV4, disabling the Acura. A Subaru SUV then collided with the Toyota before crashing into the concrete center median. Moments later, a BMW sedan crashed into one of the vehicles already involved.

The Subaru’s driver, identified by the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office as 72-year-old Pamela B. of San Leandro, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said the Toyota driver and a passenger sustained major injuries, while the Acura and BMW drivers suffered minor injuries. The Acura’s driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI causing injury.

The crash remains under investigation by the CHP.

Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In East Palo Alto, CA

Crashes involving impaired driving can result in devastating outcomes, including fatalities and serious injuries. These incidents often require extensive investigations to determine liability and identify all parties involved. For those affected, learning about potential legal options may help in deciding how to address the challenges that follow.

DUI accident victim lawyers in East Palo Alto can assist victims and families after a serious or fatal collision. This may include reviewing official reports, gathering available evidence, and explaining the process of pursuing claims for medical expenses, lost wages, or wrongful death damages. Early legal guidance may help you navigate the legal steps that can arise in these cases.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI-related rear-end accident, call 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 DUI-Related Crash in East Palo Alto, CA

The aftermath of a DUI-related collision can be overwhelming. Taking certain steps may help protect your rights and preserve essential evidence:

1. Call 911 and Seek Immediate Medical Help
   Report the crash to emergency services and ensure injured parties receive prompt medical evaluation. Even minor symptoms should be checked by a medical professional.
2. Document the Scene and Injuries
   If it is safe, take photographs of vehicle damage, the roadway, and visible injuries. This documentation may help clarify how the collision occurred.
3. Gather Witness Information
   Collect the names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash. Their statements may provide valuable details for the investigation.
4. Consult Personal Injury Lawyers
   Personal injury lawyers in San Mateo County can explain possible legal avenues, assist with insurance matters, and help ensure that time-sensitive evidence is preserved. Early involvement may help the case be handled appropriately.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Drunk driving continues to pose a major safety risk across the country. In 2023, an estimated 12,429 people died in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On average, 34 lives are lost each day, or roughly one every 42 minutes.

These incidents are largely preventable. Avoiding alcohol-impaired driving is a key step toward improving road safety nationwide.