[08-23-2025] Santa Clara County, CA – Woman Killed, Several Injured in Wrong-Way Crash on Highway 17 Near the Cats Restaurant in Los Gatos

A 43-year-old San Jose woman was killed and several others were injured in a wrong-way crash on Highway 17 near Los Gatos, Santa Clara County, early Saturday morning, August 23, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision was reported at about 12:37 a.m. on southbound Highway 17 near the Cats restaurant, just south of the Santa Cruz Avenue interchange.

Authorities said a Toyota Camry, driven northbound in the southbound lanes, collided with two vehicles, a Honda Civic and a Honda Del Sol. The passenger in the Camry, a 43-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 44-year-old San Jose man, suffered major injuries and was transported to a hospital.

Both drivers of the southbound vehicles were also injured and taken to a hospital for treatment. CHP said intoxication is believed to have been a factor in the crash.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers In Santa Clara County, CA

Car accidents on major highways can lead to devastating outcomes, including fatalities and severe injuries. Families and survivors often face emotional distress, financial burdens, and uncertainty about the steps ahead. Learning about possible legal options may help provide clarity during such a difficult time.

Our car accident lawyers in Santa Clara County can help you explore potential legal avenues after a serious or fatal crash. Legal guidance may include reviewing official reports, assisting with insurance matters, and explaining whether a wrongful death or personal injury claim may be considered. For additional guidance, you may also find it helpful to review resources from our car crash attorneys, who handle a wide range of cases throughout California.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a fatal car 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 Car Accident In Santa Clara County, CA

The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, particularly when it results in major injuries or loss of life. Taking certain steps may help protect your rights and preserve important information:

1. Call 911 And Report The Accident
   Contact emergency services right away so law enforcement and medical responders can assist and create an official report.
2. Seek Prompt Medical Evaluation
   Ensure all injured parties receive medical care as soon as possible. Even injuries that seem minor may require immediate attention.
3. Document The Scene And Injuries
   If it is safe, take photographs of the roadway, vehicles, and visible injuries. This documentation may assist with insurance and legal matters.
4. Gather Witness Information
   Collect the names and contact details of witnesses. Their statements may provide valuable insight into the crash.
5. Consult Car Accident Lawyers
   An attorney can review the circumstances, explain possible legal options, and help ensure that time-sensitive evidence is preserved. Our firm has collision lawyers available to guide clients through complex claims involving multiple vehicles. In situations where intoxication may have played a role, our drunk driving accident lawyers can help explain legal remedies.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

The United States has one of the largest numbers of vehicles on the road globally. By late 2021, nearly 284 million vehicles were in use throughout the country. This means that millions of people are behind the wheel each day.

As of 2019, more than 228 million Americans held valid driver’s licenses. With so many drivers and vehicles sharing the road, traffic can become heavy, increasing the risk of collisions and other road incidents.

In that same year, around 12.15 million vehicles were involved in crashes across the nation. Passenger cars made up the largest portion of those crashes, which is not surprising since they are the most common type of vehicle used for daily transportation.

Experts predict that the overall number of traffic accidents per one million people in the U.S. will gradually decline. By 2025, that number is expected to drop to just over 7,100 accidents per million residents. Traffic-related deaths are also projected to decrease, although not as quickly as overall accident rates.