A woman was killed and two men were hospitalized after a head-on collision between a Ford Explorer and an F-350 on Road 400 in Madera County on Thursday morning, October 16, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at the intersection of Road 400 and River Road.
The Ford Explorer, driven by a 61-year-old woman with a 40-year-old male passenger, was traveling north when it veered into the southbound lane, colliding head-on with a southbound F-350 driven by a 75-year-old man.
Rescue crews used the Jaws of Life to extricate the drivers from their vehicles. Despite life-saving efforts, the female driver of the Explorer succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The passenger in the Explorer and the F-350 driver were both transported to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
CHP confirmed that alcohol or drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash, and all occupants were wearing seatbelts.
The crash remains under investigation by CHP.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers In Madera County, CA
Car accidents, especially those resulting in fatalities or serious injuries, can have a profound impact on families and loved ones. Understanding your legal rights after such an incident is essential for exploring options and seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and other damages.
Our car accident lawyers in Madera County can help you review the circumstances of a head-on collision. Legal support may include reviewing accident reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining how compensation may be pursued for funeral costs, medical expenses, and other losses. Early consultation can help clarify your options and ensure your rights are protected.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our โDo I Have A Case?โ form for a free initial consultation.
What To Do After A Fatal Car Accident In Madera County, CA
Fatal car accidents can be overwhelming for surviving family members. Taking the right steps afterward may help protect your rights and preserve important evidence for future claims.
- Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
Immediately report the accident to emergency services and ensure that anyone injured receives prompt medical care. Even minor injuries should be evaluated, as some injuries may not be immediately visible. - Document The Scene And Damage
If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle positions, visible damage, and surrounding property. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes. - Gather Information From Witnesses
Collect names and contact details from any witnesses to the crash. Their statements can provide important insight into the circumstances of the accident. - Consult With Car Accident Lawyers
A lawyer can explain your legal options, assist with insurance matters, and ensure that time-sensitive evidence is preserved. Early consultation may help protect your rights and ensure your case is handled properly.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motor vehicle crashes remain a significant public health issue in the United States and worldwide. In the U.S., traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death, claiming more than 120 lives every day. Many of these deaths and injuries could be prevented, and drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians all play a role in improving safety on the roads.
In 2022, nearly 44,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes, averaging over 120 deaths per day. Additionally, more than 2.6 million people were treated in emergency departments for crash-related injuries. The economic impact of these accidents was substantial, with total costs, covering medical expenses and the estimated value of lives lost, exceeding $470 billion.