[04-06-2025] Santa Cruz County, CA – Woman Seriously Injured, Man Arrested After Two-Vehicle Crash on Highway 1 in Santa Cruz

A woman sustained major injuries and a man was arrested for felony reckless driving after a two-vehicle crash on Highway 1 near Mar Monte Avenue in Santa Cruz on Sunday evening, April 6, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, at around 6:00 p.m., a 21-year-old man driving a gray Lexus collided with a silver Ford Fusion driven by a 70-year-old woman from Watsonville.

The impact caused the Ford Fusion to overturn and come to rest between the right lane of the highway and the Mar Monte Avenue on-ramp. The woman was airlifted to a nearby hospital with major injuries. The man sustained minor injuries and was taken into custody for felony reckless driving.

The CHP is investigating the cause of the collision.

Talk to Trusted Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers in Santa Cruz, CA

Under California Vehicle Code Section 23103, reckless driving is considered a serious traffic violation. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a reckless driver, our skilled Santa Cruz reckless driving accident lawyers are ready to help you seek full and fair compensation. These incidents often lead to significant injuries, and our team knows how to hold negligent drivers accountable while pushing back against insurance companies that aim to reduce your claim.

Book a free consultation with our highly rated personal injury lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. We’ll carefully review your case, explain your legal options, and determine the key elements that could affect your compensation. With decades of experience and over $750 million recovered for clients across California, we’re prepared to manage even the most challenging cases.

Take the first step toward recovery. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to get the legal help you deserve.

What To Do After A Reckless Driving Accident

Being involved in a reckless driving accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Whether the other driver was speeding, weaving through traffic, or ignoring road signs, their negligent behavior puts everyone at risk. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can protect your health, strengthen your legal claim, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Here’s what you should do after a reckless driving accident:

1. Prioritize Your Safety
   Check yourself and others for injuries. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further harm. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Call 911
   Report the accident to emergency responders right away. Inform them if anyone is injured and provide details about the other driver’s reckless behavior. Law enforcement officers will arrive to assess the scene, file an official report, and may issue citations or arrest the reckless driver.
3. Seek Medical Attention
   Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately visible, and having a medical record is essential for any future claims.
4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
   If you’re able, take photos or videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Capture anything that shows reckless behavior—like damaged traffic signs or erratic tire patterns.
5. Collect Information
   Exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. Also, get the contact details of any eyewitnesses who saw the accident unfold. Their testimonies could be valuable in proving fault.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
   Report the accident to your insurance provider, but be careful with what you share. Provide basic facts and avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting any offers until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
7. Contact a Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer
   Consult an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in reckless driving cases. A lawyer can protect your rights, help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Reckless Driving Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding has been a significant factor in motor vehicle fatalities for over two decades, accounting for approximately one-third of all traffic deaths. In 2022, speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities, underscoring its persistent impact on road safety.

In Santa Cruz, 20 speed-related crashes either resulted in injuries or fatalities in 2022, according to data from the latest OTS Crash Rankings Results.

As reckless driving incidents continue to rise, so does the need for awareness, enforcement, and legal advocacy for victims. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by reckless driving, seeking legal representation can be a vital step toward securing justice and the compensation you deserve.