[09-07-2025] Madera County, CA – Woman Killed in Head-On Crash with Suspected DUI Driver on SR-41

An 87-year-old woman from Fresno was killed in a head-on crash involving a suspected DUI driver on SR-41 in Madera on Sunday evening, September 7, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 7:37 p.m. when a 30-year-old Oakhurst woman, driving a Honda Accord northbound on SR-41, veered into the southbound lane and collided with a white Ford Escape.

The crash caused major damage to both vehicles, blocking the roadway. Despite efforts from good Samaritans and medical personnel, the right-front passenger in the Ford was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both drivers were transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno with major injuries. The driver of the Honda was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and additional charges.

Witnesses reported that the Honda driver had been driving recklessly, passing several vehicles over double yellow lines before the crash. The suspect remains in custody at the hospital and will be booked into Madera County Jail after being medically cleared.

The investigation is ongoing.

Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Madera County, CA

DUI-related accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, leaving victims and their families facing significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Understanding your legal options may help you determine the next steps after being involved in a DUI collision.

Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Madera can assist you in exploring your legal options following a crash caused by an impaired driver. This may include reviewing official reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining how to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Some crashes may also involve head-on collision circumstances or be linked to an elderly driving accident, which can add complexity to determining liability and pursuing claims.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI-related accident, call our car accident lawyers in Madera 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 Accident In Madera County, CA

DUI accidents can cause significant injuries or fatalities. Taking the following steps can help protect your legal rights and preserve important evidence.

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
   Call 911 to ensure that anyone injured receives prompt medical evaluation, even if injuries appear minor.
2. Document The Scene and Damage
   If safe, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries or damage. Recording the location and weather conditions can be useful.
3. Collect Witness Information
   Speak with anyone who may have seen the crash and collect their names and contact details. Their statements can provide important context for investigations or claims.
4. Consult DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
   DUI accident victim lawyers in Madera County can help you understand your legal options, assist with insurance communications, and ensure key evidence is preserved. Early legal guidance may help protect your rights and ensure the case is handled properly.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal and serious injury crashes on California roads. In 2023, 1,355 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, a 4.5 percent decrease from 2022, but nearly a 55 percent increase compared to 2014.

The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) supports programs based on the Safe System framework, which acknowledges that while crashes will occur, they do not have to be deadly or result in serious injuries. This approach allows the OTS to address all aspects of crash risk and implement multiple layers of protection, helping to keep all road users safe throughout California.