[10-12-2025] Monterey County, CA – Two Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash on Southbound Highway 101 Near Chualar River Road Overcrossing

Two people were killed in a three-vehicle collision in Monterey County on Sunday night, October 12, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was reported around 6:49 p.m. on southbound Highway 101 just south of the Chualar River Road overcrossing.

A 41-year-old Salinas man was driving a white Kia SUV northbound in the southbound lanes with three passengers when he collided head-on with a black Honda sedan driven by a 46-year-old Arizona resident.

The impact caused a secondary collision with a white Toyota sedan driven by a 29-year-old Salinas resident. Both sedans were traveling in the correct direction.

The drivers of the Kia SUV and the Honda sedan died at the scene. The Kia’s passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to major and were transported to a hospital. It is unknown whether alcohol was a factor.

The identities of the deceased will be released by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office after notification of next of kin.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers In Monterey County, CA

Car accidents, especially those involving multiple vehicles and fatalities, can have a profound impact on victims and their families. Understanding your legal rights after such a collision can help you explore potential options for compensation.

Our car accident lawyers in Monterey County can help you review the circumstances of a multi-vehicle collision. Legal support may include examining accident reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining how compensation may be pursued for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and other damages. Consulting a lawyer early may help clarify potential next steps and ensure your rights are understood.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a 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 Multi-Vehicle Accident In Monterey County, CA

Multi-vehicle accidents, particularly those resulting in fatalities, can be traumatic for victims and families. Taking the right steps afterward may help protect your rights and preserve important evidence for potential claims.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Report the accident to emergency services immediately and ensure that anyone injured receives prompt evaluation. Even minor injuries should be assessed, as some may not be immediately visible.
2. Document The Scene And Damage
   If it is safe, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims or legal purposes.
3. Gather Information From Witnesses
   Collect names and contact details from witnesses to the collision. Their statements may help clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident.
4. Consult With Car Accident Lawyers
   A lawyer can review your legal options, assist with insurance matters, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early legal involvement may help protect your rights and ensure the case is handled properly.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

Traffic deaths remain a significant public safety concern in the United States. Nationally, motor vehicle fatalities rose by 6.8 percent from 36,355 in 2019 to 38,824 in 2020, marking the highest total since 2007. Early estimates for 2021 indicate roughly 42,915 deaths, an increase of about 10.5 percent from the previous year.

Preliminary data for the first half of 2022 show approximately 20,175 deaths, a slight 0.5 percent increase compared with 20,070 fatalities during the same period in 2021. These numbers suggest that, even with advances in vehicle safety and traffic regulations, lowering traffic-related deaths continues to be a major challenge.