Two Killed, One Injured in Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway 183 in Salinas – September 11, 2025
Accident Overview: On Thursday, September 11, 2025, a devastating crash involving three vehicles occurred on Highway 183 south of Cooper Road in Salinas. The incident happened around 4:47 p.m. when a red sedan, waiting to turn left, was rear-ended by a gray GMC SUV. The impact pushed the sedan into the path of an oncoming semi-truck, resulting in a violent secondary collision. Two passengers inside the sedan were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities identified the victims as a 31-year-old man from Port Hueneme and a 35-year-old man from Salinas. The 20-year-old sedan driver was hospitalized with serious injuries. The GMC driver, a 19-year-old woman, initially fled but was later located. CHP stated that drugs or alcohol were not suspected, and an investigation remains ongoing into potential charges.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Accident Type | Rear-End and Head-On Three-Vehicle Crash |
| Location | Highway 183 near Cooper Rd, Salinas, CA |
| Date | September 11, 2025 |
| Parties Involved | Red sedan occupants, GMC SUV driver, semi-truck driver |
| Injuries | One seriously injured |
| Fatalities | Two confirmed |
| Law Enforcement | California Highway Patrol – Monterey County |
| Legal Note | Victims’ families may have grounds for wrongful death claims |
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🚨 What Happened
A sedan was rear-ended while waiting to turn left and pushed into oncoming traffic, where it was hit by a semi-truck. Two passengers in the sedan died, and the driver was seriously injured. The rear-ending SUV driver initially fled but was found by CHP shortly after.
🧑⚕️ Medical Response
- One survivor was taken to the hospital with major injuries.
- Two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.
🚔 Investigation Underway
CHP Monterey is investigating. Visit CHP Monterey Office
⚖️ Legal Options
Wrongful Death Claims for Passenger Families
The families of the two passengers killed in the sedan may be entitled to file wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and emotional damages.
Personal Injury Claim for the Surviving Driver
The surviving sedan driver who suffered major injuries can pursue a personal injury claim covering medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care if necessary.
Possible Hit-and-Run Civil Liability
Even though the SUV driver was later located, her decision to flee could enhance her liability. Leaving the scene is often used as evidence of negligence or recklessness.
📊 Statistics
🚗 Monterey County has seen over 140 fatalities from vehicle collisions in the past three years, with Highway 183 being a common location for multi-vehicle crashes.🚛 Rear-end collisions account for 1 in 3 crashes resulting in fatalities when they lead to secondary impacts involving larger vehicles.
🏃♀️ Fleeing the scene, even briefly, can lead to felony hit-and-run charges — California reported 7,000+ hit-and-run crashes with injuries or deaths in 2023.
🚑 Serious injuries involving head and chest trauma are the most common in rear-to-front chain-reaction collisions.
Sources: CHP SWITRS, OTS, NHTSA
💼 Past Case Results
⚖️ $4.5 million settlement for the family of a woman killed after being rear-ended and pushed into a commercial truck.⚖️ $2.75 million awarded to a Salinas resident injured in a multi-vehicle crash caused by a negligent driver who attempted to flee the scene.
⚖️ $3.1 million verdict in a wrongful death case involving a stalled sedan struck by an 18-wheeler on a rural California road.
👨⚖️ Fighting For You
When lives are lost because of careless driving, fleeing the scene, or chain-reaction collisions, we step in. At the Scranton Law Firm, we help grieving families and injured victims take back control, demand accountability, and secure the compensation they’re entitled to. We are here to fight for what’s right — every step of the way.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a lawsuit for passengers killed in a crash like this?
In California, close family members — such as spouses, children, or even parents — can file wrongful death lawsuits when a loved one is killed due to someone else’s negligence.
What happens if the at-fault driver flees the scene?
Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is a crime, but it also strengthens your civil case. Juries tend to view flight as evidence of wrongdoing or guilt.
Can someone still be held liable if drugs or alcohol weren’t involved?
Yes. Even sober drivers can be held liable if they acted recklessly, were distracted, or failed to brake in time.
Is a semi-truck driver responsible in this kind of secondary impact?
Usually not, but that depends on speed, reaction time, and stopping distance. Truck liability may still apply if excessive speed or brake issues contributed.
How long do I have to take legal action after a fatal crash in California?
You generally have two years to file a wrongful death or personal injury claim, but sooner is better for gathering evidence and witness testimony.
