Tulare County, CA – Passenger Killed in Two-Vehicle Head-On Collision Near Penlan Avenue and Spruce Road on July 13, 2025

Accident Overview: On Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2025, a devastating two-vehicle head-on collision claimed the life of a passenger in Tulare County. The crash occurred just before 3:00 p.m. near Penlan Avenue and Spruce Road, outside Exeter. A northbound Honda Odyssey veered into oncoming traffic and struck a southbound Chrysler Pacifica. The Chrysler’s passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Honda’s driver sustained moderate injuries. Investigators suspect distracted driving may have played a role in this tragic event.

Quick Facts Details
Accident Type Two-Vehicle Head-On Collision
Location Penlan Avenue & Spruce Road, Exeter, Tulare County, CA
Date July 13, 2025
Parties Involved Honda Odyssey & Chrysler Pacifica
Injuries Honda driver sustained moderate injuries
Fatalities Passenger in Chrysler pronounced dead at scene
Law Enforcement California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Legal Note Possible distracted driving under investigation

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🚨 What Happened

A silver Honda Odyssey traveling northbound on Spruce Road veered into the opposite lane, colliding head-on with a southbound Chrysler Pacifica. The Chrysler passenger died at the scene, while the Honda driver sustained moderate injuries and had to be extricated.

🧑‍⚕️ Medical Response

  • CHP and emergency crews responded quickly
  • Honda driver extricated and taken to hospital with moderate injuries
  • Passenger in Chrysler pronounced dead at scene

🚔 Investigation Underway

The California Highway Patrol is investigating whether distracted driving, possibly cell phone use, led to the fatal collision. California Highway Patrol

📊 Statistics

📉 In Tulare County, head-on collisions account for nearly 12% of all traffic fatalities each year, according to California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS).

📱 Distracted driving, including cell phone use, was a contributing factor in over 140,000 crashes statewide in 2023, leading to hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries.

🚗 Rural roadways like Spruce Road near Exeter are more prone to deadly head-on collisions due to two-lane designs and higher speeds, making them particularly hazardous.

⚠️ The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that head-on collisions, while less common, are among the most lethal types of crashes, with a fatality rate significantly higher than other accident types. Sources: TIMS California, NHTSA, CHP Annual Report

⚖️ Legal Options

💔 Wrongful Death Claims
The family of the deceased Chrysler passenger may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.
📱 Distracted Driving Liability
If evidence confirms that the Honda driver was distracted by a phone, they could be held fully liable for damages under California negligence law.
🏥 Personal Injury Compensation
The injured Honda driver may also file a personal injury claim if defective safety features or third-party negligence contributed to the accident.
📝 Insurance Challenges
Insurance companies often minimize payouts in distracted driving crashes. Legal representation ensures that victims’ rights are protected and full compensation is pursued.

💼 Past Case Results

⚖️ A Tulare County jury awarded $4.1 million to the family of a passenger killed in a head-on collision caused by a distracted driver near Visalia.



⚖️ In Fresno County, a wrongful death lawsuit involving cell phone distraction led to a $2.7 million settlement for the victim’s surviving spouse and children.



⚖️ A Los Angeles jury returned a $6 million verdict in a case where a head-on collision was linked to negligent lane departure and distracted driving.

👨‍⚖️ Fighting For You

At the Scranton Law Firm, we know the devastation that head-on collisions bring to Tulare County families. With over 50 years of experience and more than $1 billion recovered for accident victims, our attorneys stand ready to fight for justice. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one or facing serious injuries, we provide compassionate guidance and relentless advocacy to secure the compensation you deserve.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What should families do immediately after a fatal crash?

Families should contact law enforcement for an official report, seek medical and emotional support, and consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney to protect their rights.

Can distracted driving be proven in court?

Yes. Cell phone records, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction can establish distracted driving as the cause of a crash.

How long do families have to file a wrongful death claim in California?

Under California law, families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

What damages are available in a wrongful death case?

Families may recover funeral costs, loss of income, loss of companionship, and non-economic damages such as grief and suffering.

Do families need to pay legal fees upfront?

No. The Firma de Abogados Scranton works on a contingency basis, meaning no fees are owed unless we win compensation for you.

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