Monterey County, CA – On the morning of Friday, December 5, 2025, a single-vehicle crash resulted in an unidentified person losing their life, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident occurred around 9:17 AM on 17 Mile Drive.
Authorities said a black SUV had traveled off the roadway and came to rest up the hill from the road. The driver of the vehicle walked down to the intersection where the crash occurred. Emergency responders arrived on scene and confirmed that the occupant had suffered fatal injuries and was deceased at the site.
The roadway was temporarily closed at 17 Mile Drive and Del Ciervo, as well as 17 Mile Drive and Palmero, to allow CHP and fire personnel to secure the area, conduct a thorough investigation, and manage cleanup. Tow services were requested to remove the SUV and transport it for evidence processing.
Officials confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The exact circumstances that led to the SUV leaving the roadway are still under investigation. Traffic was disrupted for several hours while responders worked to ensure the scene was safe and all evidence was documented, and all lanes were reopened later in the afternoon.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
