Santa Barbara, CA – In the early hours of Thursday, December 4, 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 took place around 3:16 AM on the US 101 South off-ramp at Dos Pueblos Canyon Road.
Authorities said the vehicle went off the roadway and came to rest on the right-hand shoulder. Responders arrived to find the occupant unresponsive and confirmed the individual had died at the scene.
Caltrans was requested to assist with a hard closure of the off-ramp to ensure safety while CHP conducted the investigation and secured the crash site. Tow services were later called to remove the vehicle and clear the area.
Officials stated that the cause of the crash remains under investigation, and no further details about the vehicle or the circumstances leading to the collision were immediately available. Traffic was temporarily disrupted during the emergency response and roadway clearance.
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.
