Serious Multi-Vehicle Crash Near Gonzales Injures Many

Multi-Vehicle Crash Injures Several at Old Stage Road Overcrossing Near Gonzales

Incident Overview

On Friday morning, November 14, 2025, a serious three-vehicle collision at the Old Stage Road overcrossing near Gonzales left multiple people injured. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash began when the driver of a northbound Kia sedan allegedly ran a stop sign and appeared to pass an MST Rides bus illegally, crossing into the southbound lane. The Kia then collided head-on with a southbound GMC pickup truck occupied by a woman driving and two juveniles. The force of the impact spun the Kia into the MST bus.

Emergency responders transported several individuals for medical care. CHP reported that the woman driving the GMC sustained moderate injuries, while a passenger in the pickup suffered minor injuries. The Kia’s driver and a female passenger in the sedan reportedly suffered major injuries. The MST bus had 10 passengers traveling to La Casa Adult Day Health Center in Salinas; MST officials indicated that none of the bus passengers or the driver reported serious injuries, and the bus was instructed to return riders to their homes. CHP stated that alcohol is believed to have been a factor, though the investigation remains ongoing.

What We Know About the Crash Dynamics

- Location: Old Stage Road overcrossing near Gonzales, CA
- Vehicles involved: Kia sedan, GMC pickup truck, MST bus
- Sequence: Alleged stop-sign violation and illegal pass into opposing lane; head-on collision between Kia and GMC; secondary impact involving the bus
- Injuries: Multiple, ranging from minor to major; several victims transported to area hospitals
- Possible contributing factor: CHP indicates alcohol may have been involved; investigation pending

Head-on collisions are among the most severe roadway events due to the combined forces involved. When such a crash occurs near an intersection or stop-controlled crossing, investigators examine potential contributing factors such as right-of-way violations, speed, driver impairment, visibility, and roadway design. The apparent illegal pass and lane intrusion described by CHP will be central to determining fault, alongside toxicology results and witness statements.

Legal Rights and Potential Claims

Victims of negligent driving in California have the right to pursue compensation for the harm they suffer. Depending on the facts, the following claims may be available:

- Bodily injury claims against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Claims for passengers: Passengers injured in any of the involved vehicles—whether the Kia, GMC, or MST bus—may assert claims against whichever party or parties are found liable. Passenger claims do not depend on who was driving; they depend on fault.
- Property damage and diminished value claims for damaged vehicles.
- Punitive damages may be available in cases involving intoxicated driving, subject to proof and the court’s discretion.

If a public transit vehicle is involved, injured passengers may also have claims against the public entity if its negligence contributed to the incident. Public transit providers are considered common carriers and generally owe passengers a heightened duty of care. However, government claims have additional procedural requirements and tight deadlines.

Important Deadlines and Procedural Considerations

- General statute of limitations: Most California personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of injury.
- Government claims: If a claim is asserted against a public entity (such as a transit district), an administrative claim typically must be filed within six months of the incident under the California Government Claims Act before a lawsuit can proceed.
- Evidence preservation: Promptly securing the police report, photographs, video, black-box data, bus onboard footage (if available), and witness contact information can be critical. In significant collisions, counsel may issue preservation letters to ensure video and telematics are not overwritten.

This serious head-on collision, which ultimately led to a multi-vehicle crash, highlights how quickly a single moment of driver error or negligence can escalate into a major roadway disaster. Head-on impacts are among the most dangerous types of crashes, often leaving victims with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term challenges. As investigators work to determine what caused the initial impact and how the chain reaction unfolded, those injured now face a difficult recovery process and significant uncertainty in the days ahead.

At Avian Law Group, we recognize the complexity of multi-vehicle collisions and the unique challenges victims face when multiple drivers or insurance companies may share responsibility. Our team is committed to conducting thorough investigations, identifying all liable parties, and ensuring that injured victims receive the full compensation and support they are entitled to under California law.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a head-on or multi-vehicle collision, Avian Law Group is here to provide experienced legal guidance, compassionate support, and dedicated representation every step of the way.