Speeding car crashes into tree in Santa Ana, ejecting passenger who later died

A vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle collision in Santa Ana, resulting in one death and one injury, according to the SAPD.

On July 31, 2025, at approximately 10:40 p.m., the Santa Ana Police Department received multiple reports of a single-vehicle traffic collision in the area of Segerstrom Avenue and Bear Street.

Officers, along with Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), responded to the scene and discovered a vehicle with two occupants had collided with a tree and a cinder block wall. They also found that an occupant that had been ejected into the roadway, according to County News.

The passenger, a 42-year-old man from Fountain Valley whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was transported by OCFA to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The driver was also transported to the hospital and is cooperating with the investigation. At this time, impairment does not appear to be a factor.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the vehicle is believed to have been traveling westbound on Segerstrom Ave. from Bear St. at a high rate of speed when it veered off the roadway, striking a tree and a cinder block wall.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) is investigating this collision. Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Detective K. Catlin at (714) 245-8224 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.

Possible Penalties:

1. Criminal Charges
   • Vehicular Manslaughter: If speeding is deemed negligent or reckless, the driver could be charged under California Penal Code §192(c).
   • Reckless Driving: A misdemeanor under Vehicle Code §23103, punishable by jail time and fines.
2. Civil Liability
   • The passenger’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit.
   • The driver could face personal injury claims and financial damages.
3. Insurance Consequences
   • Increased premiums or policy cancellation.
   • California’s 2025 minimum liability coverage: $30,000 (injury/death to one person), $60,000 (multiple injuries/deaths), $15,000 (property damage).
4. License and Vehicle
   • Possible suspension or revocation of driver’s license.
   • Vehicle impoundment if reckless driving is confirmed.
5. Speeding as a Factor
   • Even without DUI, excessive speed can be considered reckless and used as evidence of negligence.

Impact on Driver’s Auto Insurance After Fatal Crash

1. Premium Increase
   • Insurance rates could rise by 44% to 49% or more due to the severity of the crash.
   • Fatalities and serious injuries typically result in higher rate hikes.
2. Duration of Rate Hike
   • The increased premium may last for 3 to 5 years, depending on the insurer and driving history.
3. Minimum Liability Coverage (2025 Update)
   • California’s new minimums:
     • $30,000 for injury/death to one person
     • $60,000 for injury/death to multiple people
     • $15,000 for property damage
   • These higher limits mean greater financial exposure for insurers, which can lead to higher premiums.
4. Accident Forgiveness
   • Some insurers offer accident forgiveness, but it usually doesn’t apply to fatal crashes.
5. Policy Cancellation or Non-Renewal
   • In serious cases, the insurer may cancel the policy or refuse to renew it.
   • The driver may need to seek high-risk insurance coverage.