Two drivers sustained significant injuries in a devastating head-on collision on Highway 9 in the Ben Lomond area of Santa Cruz County on Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 2025. The crash highlights the ongoing safety concerns along this winding highway connecting the Santa Cruz Mountains to the coast.
Details of the Highway 9 Collision
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the serious accident occurred around 3:40 p.m. on Highway 9, just south of California Drive in Ben Lomond. Two Lexus vehicles traveling in opposite directions collided on the two-lane highway.
A 66-year-old woman from Boulder Creek was driving a white 2008 Lexus northbound when her vehicle collided head-on with a black 2007 Lexus driven by a 46-year-old man from Felton who was traveling southbound. The force of the impact required an immediate emergency response from multiple agencies.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
Both drivers were transported by ambulance to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where they are receiving treatment for serious injuries. As of Wednesday, medical officials have not immediately updated their current conditions.
The severity of the injuries underscores the dangerous nature of head-on collisions, which are among the most devastating types of vehicle accidents due to the combined force of both vehicles’ speeds at the moment of impact.
Initial Investigation Findings
CHP investigators reported several important details about the circumstances surrounding the collision:
- Both drivers were properly wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash
- Impairment is not believed to be a contributing factor in the accident
- The collision occurred on a section of Highway 9 known for its challenging driving conditions
The fact that both drivers were wearing seatbelts likely prevented even more catastrophic injuries, as seatbelts are proven to reduce the risk of death by 45% and serious injury by 50% for front-seat passengers in cars.
Highway 9 Safety Concerns in Santa Cruz County
Highway 9 is a scenic but challenging route that winds through the Santa Cruz Mountains, connecting communities like Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, and Felton to the coast. The two-lane highway features:
- Narrow lanes with limited shoulder space
- Sharp curves and steep grades
- Heavy recreational traffic, especially on weekends
- Mixed use by both local commuters and tourists
This combination of factors creates inherent risks for drivers, particularly during peak travel times when weather conditions are less than ideal.
Understanding Head-On Collision Injuries
Head-on collisions typically result in severe injuries due to the tremendous forces involved when two vehicles traveling toward each other make contact. Common injuries in these types of accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from rapid deceleration
- Spinal cord injuries affecting mobility
- Chest and abdominal trauma from seatbelt and airbag forces
- Broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs
- Internal organ damage requiring immediate surgical intervention
The serious nature of the injuries sustained by both drivers in this Highway 9 collision is consistent with the typical severity of head-on crashes.
Recovery from head-on collision injuries often requires extensive medical treatment, including emergency surgery, lengthy hospital stays, and months or years of rehabilitation.
Many victims face permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work and enjoy daily activities. The emotional trauma of such accidents can be equally devastating, with many survivors experiencing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder long after their physical wounds have healed.
Legal Considerations for Serious Injury Accidents
When serious injuries occur in vehicle accidents, several important legal factors come into play:
Time is critical in severe injury cases, as California’s statute of limitations generally allows only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Additionally, evidence can disappear quickly, witness memories fade, and insurance companies often move swiftly to minimize liability. Early legal intervention helps preserve crucial evidence, obtain expert accident reconstruction analysis, and ensure that all potential sources of compensation are identified and pursued.
Determining Fault and Liability
Even when impairment is not suspected, investigators must determine what caused one vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic. Potential factors could include:
- Driver distraction or inattention
- Medical emergency while driving
- Mechanical failure of vehicle components
- Road conditions or design issues
- Weather-related visibility problems
Insurance Coverage Implications
California requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but serious injuries often result in medical expenses and other damages that exceed basic coverage limits. Victims may need to explore additional compensation sources, including:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Personal injury protection benefits
- Disability insurance claims
- Workers’ compensation if the accident occurred during work-related travel
Potential for Civil Litigation
When serious injuries result from vehicle accidents, injured parties may have grounds for personal injury claims to recover compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage to vehicles
Preventing Head-On Collisions on Mountain Highways
While accidents can happen despite careful driving, motorists can take steps to reduce their risk when traveling on challenging roads like Highway 9:
Safe Driving Practices
- Maintain appropriate following distances for road conditions
- Reduce speed on curves and steep grades
- Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving
- Pull over safely if feeling drowsy or experiencing medical issues
- Use headlights during daylight hours for increased visibility
Vehicle Maintenance
- Ensure tires have adequate tread and proper inflation
- Maintain brakes in good working condition
- Check that all lights and signals function properly
- Address any steering or suspension issues immediately
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The CHP investigation into this Highway 9 collision will likely continue as officials work to determine the exact cause of the accident. This information will be crucial for injured drivers and their families navigating the recovery process.
For the Ben Lomond and broader Santa Cruz County community, this accident reminds them of the importance of cautious driving on the area’s mountain highways. The combination of challenging road conditions and the potential for serious injury makes defensive driving practices essential for all motorists.
Seeking Legal Guidance After Serious Accidents
Victims of serious vehicle accidents often face complex medical, insurance, and legal challenges while trying to focus on their recovery. Understanding your rights and options following a major collision is crucial for protecting your interests and ensuring you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a vehicle accident, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for your damages.
The Highway 9 collision in Ben Lomond demonstrates how quickly lives can change due to serious vehicle accidents. As both drivers recover, their experience highlights the importance of road safety awareness and proper legal protection for all California motorists.
Understanding Settlement Values in Catastrophic Injury Cases
Catastrophic injury settlement calculators serve as valuable tools for estimating potential compensation in severe accident cases like head-on collisions. These calculators consider multiple factors, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering multipliers, and future care needs, to assess case value.
While these tools offer helpful starting points for understanding potential compensation ranges, they cannot account for unique case circumstances, local jury verdict trends, or the specific impact of injuries on an individual’s life.
Experienced personal injury attorneys use these calculations alongside comprehensive case analysis, expert medical testimony, and detailed life care planning to pursue maximum compensation for catastrophically injured clients. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“When someone is recovering from serious injuries in a head-on collision like this one on Highway 9, they shouldn’t have to worry about fighting with insurance companies or understanding complex legal procedures,” says Andy Gillin, founding partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys. “Our hearts go out to drivers and their families during this difficult time. If you’ve been injured in a similar accident, know that you have rights, and there are experienced attorneys ready to handle the legal complexities so you can focus entirely on your recovery. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or rush you into a settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries and future needs.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a vehicle accident, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for your damages.
The Highway 9 collision in Ben Lomond demonstrates how quickly lives can change due to serious vehicle accidents. As both drivers recover, their experience highlights the importance of road safety awareness and proper legal protection for all California motorists.
At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing. GJEL charges no fees unless we win your case. For a free legal consultation, talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Fremont office.
Essential Resources and Contact Information
Santa Cruz County Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety Resources
California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Santa Cruz Area Office
- Address: 6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
- Non-Emergency Phone: (831) 662-0511
- Emergency: 911
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov
- Services: Accident reports, traffic enforcement, highway safety programs
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office
- Address: 5200 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
- Non-Emergency Phone: (831) 471-1121
- Emergency: 911
- Website: www.scsheriff.com
- Services: Traffic enforcement on county roads, accident investigation, public safety
Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission (RTC)
- Address: 1523 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Phone: (831) 460-3200
- Website: www.sccrtc.org
- Services: Regional transportation planning, Highway 9 corridor studies, traffic safety initiatives
Santa Cruz County Public Works Department
- Address: 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Phone: (831) 454-2160
- Website: www.santacruzcountyca.gov
- Services: Road maintenance, traffic signal operations, roadway safety improvements
Additional Safety and Legal Resources
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Phone: 1-800-777-0133
- Website: www.dmv.ca.gov
- Services: Driver licensing, vehicle registration, safety programs
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Phone: 1-888-327-4236
- Website: www.nhtsa.gov
- Services: Vehicle safety recalls, crash test ratings, traffic safety resources
For immediate assistance with accident-related legal matters, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys at our toll-free number or through our website’s contact form.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.