Passenger died after SUV lost control and hit a tree near Cotati
November 13, 2025 | Cotati, CA
Authorities in Cotati, California, have taken a 23-year-old woman from Petaluma into custody after a single-vehicle collision claimed the life of her male passenger late on a Thursday evening.
What Happened in the Crash?
Angel Torres, 23, of Petaluma, was arrested on suspicion of DUI after her SUV hit a tree on Stony Point Road in Cotati, killing a male passenger
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that Angel Torres was operating an SUV along Stony Point Road when the vehicle veered off the roadway and collided with a tree. The crash resulted in the immediate death of the unidentified male passenger seated beside her.
- Date and Time: Nov. 13, 2025, Occurred late Thursday
- Location: Stony Point Road near Cotati, Sonoma County
- Vehicle Involved: SUV driven by Angel Torres
- Injuries: One male passenger killed, the driver hospitalized, and arrested
- Suspected Cause: Driving under the influence of alcohol
Torres sustained injuries in the wreck and was rushed to a nearby hospital. There, law enforcement confirmed her impairment due to alcohol consumption, leading to her arrest on suspicion of DUI.
Why Do Single-Vehicle Accidents Like This Occur?
Single-vehicle crashes represent a significant portion of roadway incidents, often stemming from driver-related factors. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these accidents highlight the dangers of impaired driving and loss of control.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of crashes that are single-vehicle |
16.8% |
NHTSA |
Driver error contribution to single-vehicle crashes |
94% |
NHTSA |
Underreporting of single-vehicle incidents |
Common due to insurance concerns |
NHTSA |
Annual U.S. roadway fatalities from impaired driving |
Over 10,000 |
CDC |
The NHTSA notes that many single-vehicle accidents go unreported unless injuries occur, potentially underestimating the true scale. Impaired driving remains a leading contributor, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and enforcement.
Legal Insights on Fatal Single-Vehicle Crashes
Newsline's national legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on motor vehicle incidents involving impairment. In cases such as this, thorough investigations are crucial to uncover contributing factors and support affected parties.
“Time is of the essence in reviewing evidence after a crash,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “A seasoned attorney can hire expert witnesses, conduct background checks, locate witnesses, and assess insurance coverage to guide families compassionately while safeguarding their rights.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Prompt independent investigations preserve critical evidence before it degrades.
- Professional analysis can identify road conditions, vehicle defects, or driver behavior as factors.
- Legal representation ensures families receive updates on official probes and protect their interests.
- Resources like driver records and witness statements strengthen potential claims.
Potential Wrongful Death Claims in DUI-Related Incidents
Families of those lost in accidents caused by impaired drivers may pursue wrongful death claims to seek compensation. This can cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“The grief following such a loss is immense, and protecting legal rights is essential,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “A wrongful death attorney will monitor investigations and advocate for the best interests of grieving families.”
Newsline underscores the importance of consulting professionals to navigate these complex matters.
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(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).