Hyundai veered into southbound lane to avoid oncoming Tesla near Ford Avenue
December 29, 2025 | Fresno, CA
A tragic head-on collision claimed the lives of a Coalinga couple on Dec. 29 in Fresno County, with authorities suspecting impaired driving by the other motorist.
Carlos Pimentel, 69, and Maria Pimentel, 62, both of Coalinga, died in a head-on crash on Highway 145 south of Ford Avenue in Fresno County.
What Happened in the Crash?
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers responded to the incident around 7:30 p.m. on State Highway 145, south of Ford Avenue. The victims, Carlos Pimentel, 69, and Maria Pimentel, 62, were traveling northbound in their Hyundai when they attempted to avoid an oncoming Tesla driven by a 30-year-old Riverside resident.
- Location: State Highway 145, south of Ford Avenue, Fresno County, California
- Date and Time: Dec. 29, 2026, approximately 7:30 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Hyundai, victims' vehicle, Tesla, suspected impaired driver, and a Kenworth truck tractor, damaged but no injuries reported
- Outcome: Carlos and Maria Pimentel were pronounced dead at the scene, and the Tesla driver was arrested on charges including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
In a bid to evade the Tesla, Carlos swerved into the southbound lane, but the Tesla's driver also moved into that lane, resulting in a direct collision. The collision also affected a nearby Kenworth truck tractor.
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identities of the deceased couple from Coalinga.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes nationwide. Even subtle influences from alcohol or drugs can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, turning routine drives into deadly encounters.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2012 to 2021, an average of 10,850 people lost their lives annually in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
Year Range |
Annual Average Fatalities |
Source |
|---|
2012-2021 |
10,850 |
NHTSA |
Contributing Factors |
Impaired Driving Prevalence |
Federal Highway Administration |
Alcohol-Related Crashes |
28% of all traffic fatalities |
CDC |
This table highlights the persistent danger of impaired driving, underscoring the need for vigilant enforcement and public awareness.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving suspected impaired driving, thorough investigations are essential to uncover all contributing elements, including blood-alcohol levels.
“Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents that harm or kill others,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Beyond criminal proceedings, victims' families may seek compensation via civil lawsuits against the at-fault party.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Independent investigations help determine impairment levels and other factors.
- Attorneys can guide families through legal processes, safeguarding rights.
- Holding impaired drivers accountable prevents future tragedies.
“A wrongful death occurs when negligence leads to a fatality,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “In vehicle crashes from impaired, distracted, or reckless driving, families often pursue civil claims against the responsible driver.”
Bond Legal's analysts emphasize compassionate support during these challenging times, ensuring accountability for reckless behavior.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The CHP continues to investigate the crash, with the Tesla driver facing multiple charges. Families of those affected may explore options for wrongful death claims to cover medical, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
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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).