GMC Sierra crossed double yellow lines and struck the Ford Transit van near A-25
September 03, 2026 | Lassen, CA
Christopher Rawlins, 41, of Susanville, was seriously injured Thursday when an allegedly drunken driver crossed into oncoming traffic and struck his Ford Transit van head-on on Highway 395, CHP said.
Christopher Rawlins, 41, of Susanville, was seriously injured as a passenger in a Ford Transit van struck by a GMC Sierra on Highway 395 near A-25.
What happened in the crash?
- Date: Sept. 3
- Location: Highway 395 near A-25, Lassen County, California
- Vehicles: Ford Transit van and GMC Sierra pickup truck
- Injuries: Christopher Rawlins, 41, of Susanville sustained major injuries and was taken to Renown Medical Center, the 42-year-old van driver from Sparks, Nevada, was killed
- Charges: Brian Blickenstaff, 39, arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence
According to the California Highway Patrol, Christopher Rawlins was a passenger in the Ford Transit van when the GMC Sierra pickup truck driven by Blickenstaff crossed the solid double yellow lines into the northbound lane. The van driver tried to steer right but could not avoid the head-on crash at about 8:53 a.m.
Why do these accidents happen?
Every 89 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. More than 300,000 people suffer injuries each year from crashes involving impaired drivers who experience reduced judgment, impaired vision, poor coordination, and slower reaction times.
| Source | Key Statistic | Focus Area |
|---|
| CDC | Over 11,000 deaths annually from alcohol-impaired driving | National fatalities |
| Federal Highway Administration | Head-on collisions on undivided highways account for significant rural fatalities | Roadway design |
Legal Insights
Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and national analyst with Newsline, discussed options available after serious crashes.
In cases such as this, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil claim against the responsible party. An attorney can re-interview witnesses, review any available video, and obtain records to support accountability.
Key takeaways
- Civil claims can address medical expenses and other damages
- Attorneys help protect rights during recovery
- Holding impaired drivers accountable remains a priority
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, noted the broader effects of serious injuries.
In cases such as this, the stress following a serious injury can disrupt family, work, and finances. Victims should understand what they may recover under the law, including medical costs, future care, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Lassen County, Highway 395, DUI Accident, Two-Vehicle Crash, A-25