Passenger Killed in Crash at Highway 246 and Domingos Road
BUELLTON, CA, (September 05, 2025) - Authorities arrested a driver Friday night after a two-vehicle crash that killed his passenger near the intersection of Highway 246 and Domingos Road.
North Hills resident Jesus Moises Martinez Chavira was arrested after a crash at State Route 246 and Domingos Road that left a passenger dead.
According to the California Highway Patrol, 46-year-old Jesus Moises Martinez Chavira of North Hills was driving a Tesla Model S eastbound on State Route 246 around 6:54 p.m. when it collided with a westbound Ford F-150 at the intersection.
The passenger in the Tesla, whose identity has not been released, died at the scene from fatal injuries. Martinez Chavira was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time and was taken into custody.
“We grieve with the families affected by this tragic incident,” said Lt. Jason Bronson, commander of the CHP’s Buellton Area Office.
FATAL TWO-VEHICLE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Authorities continue to investigate the fatal crash as a family grieves. The CHP said that all appropriate criminal charges will be explored.
Sadly, about 36,000 people die in motor vehicle accidents each year in this country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a common cause of fatal crashes, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, said in such cases that it’s important for a full independent investigation to be conducted by an experienced attorney. It allows victims and families of victims to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client.
Bond, a national analyst for The Legal Advocate, stressed that no amount of money will compensate for the tragic loss of a loved one. Still, it's imperative that victims and families of victims are properly represented.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims and families of victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth,” Bond added. “They are financially motivated to limit compensation and do not factor in the long-term consequences and suffering that a family will ultimately experience. Attorneys vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Based on available information, the family of the passenger is likely entitled to a wrongful death claim, which may cover funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
“A wrongful death claim is a civil action for financial damages brought by the estate or relatives of the deceased,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “A civil case is separate from a criminal case and follows its own legal process.”
“The passenger’s family may also file a claim with the insurance company of the vehicle they were riding in if the driver is found liable,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “This does not affect their own insurance policy, as the claim is made against a policy that is not theirs.”
If a reckless driver has caused injury or death to you or a loved one, Candice Bond is available for a no-cost consultation to help you understand your options.
(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, Fatal Crash, Passenger, Buellton, Ford F-150, Tesla, Domingos Road, State Route 246