One died, two injured after Explorer missed turn and rolled down embankment
December 19, 2025 | Ojai Valley, CA
Two passengers suffered injuries after a Ford Explorer veered off Fairview Road in the Ojai Valley, striking a fence, rolling down an embankment, and colliding with a tree.
The crash occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Dec. 19.
Juan Pablo Marquez Avila, 23, of Ojai, was killed in a single-vehicle Ford Explorer crash on Fairview Road in Ojai Valley that injured two passengers.
What Happened in the Crash?
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that Juan Pablo Marquez Avila was driving the SUV when it failed to navigate a left turn. The vehicle left the roadway, hit a fence, and tumbled before stopping against a tree. Avila, the driver, died at the scene, while his two passengers required medical attention—one with major injuries and the other with minor ones. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
Key details include:
- Date and Time: Dec. 19, 2025, approximately 12:45 a.m.
- Location: Fairview Road, Ojai Valley, California
- Vehicle: Ford Explorer
- Driver: Juan Pablo Marquez Avila, deceased
- Passengers: Two unidentified individuals were injured
- Injuries: One major, one minor
- Investigating Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Why Do Single-Vehicle Crashes Like This Occur?
Single-vehicle incidents often stem from factors beyond simple road conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver-related issues such as distraction, speeding, impairment, fatigue, or overcorrection play significant roles, especially on curved rural paths like Fairview Road.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that these crashes account for about 30 percent of all U.S. collisions. Environmental elements, including poor visibility at night or vehicle maintenance problems like worn tires, can exacerbate risks.
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Driver Distraction |
Taking eyes off the road, e.g., phone use |
NHTSA |
Speeding |
Exceeding safe speeds on curves |
IIHS |
Impairment |
Alcohol or drug influence |
CDC |
Drowsiness |
Fatigue leading to loss of control |
Federal Highway Administration |
Road Conditions |
Rural curves, embankments |
IIHS |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, thorough investigations are crucial to uncover contributing elements and safeguard those affected.
“An independent review soon after the crash helps preserve vital evidence and upholds the interests of those harmed,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst at Newsline. “Beyond official reports, such efforts involve witnesses, background checks on drivers, witness interviews and insurance evaluations to support recovery during challenging periods.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Preserve evidence promptly through professional channels.
- Explore all potential causes, from human error to mechanical faults.
- Seek guidance to navigate claims for medical costs, ongoing care, pain, and emotional effects.
- Understand rights under the law to pursue fair compensation.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the broader toll: “Serious injuries disrupt daily life, from family dynamics to financial stability. Victims deserve awareness of their entitlements, including remedies for physical and psychological effects.”
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).