(Huntington Beach, CA) A 37-year-old man was killed Tuesday afternoon, December 2, in a Goldenwest Street collision that involved seven vehicles and left several others injured, including two Orange County Probation Department officers.
According to Huntington Beach Police Department spokeswoman Jessica Cuchilla, the crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of Goldenwest Street and Heil Avenue. Investigators said a gray Tesla Model 3 traveled eastbound on Heil Avenue at a high rate of speed. At some point, the driver lost control while crossing the intersection. The Tesla struck multiple vehicles, and debris from the impact hit several nearby cars. The Tesla rolled over several times and came to rest east of the intersection.
When Huntington Beach Fire Department personnel arrived, they pronounced the Tesla driver dead at the scene. Witnesses told reporters the Tesla may have been traveling over 100 miles per hour before clipping another vehicle at the intersection.
Paramedics transported three other victims, including one Orange County Probation officer, to local hospitals in stable condition, while treating several others at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Overview on the Goldenwest Street Collision
In cases involving excessive speed and multiple vehicles, investigators review several key California traffic laws. The Basic Speed Law requires motorists to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for conditions. Driving at an excessively high rate of speed in a populated intersection poses extreme danger to others and is often a major factor in fatal crashes.
The Reckless Driving Law prohibits operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. When a driver is traveling at extreme speeds and loses control, this law often applies.
Investigators may also consider the Following-Too-Closely Law if the collision sequence involved unsafe spacing between vehicles. Each of these statutes will help Huntington Beach Police determine what led to the Goldenwest Street collision and whether criminal charges or further findings are warranted.
Support for the Families
Families of those affected should remain in contact with the Huntington Beach Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team for updates and to request the official collision report once it becomes available. This report will provide essential details about the crash sequence and investigative conclusions.
The California Victim Compensation Board offers assistance to families who lose loved ones in fatal collisions, including financial help for funeral expenses, counseling, and other needs.
Additionally, consulting a wrongful-death or personal-injury attorney experienced in high-speed or multi-vehicle crashes may help victims’ families understand their rights and legal options.
Above all, take time to lean on community support and counseling resources in Orange County, which can provide emotional strength and guidance during this difficult time following the tragic Goldenwest Street collision.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
