Nipomo, CA — April 28, 2025, Two people were killed following a car accident that occurred at around 6:30 P.M. on Orchard Road.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people dead during the evening hours of April 28th. According to official reports, Fernando Contreras was reportedly traveling the wrong direction in a Chevy Silverado on Orchard Road when the Chevy collided head-on with a Toyota Rav4 operated by Leticia Scruggs, the impact of which caused the Toyota to go off road andthe Chevrolet to roll and strike a separate vehicle.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that Contreras and Scruggs had sustained fatal injuries and they were pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash results in the deaths of two people and involves a reported wrong-way driver, it’s tempting to treat the case as straightforward. But in my experience, even when initial facts appear clear, the most important details often lie beneath the surface. A proper investigation must focus on three essential questions—each designed to uncover how the crash occurred and whether any factors beyond human error may have contributed.

First, was the crash scene thoroughly investigated? Wrong-way collisions demand careful analysis of roadway design, signage, lighting, and access points. Investigators should determine whether Orchard Road had any markings or configurations that might have contributed to a driver unintentionally entering the wrong lane of travel. It’s also important to assess visibility, traffic patterns at the time of the crash, and whether there were sufficient cues to warn a driver they were traveling in the wrong direction. In head-on collisions, establishing the exact point of impact and the final positions of the vehicles is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the crash.

Second, has there been any consideration of mechanical or electronic failure? Even in cases labeled as driver error, vehicle malfunctions can play a role. A steering defect, braking issue, or failure in the electronic stability system could affect a driver’s ability to maintain control or react appropriately. Additionally, in cases involving vehicle rollovers, investigators must examine whether the vehicle’s design or suspension system contributed to the severity of the outcome. These issues often go unnoticed unless someone takes the time to ask whether each vehicle functioned as it was supposed to under real-world conditions.

Third, has all electronic data from the involved vehicles been collected? Both the Chevy Silverado and the Toyota Rav4 are likely equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs), which store vital pre-crash information such as speed, throttle position, braking behavior, and steering input. This data can confirm or challenge assumptions about how the vehicles were being operated and whether either driver attempted evasive maneuvers. In addition to ECM data, investigators should also review any potential dash cam footage, phone usage records, or nearby surveillance cameras that might help clarify what occurred in the moments before impact.

Crashes like this, where the loss is immense and the circumstances raise serious questions, demand a detailed and disciplined investigation. These three questions—focused on the thoroughness of the scene analysis, the possibility of a vehicle defect, and the value of electronic data—form the foundation of that process. Only by answering them can we move from initial impressions to a complete understanding of the crash and what may have led to it.