[01-02-2026] Santa Barbara County, CA – Three Injured After Vehicle Crashes Into Tree on Highway 101 North of Buellton

Three people were injured after a vehicle crashed into a tree on Highway 101 north of Buellton in Santa Barbara County on Friday morning, January 2, 2026.

According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, a vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 101 crashed into a tree and caught fire around 10:23 a.m. north of Highway 154. 

Fire crews extricated three occupants from the vehicle. Authorities said one person suffered critical injuries, while two others sustained injuries described as minor to moderate. All three were transported by American Medical Response ambulances to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria.

The identities of those injured were not released, and additional details about their conditions were not available. The California Highway Patrol temporarily reduced traffic to one lane as emergency crews responded.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?

Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:

• Check yourself for any injuries.
• Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
• Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
• Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
• Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.