In Marin County, a groundbreaking legal action has put the spotlight on road safety in Woodacre. The April 18, 2025 crash claimed the lives of four teenage girls.
Robert Katz, father of victim Sienna Katz, filed Marin County’s first lawsuit related to the Woodacre tragedy. He argues that hazardous conditions along San Geronimo Valley Drive created a foreseeable risk that helped cause the deaths.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
The suit names both the 17-year-old driver from Fairfax and Marin County as defendants. It’s shaping up to be a high-stakes clash over responsibility, safety, and governance in rural Marin.
Overview of the case and defendants
Residents from Fairfax to San Geronimo and beyond are watching closely as prosecutors and defense lawyers push forward a case that blends highway safety with local governance. The plaintiff says dangerous road conditions, along with inadequate warning and infrastructure, created a risk that led to the fatal crash near Woodacre.
The driver, a juvenile at the time, now faces criminal charges. These include a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter count and traffic infractions for unsafe speed and breaking provisional license restrictions.
The CHP’s report says the driver was going 60–65 mph on a 40 mph curve. That’s a lot, especially for someone with limited experience on San Geronimo Valley Drive.
No evidence of a second vehicle appears in the report. Still, relatives dispute this, saying they saw oncoming headlights before the crash and questioning whether license-plate reader data was preserved.
Alleged road hazards at the center of the lawsuit
The core allegations in the Marin County suit focus on several hazardous conditions along San Geronimo Valley Drive near Woodacre. Plaintiffs argue these were foreseeable risks for drivers, especially young or inexperienced ones.
- Large redwood trees close to the roadway, which limit sightlines and can cause debris or obstruction
- Lack of guardrails or barriers in key spots where curves and drop-offs are present
- Insufficient warning signage alerting drivers to sharp curves and potential hazards
Who is involved and what each side is saying
The complaint names the Fairfax teenager who was driving and Marin County as defendants. The county faces allegations tied to liability for road conditions and safety measures.
Prosecutor Cassandra Edwards filed a motion seeking personnel records for CHP officers involved in the investigation. Judge James Chou scheduled a hearing on that for March 11.
County Counsel Brian Washington told reporters that officials are reviewing the complaint and preparing to defend the county’s actions. He pointed out that supervisors had already approved safety measures after the crash.
Defense counsel Charles Dresow criticized the CHP’s report, calling it flawed and incomplete. He argues that investigators didn’t pursue all leads and that crucial data might not have been preserved.
The defense says further investigation is needed to understand what happened. They want to know if road design, not just driver error, played a larger role.
Safety improvements and ongoing impact across Marin County
After the Woodacre crash, Marin County started moving faster to slow down traffic and add more warnings along San Geronimo Valley Drive. In December, the county dropped the speed limit on one stretch to 30 mph and put up new warning signs near where the crash happened.
These changes aren’t just about one road. They’re part of a bigger effort all over Marin County—from Fairfax and San Anselmo down toward San Rafael—to make roads safer, especially those winding, beautiful routes that cut through hills and valleys.
People living in Woodacre, San Geronimo Valley, and nearby towns have been paying close attention. Supervisors keep talking about whether to add more upgrades to prevent another tragedy.
The case is still unfolding, and folks from Fairfax to Greenbrae and beyond are watching both the courtroom and the roads. The outcome might nudge officials to add more protections on other rural stretches, like spots near Mill Valley, Tiburon, and Corte Madera that have the same tricky mix of scenery and risk.
Honestly, it’s hard not to notice the constant push and pull between the gorgeous landscapes and the real dangers of driving in Marin. That’s just how it is for a lot of neighborhoods around here.
Note: This blog post reflects ongoing reporting on a developing legal matter in Marin County. For readers in Larkspur, Tamalpais Valley, and the broader North Bay, updates will continue to be posted as new information becomes available.
Here is the source article for this story: Woodacre crash victim’s father sues driver, county
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
