13/09/2025
Ellen DeGeneres Sued for Negligence After Allegedly Running Stop Sign, T-Boning Driver
**Los Angeles, CA —** Daytime talk show icon Ellen DeGeneres is facing a new legal battle after a driver filed a negligence lawsuit against her, claiming she caused a serious car accident by running a stop sign. According to court documents obtained by entertainment outlets on Friday, the incident reportedly occurred earlier this summer on a quiet street in Santa Barbara County, where DeGeneres owns property.
The plaintiff, identified in the suit as **Maria Sanchez**, alleges that DeGeneres was behind the wheel of a black Porsche SUV when she failed to obey a clearly marked stop sign and slammed into Sanchez’s vehicle, striking it on the driver’s side in a T-bone collision. The complaint states that Sanchez suffered “significant injuries to her neck, back, and right shoulder” and that her vehicle was totaled.
> “Ms. DeGeneres approached the intersection at an unsafe speed, failed to yield the right-of-way, and struck my client’s car with enough force to spin it nearly 180 degrees,” Sanchez’s attorney, **Robert Kline**, said in a statement. “This crash was entirely preventable had Ms. DeGeneres exercised reasonable care.”
# # # **Details of the Alleged Crash**
The lawsuit claims the accident occurred in late June at an intersection known locally for limited visibility due to hedges and tight corners. Witnesses reportedly told investigators they saw a luxury SUV “blow through” the stop sign moments before the collision. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly confirmed whether DeGeneres received a citation, but the lawsuit states that responding deputies noted “failure to stop” as a contributing factor.
Sanchez was reportedly transported to a local hospital for evaluation and later began physical therapy for her injuries. She is seeking unspecified compensatory damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
# # # **Ellen’s Representative Responds**
A spokesperson for DeGeneres told People magazine that the 66-year-old comedian and former talk show host is “aware of the allegations” but disputes the characterization of the incident.
> “Ellen is cooperating fully with the insurance process and has expressed her concern for everyone involved,” the spokesperson said. “She strongly denies driving recklessly or negligently.”
The statement did not directly address whether DeGeneres ran the stop sign. Legal experts note that civil lawsuits of this nature often take months or years to resolve and may ultimately settle outside of court.
# # # **A Shift for the Once-Beloved Host**
The accident and subsequent lawsuit mark another difficult chapter for DeGeneres, whose public image has taken hits in recent years. Once celebrated as the “Queen of Nice” for her cheerful daytime persona, DeGeneres faced intense scrutiny in 2020 amid allegations of a toxic work environment on *The Ellen DeGeneres Show*. The Emmy-winning program ended its run in 2022 after 19 seasons.
Since then, DeGeneres has largely kept a lower profile, occasionally sharing glimpses of her life with wife Portia de Rossi on social media and appearing at charity events. Reports of her involvement in a serious car accident have reignited media attention.
# # # **What’s Next**
Legal analysts suggest that DeGeneres could attempt to settle with Sanchez privately to avoid a prolonged trial, especially given the publicity surrounding her name. However, if the case proceeds, both sides will likely present traffic camera footage (if available), accident reconstruction reports, and witness testimony to determine fault.
California law requires drivers to stop fully at stop signs and yield to any vehicle with the right-of-way. A T-bone collision—where one car strikes the side of another—is often considered evidence of failure to yield or reckless driving, though attorneys for DeGeneres could argue contributory negligence if they believe Sanchez also contributed to the crash.
Sanchez’s attorney emphasized that the suit isn’t about celebrity or money but accountability:
> “No one is above the law,” Kline said. “Whether you’re a famous entertainer or an everyday citizen, you have a duty to drive safely and follow traffic rules. My client’s life has been disrupted because of this preventable accident.”
DeGeneres has not publicly commented on the matter through her own platforms. Her representatives declined to answer further questions about potential settlement talks or insurance claims.
# # # **Community Reaction**
News of the lawsuit has sparked mixed reactions online. Fans of DeGeneres expressed sympathy for both parties, with some defending her as a responsible driver who may have made a mistake, while others criticized her for what they see as a pattern of privileged behavior.
Traffic safety advocates also seized on the story to highlight the dangers of failing to stop at intersections. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), stop-sign violations account for thousands of crashes annually in the United States, many resulting in serious injury or death.
# # # **Conclusion**
As the case unfolds, Ellen DeGeneres faces renewed public scrutiny and potential financial liability. While celebrity-related car accidents often make headlines, the underlying issue—driver attentiveness and adherence to traffic laws—affects everyone. For now, Sanchez continues her recovery while DeGeneres’ legal team prepares its response. The court has not yet set a trial date, but both parties are expected to attend a preliminary hearing in the coming month.
