Initial reports indicated that the other driver—a 21-year-old woman behind the wheel of a blue 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300—had crossed into Shanahan's lane, causing the head-on collision, and was determined to be at fault. However, Shanahan said Tuesday that those reports were incorrect.
The 49ers coach admitted he was responsible for the crash. While driving his black 2023 Tesla Model S, Shanahan said he briefly took his eyes off the road to retrieve his phone after it slid off his lap. During that moment, his vehicle drifted into oncoming traffic, causing the collision with the Mercedes-Benz.
"I took my eyes off the road looking for my phone, and my car veered," Shanahan said, per Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group. "It was one of those roads where there's no (median)."
He added that a clerical error resulted in police records incorrectly assigning fault to the other driver.
Shanahan wanted to set the record straight.
"It crushed me hearing the (other driver) got blamed for it and to hear people think people are hiding stuff for me," Shanahan said.
The accident reportedly occurred about six miles from his home. Shanahan suffered a broken nose, three broken ribs, a broken hand, facial lacerations requiring 40 stitches, and a severe concussion. According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, Shanahan spent eight to 10 hours in the hospital and required plastic surgery.
"I was driving 20 miles per hour," Shanahan said. "I was not on my phone, but I dropped my phone, and it was stuck in my seats. It was on my lap, and it slid off. I went down to look for it and took my eyes off the road for two seconds, and as I was coming up, the airbag hit me in my face and broke my nose, and they said the visor really gashed me."
Shanahan provided an update on his recovery, saying he continues to heal but is still dealing with lingering concussion symptoms. Those effects have kept him from performing his normal duties during training camp, as he remains sensitive to loud noises, including music during practice and multiple people talking at the same time.
However, brightness isn't as bothersome, so Shanahan has been able to briefly observe the 49ers' first two training camp practices—about 30 minutes on Sunday and roughly 45 minutes on Monday.
"My brain is still there," Shanahan said. "It's just concussed. It's getting there."
In the meantime, assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster has taken over as the team's interim head coach.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan reacts to Jed York arrest, addresses team impact
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters on Tuesday, marking his first media availability since news broke of team owner Jed York's arrest in the Youngstown, Ohio, area on Sunday morning. York pleaded no contest Monday morning to two misdemeanor charges:... -
Why 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan calls the organization 'refreshing,' even amid drama
The San Francisco 49ers have endured a drama-filled 2026 offseason. There have been bizarre actions involving wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who remains on the team's reserve/left squad list. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was also involved in a car accident in July, limiting his... -
49ers injury report: Kyle Shanahan provides updates on Mike Evans, Nick Bosa, several others
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan planned to allow most of his starters to sit out Thursday night's preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. For many, that is good news, as the team is dealing with several injuries. Shanahan spoke to reporters after Tuesday's... -
49ers injury news: Kyle Shanahan provides 3 key updates after win over Raiders
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after Thursday night's 18-12 preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, providing three key injury updates from the game. Rookie cornerback Ephesians Prysock, a fourth-round pick in the 2026...