Vehicle struck mother and child in stroller while turning right onto North Broadway
March 13, 2026 | Santa Maria, CA
In a heartbreaking collision in north Santa Maria, a mother pushing her 1-year-old daughter in a stroller was struck by a turning vehicle at a busy intersection. The young child succumbed to her injuries, while the mother sustained serious harm requiring hospital care.
Leilany Diaz Vazquez, 1, died after being struck by a vehicle while in a stroller at Fesler Street and North Broadway in Santa Maria.
The victims were identified as 30-year-old Iduau Vazquez Leal and her 1-year-old daughter, Leilany Diaz Vazquez, both residents of Santa Maria. The collision took place around 3 p.m. on March 13, when an 18-year-old local driver, who had paused in the eastbound lane of Fesler Street, made a right turn onto North Broadway. The vehicle hit the pair as they crossed on the west side of the intersection.
Iduau Vazquez Leal was rushed to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment of major injuries. To support the family through this devastating loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been established in memory of Leilany and to assist with medical expenses.
The Santa Maria Police Department’s Traffic Bureau is leading the investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Further details are pending as the investigation continues.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: March 13, approximately 3 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of North Broadway and Fesler Street, Santa Maria, California
- Victims: Iduau Vazquez Leal (30, mother, seriously injured) and Leilany Diaz Vazquez (1, child, deceased)
- Vehicle Involved: Car driven by an 18-year-old Santa Maria resident
- Sequence: Driver stopped in the eastbound lane on Fesler Street, turned right onto North Broadway, striking pedestrians with a stroller
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern, with vulnerable road users facing significant risks from motor vehicles. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities have increased at a rate nearly seven times faster than U.S. population growth over the past decade.
Common factors in such incidents include failure to yield, distracted driving, and inadequate visibility at intersections. Drivers are urged to exercise heightened caution, especially when turning or near crosswalks.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths Increase (Last Decade) |
7x U.S. Population Growth Rate |
GHSA |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities |
Over 7,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Risk at Intersections |
40% of Crashes Involve Turns |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations and legal support following pedestrian collisions.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives on motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians:
- Independent investigations by experienced attorneys are essential to preserve evidence and protect family rights in cases such as this.
- Time is critical, and prompt review of incident details can clarify fault and contributing factors.
- Families may pursue claims for wrongful death, covering loss of companionship, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Analysts note that insurance providers often push for rapid settlements below fair value, underscoring the need for vigorous advocacy to ensure fair compensation and respectful treatment.
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(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).