Lucia Vicente dies in pedestrian accident on Point San Pedro Road

Woman crossing roadway struck by pickup truck traveling east on Summit Avenue

January 14, 2026 | San Rafael, CA

Lucia Jennifer Blandina Sontay Vicente, a 19-year-old San Rafael resident, was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.

Lucia Jennifer Blandina Sontay Vicente, 19, of San Rafael, was killed when a Toyota Tundra struck her at Point San Pedro Road and Summit Avenue in San Rafael.

What Happened in the Crash?

Authorities report that Sontay Vicente was walking across Point San Pedro Road at Summit Avenue around 8:30 a.m. when an eastbound Toyota Tundra pickup truck collided with her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A recent 2025 graduate of San Rafael High School, Sontay Vicente's death has prompted an ongoing investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Key details include:

• Date and Time: Jan. 14, approximately 8:30 a.m.
• Location: Point San Pedro Road at Summit Avenue, San Rafael
• Vehicle Involved: Toyota Tundra pickup truck
• Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Marin County Sheriff's Office Coroner Division
• Victim: Lucia Jennifer Blandina Sontay Vicente, 19, of San Rafael

Further information about the circumstances remains limited as the investigation continues.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian fatalities have surged in recent years, outpacing population growth significantly. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), walking deaths rose at a rate nearly seven times higher than U.S. population increases over the past decade.

Common factors in such incidents include:

• Driver failure to yield at intersections
• High-speed travel in residential areas
• Distracted driving behaviors
• Inadequate lighting or signage at crosswalks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that vulnerable road users face heightened risks compared to those in vehicles, underscoring the need for heightened driver vigilance.

Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes

In motor vehicle incidents involving pedestrians, independent investigations play a vital role in clarifying fault and preserving evidence.

“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 at Bond Legal.

Key takeaways:

• Drivers must always yield to pedestrians, especially in crosswalks.
• Time-sensitive evidence collection is essential to determine liability.
• Families may pursue claims for lost income, companionship, and emotional distress.

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic accident.”

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