62-Year-Old Pedestrian Killed in Sunday Home Avenue Crash
CITY HEIGHTS, CA, (August 24, 2025) - A 62-year-old woman died Sunday night in central San Diego's City Heights neighborhood after being struck by multiple vehicles, authorities reported. The victim has been identified as Maria Mercado Alvarez.
Maria Mercado Alvarez, 62, was killed Sunday night in City Heights after being struck by a vehicle, authorities reported.
Preliminary investigations indicate Alvarez was crossing the 4500 block of Home Avenue around 8:17 p.m. when she was hit by westbound traffic. She suffered fatal blunt force injuries and died at the scene.
No information has been released regarding the driver, and authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Each year, thousands of pedestrians are killed on U.S. roads—a crisis driven by factors such as reckless driver behavior, inadequate infrastructure, and roads designed primarily for cars. Between 2009 and 2023, pedestrian deaths rose a staggering 80%, while all other traffic fatalities increased 13%, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
“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, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that it’s imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. The family of Maria Mercado Alvarez may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims can seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” Bond said.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims into accepting a quick payout far below the true value of the case,” Bond noted. “An attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure they are treated with respect and fairly compensated.”
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).