Toyota SUV struck bicyclist during left turn attempt onto Crespi Lane
December 05, 2025 | Monterey, CA
Seth Pollack, a 66-year-old Monterey resident and longtime leader at California State University, Monterey Bay, lost his life in a tragic bicycle accident involving a black Toyota SUV.
What Happened in the Crash?
Seth Pollack, 66, died when a black Toyota SUV struck his bicycle in a head-on crash on 17 Mile Drive near Crespi Lane.
The incident unfolded on Dec. 5 when Pollack was riding his bicycle westbound on 17 Mile Drive in Monterey. At around 9:17 a.m., a 62-year-old driver from Pebble Beach was heading south on the same road and attempted a left turn onto Crespi Lane. The SUV collided head-on with Pollack's bicycle, resulting in fatal injuries at the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol.
- Location: 17 Mile Drive at Crespi Lane, Monterey, CA
- Date and Time: Dec. 5, 2025, approximately 9:17 a.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Bicycle operated by Seth Pollack and black Toyota SUV driven by a 62-year-old woman
- Injuries: Pollack pronounced dead at the scene, and the SUV driver hospitalized with undisclosed injuries
- Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP) leading the investigation
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office confirmed Pollack's identity.
Who Was Seth Pollack?
Pollack served as the founder and leader of CSUMB's Service Learning Institute for 25 years. His contributions to education and community service left a lasting effect on the university and beyond.
Why Do Bicycle Accidents Like This Occur?
Bicycle crashes often stem from factors such as road design favoring cars, driver inattention, and visibility issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a rise in cyclist fatalities, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures.
Year |
Cyclist Fatalities (U.S.) |
Percentage Change |
Source |
|---|
2022 |
1,105 |
Not Available |
NHTSA |
2023 |
1,166 |
+4.4% |
NHTSA |
Data highlights the growing risks for cyclists on shared roadways, with 2023 marking the highest recorded deaths since at least 1980.
Legal Insights on Bicycle Crashes
National legal analysts provide perspective on navigating the aftermath of such incidents.
"Bicyclists face unique vulnerabilities on roads designed primarily for motor vehicles," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "Determining the precise causes of these accidents requires thorough review of evidence, including insurance details and witness accounts."
- Independent investigations help preserve critical evidence early on.
- Legal support can assist families in exploring compensation for loss and distress.
- Professionals recommend prompt action to evaluate contributing factors beyond initial police reports.
In cases such as this, it's vital to guide affected families through complex legal processes, said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. "Compassionate resources ensure rightful restitution amid grief."
The CHP continues its investigation into potential factors like speed or turning maneuvers.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience with fatal bicycle accidents. She offers free consultations to those in need of legal guidance.
(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).