Vehicle struck pedestrian in crosswalk at 17th Avenue
January 23, 2026 | San Mateo, CA
A 62-year-old resident of Redwood City lost her life after being struck by a vehicle in San Mateo.
Authorities reported the incident occurred during a routine morning commute, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety at busy intersections.
Veronica Vasquez, 62, of Redwood City, died after being struck in a crosswalk by a vehicle turning onto South El Camino Real at 17th Avenue in San Mateo.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision took place around 10:30 a.m. when a driver attempted a northbound turn from Bovet Road onto South El Camino Real. The pedestrian was crossing in the marked north crosswalk at the intersection with 17th Avenue.
- Victim: Veronica Vasquez, 62, from Redwood City
- Location: South El Camino Real and 17th Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Time: Approximately 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 23
- Vehicle Action: Northbound turn from Bovet Road
- Outcome: Vasquez sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, examining factors such as driver attentiveness and intersection conditions.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities remain a significant issue on U.S. roadways, often due to a combination of driver error, infrastructure challenges, and high traffic volumes. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), preventable actions by motorists can reduce these tragedies.
Recent data underscores the urgency:
- In the first half of 2024, 2,304 pedestrians were fatally struck by vehicles nationwide.
- Common causes include failure to yield, distracted driving, and poor visibility at turns.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths (H1 2024) |
2,304 |
GHSA Report |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities (2023 Est.) |
About 7,500 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Percentage of Crashes Involving Turns |
25% |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
This table highlights the scale of the problem and the need for enhanced safety measures at intersections like South El Camino Real.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian collision cases to ensure accountability and support for affected families.
“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. Bond noted that it’s imperative to have an independent investigation 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.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Drivers must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks to prevent avoidable harm.
- Independent legal reviews can uncover hidden factors, such as signage or lighting issues.
- Families may pursue compensation for losses, including medical costs and emotional effects.
Potential for Wrongful Death Claims
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of the victim may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. “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,” said Formica. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
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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).