San Mateo, California (March 28, 2026) — A father and two children were struck by a pickup truck while walking in a crosswalk Saturday evening near San Mateo High School, according to local reports.
The injured adult was identified as Ramon Sandoval. Family members reported that his 8-year-old and 16-year-old children were also affected. The children have now been discharged from the hospital, but Sandoval was initially said to be in the ICU.
The crash happened around 7:30 p.m. at North Delaware and State streets in San Mateo.
Incident Details: According to ABC7 News, Sandoval and the two children were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when they were hit by a pickup truck. The driver remained at the scene. Family members said Sandoval suffered serious injuries, and his daughter, Ashley Madrigal, told reporters that he was in significant pain and wanted to recover so he could return home to his family.
The two children were hospitalized after the crash but were later released. Public reporting identified them only by age, 8 and 16. Community members and pedestrian safety advocates said the intersection has long raised concerns due to its design and the risks it poses to pedestrians.
Investigation: In a crash like this, investigators will likely focus on whether the driver yielded the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalk, along with visibility, speed, and the overall layout of the intersection. In a case involving children and an adult struck near a school, those details take on even more importance.
Investigators may also review surveillance footage, witness statements, roadway design, sightlines, and whether parked cars or other conditions made it harder for the driver to see pedestrians entering the crosswalk. Because advocates say concerns about this intersection were raised before the collision, another important question may be whether the location had a known history of danger that should have prompted safety improvements sooner. This is the kind of crash that deserves a full examination of both driver conduct and roadway conditions.
Legal Considerations: Crosswalk collisions often raise serious liability issues because drivers are generally expected to watch for pedestrians and yield to them when they are lawfully crossing the street. If the evidence shows that the pickup driver failed to yield, was inattentive, or was traveling too fast for the circumstances, Sandoval and the two children may have strong personal injury claims.
If the investigation shows that the intersection had dangerous conditions that contributed to the crash, there may also be questions about whether a public entity shares responsibility. Claims involving a city or other government agency can be more complicated and often involve shorter deadlines, which makes early investigation especially important.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, Ramon Sandoval and the injured children may have a valid opportunity to pursue personal injury claims for compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term effects of their injuries. A civil claim can also help a family obtain answers and hold accountable those responsible for a preventable crash.
My deepest condolences and best wishes go out to Ramon Sandoval and his family, and I hope the children continue to recover.
Source: ABC7 News