Hollister, CA (January 14, 2025) – On Tuesday night, three Hollister High School students lost their lives in a devastating collision on Shore Road near Lake Road, just outside Gilroy. The victims were identified as Anzhel Villegas-Lemus, 17, Victor Lujan, 17, and Brandon Alarcon, 18, by the San Benito County Sheriff.
Accident Details: The California Highway Patrol reported that the teens’ car veered into oncoming traffic at a curve in the road, colliding head-on with another vehicle. The crash resulted in the deaths of three teens, while a fourth passenger, seated in the front, survived and was airlifted to a trauma center in critical condition. The driver of the other vehicle, a woman in her mid-20s, sustained serious injuries. Shore Road, a rural two-lane road with poor nighttime visibility, has a history of fatal accidents, including collisions in 2004, 2016, and 2019.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several factors must be examined to uncover what caused this loss and who may bear responsibility.
- Driver Behavior: Investigators must evaluate whether driver error contributed to the vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic. Potential factors include distracted driving, speeding, or fatigue.
- Mechanical Defects: Additionally, the possibility of a mechanical defect in the vehicle—such as brake failure, a tire blowout, or steering malfunction—must be explored. If such a defect is found, the manufacturer or maintenance provider may bear partial liability for the crash.
- Municipal Liability for Road Conditions: Shore Road has been the site of several fatal crashes, which raises questions about whether the municipality has addressed known hazards in the area. Poor visibility, especially at night, and the sharp curves along the road are critical concerns. If the government entity responsible for maintaining the road was aware of its dangers—through crash history or community complaints—it had a duty to mitigate those risks.
The families of Anzhel Villegas-Lemus, Victor Lujan, and Brandon Alarcon may be able to file wrongful death claims. These claims could address funeral expenses and the emotional pain caused by the loss of a loved one. Depending on the facts, the injured may be able to file a personal injury claim.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Anzhel Villegas-Lemus, Victor Lujan, and Brandon Alarcon during this incredibly difficult time. I wish the injured individuals a fast recovery.
Source: KRON 4