Pleasanton, CA (January 4, 2025) – On Saturday, January 4, 2025, a tragic accident claimed the life of 17-year-old Daniel Hernández Alvarado of Pleasanton.
Accident Details: According to the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau, Alvarado drove a BMW 535i that crashed into a tree at high speed on Del Valle Road. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m., when Alvarado’s vehicle veered across the southbound lanes and struck a tree on the right shoulder of Del Valle Road, south of Mendenhall Road and the Del Valle Regional Reservoir entrance booth. Alvarado was pronounced dead at the scene.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several critical questions must be answered to understand the cause of this tragic accident fully:
- Speed and Loss of Control: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed that the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed before it left the roadway and struck the tree. Investigators must determine whether speed was the only factor contributing to the crash or if there were other underlying causes, such as mechanical failure or road conditions.
- Potential for Additional Factors: While the CHP has confirmed that speed was a key element, it remains unclear why the vehicle crossed the opposite lane and collided with the tree. A full investigation into the vehicle’s condition, road design, and visibility could shed light on other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Wrongful Death: Given the circumstances of this accident, Daniel’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if it is determined that someone else’s negligence played a role in the crash. This negligence could include potential liability from the vehicle’s manufacturer if mechanical failure is a contributing factor or from any other parties responsible for maintaining the road if unsafe conditions played a role in the accident.
Alvarado, a student at Foothill High School, was remembered as a bright and kind-hearted young man whose life was taken far too soon. His family has created a GoFundMe campaign created to help with final expenses. Please contribute if you can. I offer my deepest condolences to Daniel Hernández Alvarado’s family, friends, and the Foothill High School community.
Source: Pleasanton Weekly