San Carlos, CA (November 16, 2024) – On Saturday morning, November 16, 2024, 31-year-old Andrea Vallebueno of Palo Alto tragically lost her life in a collision.
Accident Details: The accident occurred on Holly Street near the U.S. Highway 101 overpass in San Carlos. Emergency responders transported Vallebueno to the hospital, but her injuries proved fatal. The driver involved remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation Team.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that a thorough investigation is critical to determining liability. Key factors to examine in this case include:
- Visibility and Traffic Conditions: Was Andrea visible to the driver, and were proper safety measures, such as bike lanes or lighting, present on Holly Street? Traffic patterns and roadway design near the busy overpass will also be relevant in assessing contributing factors.
- Driver Behavior: While the driver remained on the scene and cooperated, investigators will review whether speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield contributed to the crash.
- Role of Infrastructure: The crash occurred near a highway overpass, which could involve narrow lanes or heavy traffic flow. Investigators may examine whether the location posed inherent risks to bicyclists. Improper warnings to cyclists may implicate the local municipality.
Andrea Vallebueno’s family may consider a wrongful death claim to seek accountability for her tragic loss. Such a claim is appropriate when another’s negligence was the cause of the accident. They may be able to recover compensation for emotional and financial impacts.
I extend my deepest sympathies to Andrea Vallebueno’s loved ones during this challenging time.
Source: CBS News