San Mateo, California (January 23, 2026) — A late-morning pedestrian collision at one of San Mateo’s busiest corridors claimed the life of Veronica Vasquez, a 62-year-old Redwood City resident who was struck by a vehicle while crossing an intersection along El Camino Real, according to the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office.
Incident Details: The fatal crash occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. Friday at the intersection of 17th Avenue and El Camino Real. San Mateo police said Vasquez was struck by a vehicle under circumstances that have not yet been fully detailed.
Emergency responders transported Vasquez to a local hospital with serious injuries. Despite medical efforts, she later died as a result of those injuries. Authorities have not released information regarding the driver involved, the direction of travel, or whether Vasquez was crossing within a marked crosswalk at the time she was struck.
Following the collision, police diverted northbound traffic on El Camino Real onto eastbound 17th Avenue and rerouted southbound traffic to West Borel Avenue. The roadway closures remained in place for several hours while officers investigated and cleared the scene. All lanes were reopened by approximately 1:36 p.m.
No arrests were announced, and the collision remains under investigation.
Investigation: San Mateo police continue to investigate the circumstances of the fatal collision. In pedestrian crashes at major arterial intersections, investigators typically focus on right-of-way, traffic signal timing, and pedestrian visibility within the roadway.
Investigators will examine physical evidence like vehicle damage, debris, impact point, and traffic signal data at 17th Avenue and El Camino Real to determine Vasquez’s position and crossing status. Since the crash was during the day, they will also assess sightlines and environmental factors, including obstacles like traffic, buses, parked cars, or landscaping, which could impair the driver’s visibility and reaction time.
Speed and driver attentiveness are key focus areas. Even at posted limits, speed can be a factor where reaction time is limited. Police will review whether distraction, delayed braking, or failure to yield contributed to the collision.
Legal Considerations: Pedestrian fatalities along major thoroughfares, such as El Camino Real, raise serious concerns about roadway safety and driver responsibility. Pedestrian crashes remain a persistent issue on California’s major corridors, particularly for older adults who may require more time to cross wide intersections. Determining liability may involve evaluating whether the driver exercised reasonable care, complied with traffic signals, and yielded appropriately to pedestrians lawfully using the intersection.
Even in the absence of criminal charges, a motorist may be liable in civil court if they failed to maintain a proper lookout or did not adjust their driving behavior for conditions where pedestrian traffic is expected.
For the family of Veronica Vasquez, a wrongful death claim may be pursued, pending the outcome of the investigation, to address medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional and financial impact. While no legal action can undo the loss of a loved one, accountability can acknowledge the harm caused and promote safer conditions for others.
My deepest condolences to Veronica Vasquez’s family and loved ones during their time of mourning.
Source: Patch San Mateo