Mountain View, CA – On the morning of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, a collision on State Route 85 resulted in at least one fatality, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 8:19 AM near the southbound interchange of State Route 85 and State Route 82 (El Camino Real).
Preliminary logs indicate a pedestrian may have entered the roadway from a nearby bike path under El Camino Real, near the Extended Stay America property.
Multiple units, including CHP and Santa Clara County medical examiners, responded to the area. At least one fatality was confirmed by the Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office.
Further details about the identity of the deceased have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and it is currently unclear how the individual entered the traffic lanes.
Motorists experienced delays as several lanes were closed for the investigation. Authorities are asking any witnesses or individuals with relevant dashcam footage to contact the California Highway Patrol.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for bicyclists with whom they share the road and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a bicycle accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is subject to only partial liability in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
