In a tragic incident on Monday, March 24, 2025, a deadly hit-and-run collision occurred on Bayshore Boulevard in Brisbane, resulting in one fatality and one injury. The early morning crash, which involved three vehicles, has led to multiple serious charges against the driver, who allegedly fled the scene.


Fatal Hit-and-Run Collision on Bayshore Boulevard: Legal Implications and Victim Rights 1

Timeline of the Bayshore Boulevard Incident

First responders arrived at the 3700 block of Bayshore Boulevard at approximately 5:15 a.m. following reports of a multi-vehicle collision. Emergency personnel discovered three vehicles involved in the crash and immediately transported two injured drivers to a nearby hospital. Tragically, a 60-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries, while a 35-year-old man remains hospitalized in stable condition.

According to the Brisbane Police Department, the third driver fled the scene before authorities arrived. Following investigation, police identified and arrested a 37-year-old Burlingame resident who now faces multiple serious charges, including hit-and-run causing injury, hit-and-run causing death, and vehicular manslaughter.

Understanding the Legal Consequences of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents carry severe legal penalties, especially when they result in injury or death. Under California law, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.

In cases involving injury or death, as in this Bayshore Boulevard incident, hit-and-run is typically charged as a felony. The specific charges filed against the Burlingame resident reflect the severity of the alleged actions:

  • Hit-and-run causing injury: This felony charge can result in up to three years in state prison and significant fines.
  • Hit-and-run causing death: One of the most serious traffic-related offenses, this charge can lead to up to four years in state prison.
  • Vehicular manslaughter: This charge can result in up to six years in prison depending on whether gross negligence is involved.

Potential Factors in Multi-Vehicle Collisions

While authorities have not yet confirmed whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in this collision, these substances often play a role in serious accidents, particularly those occurring in the early morning hours.

Other common factors in multi-vehicle collisions include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Excessive speed
  • Reckless driving
  • Fatigue or drowsy driving
  • Poor weather or road conditions

The ongoing investigation will likely examine these and other factors to determine the full circumstances of the crash.

Multi-vehicle collisions like the one on Bayshore Boulevard often involve a complex chain reaction that can magnify the severity of impacts. When one vehicle strikes another with sufficient force, it can push the struck vehicle into the path of oncoming traffic or into additional vehicles. 

This domino effect increases the likelihood of serious injuries and complicates liability determinations. In urban areas with high traffic density, such as the Brisbane-San Francisco corridor, even a momentary lapse in attention can trigger a catastrophic multi-vehicle incident. 

The time of day—early morning in this case—may also have reduced visibility, potentially exacerbating driver reaction times and perception of hazards.

Rights of Victims in Hit-and-Run Accidents

For victims of hit-and-run accidents and their families, the physical, emotional, and financial impacts can be devastating. Understanding your rights following such an incident is crucial:

Medical Compensation

Victims of hit-and-run accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Hospital stays
  • Ongoing medical care
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Long-term care needs

Wrongful Death Claims

In cases resulting in fatality, the family of the deceased may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship
  • Emotional suffering

Insurance Coverage Options

Even in hit-and-run scenarios, victims may have several avenues for compensation:

  • Uninsured motorist coverage
  • Personal injury protection
  • Health insurance
  • Victim compensation programs

Legal Time Constraints

It’s crucial for victims and their families to be aware of California’s statute of limitations for accident claims. In most personal injury cases, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, while wrongful death claims must typically be filed within two years of the date of death. 

These time constraints underscore the importance of promptly consulting with a qualified attorney after a hit-and-run incident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and ensure all legal deadlines are met while victims focus on their physical and emotional recovery. 

Additionally, victims may have rights to compensation through California’s Victim Compensation Board, which can provide financial assistance even before a perpetrator is identified or convicted.

Steps to Take Following a Multi-Vehicle Accident

If you find yourself involved in a multi-vehicle collision, following these steps can help protect your health and legal rights:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
  2. Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report
  3. Gather information from witnesses if possible
  4. Document the accident scene with photos
  5. Notify your insurance company
  6. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney

Preserving Evidence and Documentation

Evidence can quickly disappear or become contaminated in multi-vehicle accidents like the Bayshore Boulevard incident. Beyond taking photos, it’s essential to preserve all potential evidence, including torn or bloodied clothing, damaged personal items, and electronic data, from your vehicle if it is equipped with dashcams or advanced systems. 

Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses, including receipts for medications, medical devices, and transportation to medical appointments. Maintain a daily journal documenting your physical and emotional state, pain levels, and how your injuries affect daily activities. 

This contemporaneous documentation can prove invaluable when establishing the full impact of your injuries, especially for symptoms that may develop days or weeks after the collision, such as soft tissue injuries or post-traumatic stress.

Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the aftermath of a serious accident, especially one involving a hit-and-run driver, can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance throughout this difficult process. 

Your legal advocate will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, identify all potentially liable parties, and handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. Additionally, a skilled attorney possesses the expertise to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other less obvious impacts. 

With this comprehensive assessment, your attorney can then pursue maximum compensation through skilled negotiation for a fair settlement or, when necessary, litigation to protect your rights and interests. This professional guidance allows you to focus on recovery while ensuring your case receives the attention and expertise it deserves.

Community Impact and Safety Concerns

The Bayshore Boulevard collision highlights safety concerns on this major thoroughfare connecting Brisbane and San Francisco. Local residents have long expressed concerns about speeding and dangerous driving behaviors along this stretch of road.

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of remaining at the scene following an accident to render aid and take responsibility.

As the investigation into this tragic Bayshore Boulevard hit-and-run continues, our thoughts remain with the victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been affected by a hit-and-run accident, understanding your legal rights and options is essential to securing the compensation and justice you deserve.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Accident Settlement Calculators

Hit-and-run accident settlement calculators serve as valuable preliminary tools for victims seeking to estimate potential compensation following these traumatic incidents. These digital tools include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability to generate approximate settlement ranges. 

While not definitive, these calculators provide victims with realistic expectations during the claims process, helping them avoid accepting inadequate early settlement offers from insurance companies. 

The importance of these calculators lies in their ability to quantify both economic damages (with concrete dollar values) and non-economic damages (like emotional distress), which can be particularly challenging to assess in hit-and-run cases where the responsible party initially evaded accountability. 

However, these automated estimates should always be supplemented by professional legal evaluation, as experienced attorneys can identify case-specific nuances and precedents that algorithms cannot fully capture. Contact us today at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the legal experts.

Moving Forward

“As someone who has represented accident victims for over 40 years, I understand the profound shock and grief following a tragic incident like this Bayshore Boulevard collision. If you or your loved ones were affected, please know that you deserve compassion and competent legal support during this difficult time. While no legal action can undo the harm suffered, pursuing your rightful compensation can provide crucial financial stability for medical care, lost income, and other needs that arise following serious injuries. Remember that evidence in hit-and-run cases must be preserved quickly, and speaking with insurance companies without representation often leads to undervalued claims. I encourage you to reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney promptly who can protect your rights while you focus on what truly matters—your recovery and wellbeing.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys

Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve after the Bayshore Boulevard tragedy. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the financial strain injuries can cause, so we operate exclusively on a contingency fee basis—you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. 

This means our interests are perfectly aligned with yours: maximizing your compensation. Our proven success in hit-and-run cases gives you the advantage you need during this difficult time. 

Contact GJEL today at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Fremont office for a free consultation with attorneys who will fight relentlessly for your rights while you focus on healing.

Important Resources for Accident Victims

For those affected by the Bayshore Boulevard collision or similar incidents in San Mateo County, these official resources can provide vital assistance:

  • San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office: For accident reports, witness statements, and information about ongoing investigations, visit www.smcsheriff.com or call their non-emergency line at (650) 363-4911.
  • California Highway Patrol (CHP) – San Francisco Area Office: For traffic collision reports and additional traffic safety information on state highways. Visit www.chp.ca.gov or contact the San Francisco office at (415) 557-1094.
  • San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office – Victim Services Division: Provides support services for crime victims, including assistance with the California Victim Compensation Program. Visit da.smcgov.org/victim-services or call (650) 599-7479.
  • Brisbane Police Department: For specific information about this collision and similar incidents within Brisbane city limits. Contact them at (415) 467-1212 or visit www.brisbaneca.org/police.
  • California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): This is for assistance with replacement identification, accident reports, and other driver services. Visit www.dmv.ca.gov or call (800) 777-0133.
Author Photo

Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.