San Benito County, CA — On the evening of January 28, 2025, a California State University, Monterey Bay student identified as 18-year-old Julie Ochoa of Merced was killed in a single-vehicle crash that left two others seriously injured, according to KSBW.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 5:03 PM on San Justo Road, east of San Juan Highway.
Ochoa was the front passenger in a vehicle that lost control while traveling east, crossed into the opposing lanes, veered off the highway, and overturned in a dirt field. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and left-rear passenger, whose identities have not been released, suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to a nearby hospital.
California State University, Monterey Bay confirmed that Ochoa was a first-year student. The university expressed condolences to her family and loved ones and is offering counseling and support to those affected.
Authorities have not determined whether speed, impairment, or other factors contributed to the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
Single-Vehicle Collisions and Passenger Liability
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
