Santa Clara, CA – On the evening of Saturday, September 20, 2025, a two-car collision left Isaiah Mendoza, 16, a Wilcox High School student, dead and two passengers injured, according to NBC Bay Area.
The Santa Clara Police Department reports that the accident took place around 9:35 PM at the intersection of Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street.
Investigators determined that Mendoza drove a Honda Accord northbound on Lawrence Expressway while a Toyota Camry traveled in the same direction. As Mendoza’s vehicle approached the intersection, he may have made an unsafe turning movement that caused the left rear of the Honda to collide with the right front of the Toyota. The impact forced Mendoza’s car out of control, and it struck a traffic signal pole at the corner of the intersection.
Emergency crews arrived and located Mendoza inside the heavily damaged Honda. Despite their efforts, Mendoza died at the scene. Two passengers in the Honda suffered minor injuries, and first responders treated them before transporting them for further medical care.
The driver of the Toyota, also a minor, did not sustain significant injuries and stayed at the scene to cooperate with investigators.
Authorities confirmed that Mendoza had recently earned his driver’s license. Family members described him as a dedicated student-athlete who played both varsity baseball and soccer at Wilcox High.
The investigation into the circumstances of the crash remains active.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses.
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of Comparative Negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially responsible.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
