Monterey County, CA – On the morning of Thursday, May 28, 2026, a collision resulted in the death of Itzel Martinez-Morales, 16, of Soledad, and left two others hospitalized with major injuries, according to KSBW.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 8:28 AM on River Road south of Parker Road.
Authorities said a 26-year-old King City man was driving a Toyota sedan northbound on River Road with Martinez-Morales as his passenger when, for reasons still under investigation, the Toyota crossed over the solid double yellow lines into the southbound lane.
A Mercedes-Benz coupe driven by a 47-year-old Soledad man, traveling southbound at the same time, crashed into the right side of the Toyota. Martinez-Morales was pronounced dead at the scene. Both drivers were transported to local hospitals with major injuries.
Soledad Unified School District Superintendent Randy Bangs identified Martinez-Morales in a message to the community, describing her as a former tenth-grade student who had attended Gabilan Elementary School, Main Street Middle School, and Soledad High School before transferring to another school in January while remaining a resident of Soledad. The district offered support services to families in need.
River Road was closed in both directions from Parker Road to the Odonata Winery for several hours during the investigation before being reopened. Investigators determined that alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Passenger Liability
A driver’s liability coverage extends to those inside their vehicle as well as outside. In many cases, those passengers are someone who knows the driver personally. So, when a passenger is injured and their driver is found liable, they may feel reluctant to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
In many cases, however, a wrongful death claim may be required for an insurer to offer a fair settlement that covers the injured party’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. A personal injury attorney can facilitate this process and, as a neutral third party, help navigate any emotional complexities that may arise.
Personal Injury Claims
After a traffic accident, victims and their families often deal with unexpected financial burdens, such as medical bills, lost income, and, in the worst cases, burial costs. A personal injury claim allows accident victims to hold the at-fault party financially responsible for their costs of care
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.
