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1 killed, 1 seriously injured

Lakaylyn Thomas fatally injured and other driver hospitalized after San Leandro head-on crash

SAN LEANDRO, CA, (May 07, 2019) - The 19-year-old woman that was fatally injured in the collision in San Leandro on Tuesday afternoon, May 7th, has been identified as Lakaylyn Thomas, of Oakland.

San Leandro 580 Freeway Car Accident

Incident Location

The collision in took place eastbound on the I-580 freeway near the Dutton Avenue off-ramp just before 2:30 p.m. 

Thomas, driving a white Ford Fusion, and the female driver of a tan Buick sideswiped one another on the ramp, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities state that one of the drivers was traveling at a high rate of speed.

After the vehicles collided, Thomas crashed into a tree. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The other woman, who has yet to be identified, crashed down an embankment. She remains hospitalized and first responders report that she suffered major head injuries.


A forensic examination of the Buick and the Ford, as well as photos taken at the scene, will help investigators determine which party ultimately caused the accident, or whether comparative liability is assigned.

“Determining liability for head-on collision cases can vary from case to case, and often requires expert witnesses or accident reconstructionists. These accidents typically occur due to excessive speeds, distracted driving, poor road and highway conditions, or inadequate street lighting,” stated Tess Mullin, a partner at Bond Sanchez-Gordon. “These factors can make it difficult to identify the at-fault party. Head-on collisions are very dangerous as impact tends to be more severe with vehicles traveling at higher speeds and velocity, which often-times cause serious and life-changing injuries.”


"Losing a loved one is a loss that is immeasurable. Not only is it a deeply emotional loss, but also an economic one. It is important that the family takes immediate steps to protect their legal rights following a loss," added Mullin. "The injured victims in this collision may also seek recovery for damages including medical bills, future medical care, pain and suffering, and loss of income."

