San Diego, CA (May 19, 2026) – A 37-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle in a communal driveway in San Diego’s Sorrento Valley neighborhood. The fatal crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18, at 10198 Wateridge Circle.
A 40-year-old man had stopped his 2025 Jeep Wrangler in the driveway and opened his garage door, allowing his passengers to exit. One passenger, a woman, stepped out of the right rear door and walked toward the front right side of the vehicle. As she did, the driver began turning left toward the open garage and struck her.
The woman suffered fatal internal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been released.
Authorities confirmed that driving under the influence was not a factor in the crash. Fault has not been determined. The incident remains under investigation, and more details will be released as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the woman who lost her life.
What Are the Risks of Low-Speed Driveway Accidents in California?
Driveway accidents are more common than many people realize, and they can be just as deadly as crashes on open roads. Even at very low speeds, a vehicle can cause serious or fatal injuries when a person is struck in a confined space with little room to react. In California, these types of accidents are often reviewed carefully because the circumstances — tight spaces, limited visibility, and unexpected pedestrian movement — can be difficult to reconstruct.
Passenger exit points and driver visibility are two factors that frequently come up in driveway accident reviews. A driver making a turn in a narrow driveway may not be able to see someone who has just stepped out of the vehicle. These blind-spot scenarios are a known safety concern in residential and multi-unit settings across the state.
