By Ben Marmont, Fairmont Law Firm
Last Updated: September 30, 2026
Two people died and three others suffered injuries after a minivan struck six vehicles at Bay Road and University Avenue in East Palo Alto. The cause remains under investigation. If you or your family member suffered harm, Fairmont Law Firm provides a free case evaluation, with zero fees until we win.
What Happened in the East Palo Alto Crash?
A devastating seven-vehicle collision occurred Tuesday morning, September 29, 2026, around 8:20 a.m. The crash happened during the morning commute at Bay Road and University Avenue in East Palo Alto.
The intersection sits in the city’s busy “4 Corners” district. It is also a major transit corridor near a McDonald’s. Investigators taped off the area while processing the scene.
According to CBS News Bay Area’s original report, a minivan struck six other vehicles. Seven vehicles were involved in total. One of those vehicles was a SamTrans Ride Plus van.
The minivan eventually came to rest on Bay Road. The impact created a dangerous chain collision during a heavily traveled part of the morning.
The minivan’s driver was Bobby McGee, 69, of Menlo Park. He suffered serious injuries and died at the scene. His only passenger was Carolyn Cupil, 63, of Belmont. Emergency responders took her to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. She later died.
Three other people were injured. Their injuries were not reported as life-threatening.
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation Team responded with East Palo Alto police. The collision remained under investigation as of September 30. Officials have not determined the cause.
You should not assume fault from early reports. Investigators have not announced whether any driver violated traffic laws. No responsible source has established impairment, distraction, or a medical issue. Those issues remain outside the confirmed facts.
Bay Road and University Avenue closed for several hours. Officials reopened both roads around 12:30 p.m. Anyone with information should call the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at 650-363-4911.
For additional reporting, see KRON4’s coverage and Patch’s report.
Why Does This Intersection Deserve Extra Safety Attention?
This intersection has a documented history as a high-collision hotspot. East Palo Alto has identified Bay Road and University Avenue for safety improvements.
Planned improvements include:
- Bulb-outs that shorten crossing distances
- Upgraded traffic signals
- Better pedestrian infrastructure
- Safer movement through the intersection
These changes matter because busy intersections create multiple points of conflict. Drivers turn, stop, merge, cross lanes, and respond to traffic signals within seconds.
A single impact can trigger several more collisions. People in later vehicles often have little time to react. Passengers may suffer injuries even when their vehicle was not the first one hit.
The legal questions also become harder. A seven-vehicle collision can involve several insurance policies, vehicle owners, employers, and public entities. You should not accept an insurer’s early version of events as the final answer.
How Can You Stay Safer in a Multi-Vehicle Collision Zone?
You cannot control every driver around you. You can control several safety decisions.
Wear Your Seat Belt Every Time
California Vehicle Code section 27315 requires most drivers and passengers age 16 or older to use safety belts on California highways.
A seat belt cannot prevent every injury. It can reduce the risk of being thrown from a vehicle or striking the interior. Buckle up before the vehicle moves.
Put Your Phone Away
California Vehicle Code section 23123.5 restricts holding and operating a handheld wireless device while driving.
Do not text, scroll, or manually operate your phone. Use hands-free features before entering the intersection. A few seconds of distraction can create catastrophic consequences.
Approach Busy Intersections Carefully
Reduce your speed before entering a congested intersection. Watch for vehicles that may run a light or stop suddenly. Leave enough space to brake safely.
Do not assume another driver sees you. Check cross traffic and turning vehicles. Stay alert near transit vehicles, pedestrians, and crowded commercial areas.
Complete This Crash-Response Checklist
[ ] Move away from immediate danger if you can do so safely.
[ ] Call 911 and request emergency medical help.
[ ] Seek medical care, even when symptoms seem minor.
[ ] Photograph vehicles, roadway conditions, signals, and visible injuries.
[ ] Collect witness names and contact information.
[ ] Avoid admitting fault or guessing what caused the crash.
[ ] Save medical records, bills, wage information, and insurance messages.
[ ] Contact a California personal injury lawyer before giving a recorded statement.
Who May Be Responsible After a Seven-Vehicle Crash?
Multi-vehicle crashes often leave injured people confused. You may not know which vehicle caused the first impact. You may not know which driver struck you. You may also face pressure from multiple insurers.
Our job is to find the facts and identify every potentially liable party. That investigation can include:
- Drivers who acted carelessly or violated traffic laws
- Vehicle owners who allowed unsafe use
- Employers responsible for employees driving during work
- Commercial transportation companies
- Public entities responsible for dangerous roadway design or maintenance
A roadway claim requires specific proof. California Government Code section 835 addresses dangerous conditions of public property. A high-collision location alone does not establish liability. Evidence must connect the roadway condition to the injury.
California follows comparative negligence principles. In Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804, the California Supreme Court adopted the state’s comparative negligence approach. That means insurers may argue that more than one person contributed to an accident.
We fight those arguments with evidence. We examine photographs, video, vehicle damage, witness statements, medical records, police materials, roadway history, and available electronic data.
What Legal Deadlines Apply in California?
The deadline depends on the claim. You should act immediately because evidence disappears and legal deadlines continue running.
For most injury and wrongful death claims, California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 generally allows two years from the injury or death to file a lawsuit.
Wrongful death claims may also arise under California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60. Eligible surviving family members should obtain legal advice quickly.
A claim involving a city, county, state agency, or other public entity has an earlier requirement. Under Government Code section 911.2, you generally must present a written government claim within six months of the injury.
That six-month deadline can apply to a dangerous roadway claim. Missing it can destroy your right to pursue the public entity. Government Code section 945.6 also creates additional timing rules after a claim receives written rejection.
Do not wait for the collision investigation to finish. Protect your rights while authorities complete their work.
How Can Fairmont Law Firm Help After This Crash?
You may feel overwhelmed after a serious crash. Medical bills arrive quickly. Insurers start asking questions. Your family needs answers.
Fairmont Law Firm takes over the legal fight. We investigate the collision, preserve evidence, identify responsible parties, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Our firm represents injured people throughout all 58 California counties. We handle car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, and rideshare injury cases.
Our results include:
- $4,000,000 recovery in a rear-end accident case
- $2,700,000 recovery in a three-vehicle crash case
- $2,519,000 recovery after an illegal left-turn collision
Past results do not guarantee a result in your case. They demonstrate the level of preparation and advocacy we bring to serious injury claims.
You receive:
- Zero Fee Until We Win on a contingency fee basis
- A free case evaluation
- 24/7 availability
- Fast and aggressive representation
- A firm with millions recovered for clients
- Bilingual support: Se Habla Español
Whether you searched for a personal injury lawyer california, a car accident lawyer california, a car accident lawyer near me, or a truck accident attorney near me, our team is ready to help.
What Should You Do After an East Palo Alto Crash?
Step 1: Get medical attention
Some crash injuries appear hours or days later. Follow medical instructions and keep every record.
Step 2: Preserve evidence
Save photographs, vehicle repair information, insurance letters, text messages, and witness details. Do not repair or discard a damaged vehicle before documenting it.
Step 3: Avoid recorded statements
Insurance companies protect their own financial interests. Do not speculate about the cause. Do not minimize your injuries.
Step 4: Call Fairmont Law Firm
Your first consultation costs nothing. You pay no attorney fee unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the cause of the East Palo Alto crash determined?
No. The cause remains under investigation. Authorities have not established fault, impairment, distraction, or any medical cause.
How many vehicles were involved?
Seven vehicles were involved. A minivan struck six other vehicles, including a SamTrans Ride Plus van.
How many people died?
Two people died. The minivan’s driver, Bobby McGee, died at the scene. Passenger Carolyn Cupil later died at a hospital.
How long do I have to bring a California injury claim?
Most personal injury claims have a two-year deadline under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. Claims against public entities generally require a government claim within six months under Government Code section 911.2.
Do I have to pay Fairmont Law Firm upfront?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay zero fees until we win.
Contact Fairmont Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. We are available 24/7 and ready to fight for you.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about a reported collision and California law. It is not legal advice. The facts remain preliminary, and the investigation may change. Speak with a qualified California injury attorney about your specific situation.