Lawsuit Filed After Fatal Salem Child Collision
A mother has filed a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit following a fatal incident involving a toddler in Salem.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Accidents
Stefany Michel Gonzalez filed a lawsuit on Monday seeking $10 million in damages following the death of her 3-year-old child, Saidi Kamila Acevedo Gonzalez. The legal action follows a June 2025 incident where Maria Juan Matias struck the child while operating a Ford Explorer.
Why it matters
The lawsuit alleges that Maria Juan Matias was negligent in failing to ensure the path was clear before moving her vehicle. The filing seeks to hold the driver accountable for the loss of the child, who was killed after chasing a ball into the vehicle's path.
The lawsuit was filed in Marion County Circuit Court on October 5, 2026. Official police records indicate that Maria Juan Matias was not cited for any driving infractions or criminal charges following the incident.
The players
Stefany Michel Gonzalez
She is the plaintiff who filed the wrongful death lawsuit.
Maria Juan Matias
She is the driver of the Ford Explorer involved in the incident.
Saidi Kamila Acevedo Gonzalez
She was the 3-year-old child who died following the collision.
Marion County Circuit Court
This is the judicial body where the civil litigation was initiated.
The details
The incident occurred at 9:48 p.m. on June 12, 2025, when the child moved in front of the Ford Explorer in a driveway. After the collision, the child received treatment at Salem Hospital and OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital before passing away the following day.
Timeline
The collision occurred at 9:48 p.m. on June 12, 2025.
Saidi Kamila Acevedo Gonzalez died on June 13, 2025.
The lawsuit was filed on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the established legal framework for civil wrongful death litigation in Oregon courts. It reflects a growing trend of utilizing civil torts to seek accountability in cases where police investigations result in no criminal charges.
The lawsuit underscores the importance of driveway safety and driver vigilance in residential areas. It serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that can follow fatal accidents, even when no criminal charges are pursued by local agencies.
The takeaway
This case highlights the heavy financial and emotional toll of driveway accidents on families. Drivers are urged to ensure children are clear of a vehicle's path before moving, regardless of low-speed environments.
Further reading
For more on local safety and legal reports, visit the Salem Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
