Vallejo, CA – KRON reports that, on Saturday, October 19, 2024, a woman who was struck by a vehicle in a parking lot on Sereno Drive passed away from her injuries, according to a statement released by the Vallejo Police Department on Monday.
On the morning of October 15th, at around 9 AM, officers responded to a report of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident in the 900 block of Sereno Drive. Upon arrival, they found the woman, an adult pedestrian, suffering from critical injuries. She was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for emergency care.
According to investigators, the collision occurred when a man driving a 2023 Nissan Kicks was traveling southbound through the parking lot. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle struck the woman.
Authorities noted that the driver remained at the scene and fully cooperated with the investigation. They also confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in the incident, and the driver was unharmed.
Despite intensive medical efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries on Saturday. Officials are withholding her identity until her family has been notified.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
If the at-fault driver avoids legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is held only partially liable in a pedestrian accident. If that is the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
