Child struck on rural Point Pleasant Road, authorities say
ELK GROVE, CA, (September 07, 2025) - Authorities reported that a 3-year-old girl was killed Sunday afternoon in a driveway accident near Elk Grove.
Authorities reported that 3-year-old Aella Vargas was fatally struck by a vehicle on Point Pleasant Road near Elk Grove Sunday afternoon.
Aella Vargas, the young victim, was struck by a vehicle backing out of a home on rural Point Pleasant Road, about 10 miles southwest of Elk Grove, around 3:40 p.m. She had been standing near the car with a 33-year-old man when the vehicle hit her. Vargas was taken to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
A GoFundMe campaign honoring Vargas noted she “never had the chance to experience all the beauty and joy that life had to offer.”
Preliminary reports show that the driver, a 29-year-old woman, was leaving the driveway at the time of the collision. Additional details have not been released, and the CHP continues to investigate.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Each year, thousands of pedestrians are killed on U.S. roads—a crisis driven by factors such as reckless driver behavior, inadequate infrastructure, and roads designed primarily for cars. Between 2009 and 2023, pedestrian deaths rose a staggering 80%, while all other traffic fatalities increased 13%, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Aella Vargas may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
“The stress and sorrow can be overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“We understand the immense challenges families face, and ensuring their rights are protected is essential. A wrongful death attorney will monitor the investigation and work to safeguard the family’s legal rights and best interests,” Bond added.
“Insurance companies may attempt to exploit your lack of legal knowledge, offering low settlements or denying claims altogether. An attorney can protect your rights and ensure you are not taken advantage of,” she said.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).