Vehicle struck man walking in southbound lane near College Avenue
February 01, 2026 | Oakland, CA
Authorities report that a 72-year-old Oakland resident lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in north Oakland.
Billy Grant, 72, of Oakland died after a vehicle struck him on the 6000 block of Claremont Avenue near College Avenue.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded around 6:29 p.m. on Feb. 1 when Billy Grant was hit by a car driven by a 21-year-old woman from Berkeley. The collision occurred in the 6000 block of Claremont Avenue, close to College Avenue. Grant was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
- Victim: Billy Grant, 72, Oakland resident
- Driver: 21-year-old woman from Berkeley
- Location: 6000 block of Claremont Avenue near College Avenue, Oakland
- Time: Approximately 6:29 p.m.
- Date: Feb. 1
- Outcome: Fatal injuries leading to death at the hospital
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety remains a pressing concern across California and the nation. Investigators are examining factors such as road conditions, visibility, and lighting in this case.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities in the United States reached an estimated 6,590 in 2019, marking the highest figure in over three decades. The trend has outpaced other traffic deaths significantly.
In California, the state continues to lead in pedestrian fatalities. Data shows 1,020 such deaths in 2019, rising slightly to 1,026 in 2020, per reports from the Federal Highway Administration.
Year |
U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities |
California Pedestrian Fatalities |
|---|
2019 |
6,590 |
1,020 |
2020 |
Not Available (rising trend) |
1,026 |
Source: Governors Highway Safety Association and Federal Highway Administration
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the complexities involved in pedestrian collision investigations.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
— Bond
- Investigation Essentials: Detailed analysis of scene factors aids in determining liability.
- Compensation Focus: Families may pursue claims for wrongful death, covering aspects like loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.
- Driver Responsibilities: It is typically a driver's duty to yield to pedestrians in shared spaces.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights.”
— Formica
Analysts note that insurance providers may push for rapid settlements below fair value. In cases such as this, professional representation ensures fair treatment and appropriate compensation.
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our stories undergo thorough fact-checking and adhere to the highest standards of accuracy. We invite readers to review our Corrections Policy for transparency, guaranteeing a 24-hour review of any concerns.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).