The sedan sped away after striking him near Anderson Street
October 04, 2025 | Bernal Heights, CA
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Authorities report that 30-year-old Binod Budhathoki lost his life in a devastating hit-and-run incident in the Bernal Heights neighborhood, leaving his young daughter behind.
What Happened in the Bernal Heights Hit-and-Run Crash?
Police say a silver sedan struck and killed Binod Budhathoki, 30, on Cortland Street in San Francisco and fled the scene.
The fatal collision took place shortly after 2 a.m. on October 4, 2025, at the intersection of Cortland and Anderson streets.
Binod Budhathoki was walking home after attending a religious festival when a speeding vehicle struck him and fled the scene.
Key details include:
- Victim: Binod Budhathoki, 30-year-old father survived by his 8-year-old daughter.
- Circumstances: Struck while returning from a religious celebration; he succumbed to his injuries.
- Vehicle Involved: A silver sedan captured on surveillance footage accelerating down Cortland Street before impact.
- Investigation Status: Police continue to investigate.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
Drivers often abandon the scene to evade accountability, including potential charges for leaving without exchanging information or rendering aid. Factors such as fear of DUI detection, unlicensed driving, outstanding warrants, or sheer panic contribute to these decisions, as noted by traffic safety experts.
Nighttime occurrences in bustling urban settings like San Francisco exacerbate risks due to reduced visibility and higher pedestrian volumes.
Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
The following table, sourced from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), highlights the prevalence of hit-and-run incidents in pedestrian fatalities:
Period |
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Fatalities (%) |
Source |
|---|
2013-2019 |
Approximately 20% |
IIHS |
This data underscores the persistent challenge of hit-and-run crashes, which account for a significant portion of pedestrian deaths (IIHS, 2023).
What Are the Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Crashes?
Under California regulations, motorists must halt after any collision, provide contact details, and summon help. Departing constitutes a criminal offense, carrying hefty fines and possible imprisonment. Affected families could explore wrongful death lawsuits to address grief, financial burdens, and other harms.
Expert Insights
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, and a national legal analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.” Added Bond: “The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
Key takeaways from Bond's insights:
- Comprehensive resources are vital for establishing fault.
- Environmental elements like lighting and signage warrant close scrutiny.
- Vigilant driving prevents avoidable losses.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal and a national legal analyst for Newsline. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Key takeaways from Formica's insights:
- Bereaved relatives endure profound emotional strain.
- Legal advocacy safeguards entitlements amid investigations.
- Prompt support facilitates pursuit of accountability.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(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).