Fatally Struck occurred on Business I-80 Near Fulton Avenue in Sacramento
SACRAMENTO, CA, (July 18, 2025) - A 35-year-old man was tragically struck and killed early Sunday morning on Business Interstate 80 in Sacramento, authorities said.
Bladimer Vinicio Zarate, 35, tragically lost his life early Sunday morning after being struck by a vehicle on Business Interstate 80 in Sacramento, authorities confirmed.
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Bladimer Vinicio Zarate.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Zarate was hit by a Honda traveling northbound on Business I-80, just north of Fulton Avenue, shortly before 5 a.m. Zarate suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His city of residence was not immediately released.
The driver of the Honda remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
The incident remains under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Pedestrian deaths are on the rise across the United States due to a combination of dangerous factors, including the growing size of vehicles, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and increasingly unsafe driving behaviors. California continues to lead the nation in pedestrian fatalities. The state reported 1,020 pedestrian deaths in 2019, rising slightly to 1,026 in 2020 before dropping to 958 in 2021.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street, regardless of whether they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for The Legal Advocate.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, emphasized that in tragic cases like this one, it is crucial for the victim's family to seek an independent investigation by a skilled legal team. Such a probe can uncover key evidence, determine liability, and help ensure the family’s rights are protected through every step of the legal process.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Bladimer Vinicio Zarate may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim for the loss of love, support, and companionship.
“The emotional toll of losing a loved one so suddenly can be incredibly overwhelming,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“A wrongful death attorney can provide critical support during this difficult time by staying informed on the investigation and working to protect the family’s legal rights and interests.”
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).