Vehicle strikes woman outside Teriyaki Madness on Sunday evening
December 07, 2025 | Salinas, CA
A 65-year-old Salinas resident lost her life after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in the city.
Carmen Nava, 65, died after a vehicle struck her as she left Teriyaki Madness at Main Street and Hardin Parkway in Salinas.
Authorities identified the victim as Carmen Nava. The incident took place around 6 p.m. near a local restaurant.
- Date and Time: Dec. 7, 2025, approximately 6 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of Main Street and Hardin Parkway, Salinas, CA
- Victim: Carmen Nava, 65, of Salinas
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, the victim was pronounced dead at the hospital
- Vehicle Involved: Unspecified, driver details not released
- Investigation: Ongoing by local authorities
What Happened in the Crash?
Nava had just left Teriyaki Madness when the collision occurred. Reports indicate the vehicle struck her, propelling her 30 to 45 feet from the crash point. Emergency responders transported her to a nearby hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries there.
Nava worked as an employee at Washington Middle School and was preparing for retirement later that month.
The driver involved has not been publicly identified, and no charges have been announced as the investigation continues.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety on U.S. roadways has deteriorated, driven by factors such as larger vehicles, higher speeds, and urban infrastructure challenges. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 84% of pedestrian fatalities in 2023 happened in urban settings, compared to 59% in 1975.
Common contributors include:
- Increased presence of SUVs and trucks that cause more severe consequences
- Road designs prioritizing vehicle speed over walker safety
- Driver inattention or failure to yield
Factor |
Statistic |
Source |
|---|
Urban Pedestrian Deaths |
84% of total in 2023 (up from 59% in 1975) |
IIHS |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities |
Over 7,000 in recent years |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Right-of-Way Violations |
Primary cause in 40% of cases |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
This table highlights trends underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on pedestrian incidents, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations.
“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, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond stresses the value of an independent review to safeguard family interests promptly.
Key takeaways:
- Families may pursue claims for lost income, companionship, and emotional distress.
- Drivers generally must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections.
- Early legal involvement ensures evidence preservation and fair compensation.
- Insurance pressures for quick settlements often undervalue claims.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of those affected by such tragedies may seek damages for pain and suffering, funeral costs, and more.”
Formica advises against hasty agreements with insurers, advocating for professional representation.
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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).