Carol Paiste dies after pedestrian hit-and-run on East Date Avenue

Honda Accord driver fled after striking a pedestrian near South Park Street in Porterville

November 15, 2025 | Porterville, CA

A 53-year-old local woman lost her life in a tragic pedestrian accident involving a hit-and-run driver last Saturday in Tulare County.

Carol Paiste, 53, of Porterville, died in hit-and-run crash after a Honda Accord struck her while walking along East Date Avenue near South Park Street in Porterville.

Authorities reported that Carol Paiste was walking along East Date Avenue near South Park Street when a Honda Accord struck her. The 51-year-old male driver fled the scene but was apprehended by police on Thursday.

What Happened in the Crash?

• Victim: Carol Paiste, age 53, Porterville resident
• Date: Last Saturday
• Location: East Date Avenue near South Park Street, Porterville, Tulare County
• Vehicle Involved: Honda Accord driven by a 51-year-old man
• Outcome: Paiste succumbed to injuries, and the driver was arrested after fleeing
• Investigation: Ongoing by local authorities

This incident underscores the dangers pedestrians face on busy roads, especially when drivers fail to stop after collisions.

Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?

Hit-and-run crashes often stem from drivers' fear of consequences, such as intoxication, unlicensed operation, or outstanding warrants. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these incidents have risen steadily, with California leading the nation in fatal cases.

Data sourced from NHTSA reports. For more details, visit NHTSA.

Nationwide, approximately 2,000 people die annually in hit-and-run incidents, with fatalities increasing by about 7% each year since 2009.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this, conducting a thorough independent investigation is crucial to safeguard victims' families.

“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be examined. These steps help those affected by a hit-and-run receive the justice and compensation they deserve, while holding drivers accountable.”

Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:

• Timely Action: Engage experienced professionals promptly to preserve evidence.
• Negligence Proof: Assess environmental factors like visibility and infrastructure.
• Accountability: Ensure reckless drivers face consequences for endangering lives.

“An incident qualifies as wrongful death when negligence or wrongdoing leads to a fatality,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “In vehicle crashes involving hit-and-runs, distracted driving, or impairment, families may pursue civil claims against the at-fault party for losses including medical costs, emotional distress, and companionship.”

Pending investigation outcomes, Paiste's family could be eligible for a wrongful death claim covering funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term emotional impacts.

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