The deadly collision happened at West Main Street and Russell Avenue, officials say
SANTA MARIA, CA, (January 04, 2025) - An elderly woman was fatally injured as a result of being hit by a motor vehicle in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, Saturday evening, according to police.
Cecilia DeJesus, 69, was fatally hit by a vehicle at West Main Street and Russell Avenue in Santa Maria Saturday evening, according to authorities.
The victim—identified as Cecilia DeJesus, 69, of Santa Maria—was struck around 6:15 p.m. at the intersection of West Main Street and Russell Avenue. Sadly, DeJesus died from injuries at Marian Regional Medical Center.
Authorities did not release the name of the driver involved in the crash.
This is an active investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
This tragic accident underscores the dangers that pedestrians face every day in this country.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014. The state's pedestrian fatality rate is almost 25% higher than the national average.
“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, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that it’s imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline. The family of Cecilia DeJesus may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.”
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth,” Bond noted. “However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you
(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).