Vehicle strikes woman walking with partner near 16th Street
December 05, 2025 | San Francisco, CA
A dedicated educator from Palo Alto suffered severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene in San Francisco.
The incident occurred late on Dec. 5, prompting an ongoing investigation by the San Francisco Police Department.
Erika Yeates suffered serious injuries when a vehicle struck her in a hit-and-run while she walked at 16th and Albion streets in San Francisco.
What Happened in the Crash?
Erika Yeates, dean of academic affairs at Lydian Academy—a private middle and high school in Palo Alto—was walking with her partner near 16th Street and Albion Street around 11 p.m. when the hit-and-run took place. The driver did not stop, leaving Yeates with significant injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
- Victim: Erika Yeates, educator at Lydian Academy
- Location: 16th Street and Albion Street, San Francisco
- Date and Time: Dec. 5, 2025, approximately 11 p.m.
- Injuries: Multiple fractures, lacerations, and a concussion
- Status: Transported to a hospital, no arrests made yet
The San Francisco Police Department is actively investigating to identify the fleeing driver and gather evidence from the scene.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen in Urban Areas?
Hit-and-run incidents, particularly in densely populated cities like San Francisco, often stem from driver panic, impairment, or disregard for traffic laws. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these crashes have seen a troubling rise, contributing to a significant portion of pedestrian fatalities.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Hit-and-run pedestrian deaths (2023) |
1,818 out of 7,314 total |
NHTSA |
Percentage of pedestrian deaths involving hit-and-runs |
25% |
NHTSA |
Increase in such tragedies since 2019 |
32% |
NHTSA |
Primary locations |
75% in urban areas |
NHTSA |
These figures underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness to prevent future incidents.
Legal Insights on Hit-and-Run Crashes
In cases such as this, prompt and thorough investigation is essential to hold responsible parties accountable. National legal analysts emphasize the importance of independent reviews to protect victims' rights.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “An attorney can also ensure that a hit-and-run driver is held accountable for reckless actions.”
- Failure to stop at a crash scene can lead to criminal charges.
- Victims may pursue civil claims for compensation covering medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Time-sensitive evidence preservation is crucial for building a strong case.
- Insurance negotiations often require professional advocacy to avoid lowball settlements.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, highlights the broader effect:
“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth.”
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If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free 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).