Driver fled the scene after striking the pedestrian on South Gilbert Street
December 10, 2025 | Fullerton, CA
A 58-year-old Fullerton resident, Lulian DeGeratu, passed away on Christmas morning following a pedestrian accident that occurred five days earlier.
Lulian DeGeratu, 58, of Fullerton, died after being struck by a vehicle during a hit-and-run on South Gilbert Street near Carol Drive in Fullerton.
What Happened in the Crash?
Police reported that DeGeratu was struck by an unknown vehicle around 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of South Gilbert Street and Carol Drive in Fullerton. The incident involved a white, four-door sedan, and the driver fled the scene before authorities arrived.
- Date and Time: Dec. 20, 2025, around 10:30 p.m.
- Location: South Gilbert Street and Carol Drive, Fullerton, CA
- Victim: Lulian DeGeratu, 58, of Fullerton
- Vehicle: White four-door sedan
- Outcome: DeGeratu was hospitalized with serious injuries and died on Dec. 25
- Status: Investigation ongoing, and hit-and-run suspected
Authorities are seeking information from the public and encourage anyone with details about the suspect or vehicle to contact the Fullerton Police Department at 714-738-6815.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities have increased significantly in recent years, outpacing population growth. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), deaths among people on foot have risen nearly seven times faster than U.S. population growth over the last decade.
Factor |
Statistic |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths Increase |
Nearly 7x faster than population growth (last decade) |
GHSA |
Right-of-Way Violations |
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in most intersections |
NHTSA |
Hit-and-Run Incidents |
Account for ~10% of fatal pedestrian crashes |
CDC |
Drivers are required to exercise heightened caution, especially at night, to prevent such tragedies.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide guidance on navigating the aftermath of pedestrian incidents.
“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.
Key takeaways:
- An independent investigation by a qualified attorney can preserve evidence and protect family rights in cases such as this.
- Time is critical, and prompt review of the scene ensures accurate reconstruction of circumstances.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, and funeral costs.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “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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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).