Vehicle struck pedestrian crossing from east sidewalk near Montalban Street
December 24, 2025 | San Louis Obispo, CA
A 70-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by a vehicle in San Luis Obispo on Dec. 17.
What Happened in the Crash?
Maria Dolores Harper Morgan, 70, of San Luis Obispo, died after a vehicle struck her while she crossed Santa Rosa Street near Montalban Street.
The collision took place in the northbound lane of Santa Rosa Street near Montalban Street just before 6:15 a.m. Maria Dolores Harper Morgan, a San Luis Obispo resident, was crossing from the east sidewalk when a 66-year-old driver hit her. She was declared deceased at the location. The driver stayed on site and cooperated with investigators.
- Date and Time: Dec. 17, 2025, around 6:15 a.m.
- Location: Santa Rosa Street near Montalban Street, San Luis Obispo, CA
- Victim: Maria Dolores Harper Morgan, 70, of San Luis Obispo
- Vehicle: Driven by a 66-year-old individual
- Outcome: Victim pronounced dead at the scene
- Factors: No indications of drug or alcohol involvement
- Investigation: Ongoing by local police
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrians face significant risks on roadways, particularly in urban settings. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities have increased at a rate nearly seven times the U.S. population growth over the past decade.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths Increase |
7x U.S. Population Growth |
GHSA (Last Decade) |
Annual Pedestrian Fatalities |
Over 7,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Common Causes |
Failure to Yield, Distracted Driving |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Drivers must prioritize vigilance, especially at dawn or dusk when visibility is low.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on pedestrian incidents, emphasizing the need for 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 highlights the importance of independent reviews to preserve evidence promptly.
- Key takeaway: Pedestrians often have priority in crosswalks and intersections.
- Key takeaway: Swift evidence collection can clarify fault in these cases.
- Key takeaway: Families may pursue claims for losses, including companionship and expenses.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica notes that relatives could seek compensation for wrongful death, covering aspects like emotional distress and funeral costs. Attorneys help navigate insurance pressures for fair settlements.
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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).