Vehicle struck elderly pedestrian near West Cross Street in Woodland
December 12, 2025 | Woodland, CA
Marilyn Ann Scholz, an 87-year-old resident of Woodland, California, passed away on Sunday following a pedestrian accident that occurred two days earlier. Authorities confirmed the incident took place near the intersection of West Cross and California streets.
Marilyn Ann Scholz, 87, of Woodland, died after being struck by a vehicle near West Cross and California streets in Woodland.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Woodland Police Department reported that Scholz was struck by a vehicle on Friday. She was promptly transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries, as verified by the Sacramento County Coroner's Office.
- Victim: Marilyn Ann Scholz, 87, of Woodland
- Location: Near West Cross and California streets, Woodland, CA
- Date: Dec. 12, 2025
- Driver's Status: Remained at the scene, no impairment suspected
- Investigation: Ongoing by local authorities
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities have surged across the United States, highlighting systemic issues in road safety. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths increased by 80% between 2009 and 2023, far outpacing other traffic fatalities, which rose only 13%.
Factor |
Contribution to Pedestrian Deaths |
Source |
|---|
Reckless Driving |
High-speed collisions and failure to yield |
GHSA Report (2023) |
Inadequate Infrastructure |
Poor lighting, missing crosswalks |
Federal Highway Administration |
Road Design |
Prioritizes vehicles over walkers |
CDC Traffic Safety Facts |
Distracted Pedestrians/Drivers |
Contributes to 10-20% of incidents |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
These statistics underscore the need for improved urban planning and driver awareness to prevent such tragedies.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts offer valuable insights into pedestrian accidents, emphasizing the importance of 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 stressed the value of an independent investigation in cases such as this to protect the rights of affected families. Factors like road conditions, signage, and lighting must be examined to ensure accountability.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways:
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
- Independent legal review helps counter lowball insurance offers and secures fair compensation.
- Early consultation with experienced counsel is crucial for gathering evidence and building a strong case.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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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).