Officials say a wrong-way Dodge Charger left the road and struck pedestrians in Santa Monica
October 24, 2025 | Santa Monica, CA
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A 61-year-old woman lost her life after a vehicle struck a group of pedestrians in Santa Monica. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in urban areas.
What Happened in the Crash?
Maura Cohen, 61, was killed after an orange Dodge Charger mounted the sidewalk on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica.
Authorities report that a driver operating an orange Dodge Charger veered into the wrong direction on a busy boulevard before mounting the sidewalk. The vehicle hit several people waiting nearby, leading to two deaths and two injuries.
Key Details
- Victim: Maura Cohen, 61
- Date: Oct. 24, 2025
- Time: About 9:15 p.m.
- Location: 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California
- Vehicle: Orange Dodge Charger
- Driver: Fled the scene on foot, described as a Black man in a red hat, black sweater and black shoes
- Injuries: Two fatalities, two survivors expected to recover
- Status: Driver at large, investigation ongoing
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Such collisions often stem from driver error, including speeding, distraction or impairment. In this case, the wrong-way travel contributed to the tragedy. Broader factors include inadequate lighting or crosswalk markings in high-traffic zones.
Pedestrian Crash Statistics
Data from traffic safety organizations show the risks pedestrians face daily. Below is a summary of national trends.
Category |
Statistic |
Source |
|---|
Annual Pedestrian Fatalities |
About 7,500 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Hit-and-Run Involvement |
Nearly 65 percent of victims are pedestrians or bicyclists |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Urban vs. Rural Fatalities |
75 percent occur in urban areas |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Nighttime Crashes |
Account for about 75 percent of pedestrian deaths |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Expert Insights
National legal analysts offer perspective on handling cases involving motor vehicle incidents.
"Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel."
"The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident," said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. "A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected."
Key Takeaways
- Thorough investigations are key to establishing fault in pedestrian cases.
- Families may pursue claims for companionship loss, pain and suffering.
- Legal support helps navigate emotional and procedural challenges.
- Drivers must prioritize caution to prevent avoidable harm.
Investigation Update
The Santa Monica Police Department continues to probe the collision. Officials seek public tips and ask anyone with information to call 310-458-8367.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation 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).
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