Metro Line 33 struck pedestrian near Ocean Park Boulevard
May 15, 2026 | Santa Monica, CA
What happened in the crash?
A 39-year-old woman was struck and killed by a bus in Santa Monica.
Nicole Koschak, 39, died after a pedestrian crash involving a Metro Line 33 bus in Santa Monica.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Nicole Koschak.
The collision took place around 2:40 p.m. near Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard.
A westbound Metro Line 33 bus pulled away from a stop and struck the pedestrian.
Koschak died from blunt force trauma, according to authorities.
Santa Monica police continue to investigate the circumstances.
Why do pedestrian crashes occur?
Pedestrian fatalities have risen sharply nationwide. Drivers must yield the right-of-way in most crossing situations. Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows deaths among people on foot increased nearly seven times faster than U.S. population growth over the past decade.
| Source | Key Statistic | Time Period |
|---|
| Governors Highway Safety Association | Pedestrian deaths rose 7x faster than population growth | Last decade |
| Federal Highway Administration | Pedestrians hold right-of-way at intersections and crossings | Ongoing guidance |
Legal Insights
“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 of Bond Legal. In cases such as this, an independent review helps protect the rights of those affected.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. Family members may pursue claims covering loss of income, companionship, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.
- Insurance companies may pressure quick settlements below case value.
- Legal guidance supports fair compensation and respect for affected families.
- Timely evidence preservation remains critical after such incidents.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).