Vehicle struck man and woman walking along right shoulder
February 07, 2026 | Victorville, CA
A 92-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle while walking along a roadway in Victorville on Feb. 7.
Roman Veloza Panitan Sr., 92, was killed after a southbound Jeep Grand Cherokee struck him while he was walking along El Evado Road near Dos Palmas Road in Victorville.
The incident claimed the life of Roman Veloza Panitan Sr., a local resident. Authorities from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) detailed the circumstances surrounding the evening tragedy.
What Happened in the Crash?
Panitan was walking with a female companion on the right shoulder of southbound El Evado Road, north of Dos Palmas Road, at approximately 7:15 p.m. A southbound Jeep Grand Cherokee struck both individuals.
- Victim Details: Roman Veloza Panitan Sr., 92, of Victorville, was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Injured Party: Unidentified woman transported to a hospital with major injuries.
- Vehicle Involved: Jeep Grand Cherokee, southbound.
- Location: El Evado Road, just north of Dos Palmas Road, Victorville.
- Time: Around 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 7.
- Driver's Response: Remained at the scene, per officials.
- Agency: California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.
The San Bernardino County coroner's office confirmed Panitan's identity and the cause of death.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities have surged in recent years, outpacing population growth significantly. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), walking deaths rose nearly seven times faster than U.S. population growth over the past decade.
Drivers must prioritize vigilance, especially around vulnerable road users. Common factors include failure to yield, distracted driving, and poor visibility during evening hours.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths Increase (Last Decade) |
7x U.S. Population Growth (7%) |
GHSA |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities |
Over 7,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Nighttime Pedestrian Crashes |
75% of Fatalities |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian collisions to safeguard families' rights.
“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 need for an independent investigation by a seasoned attorney in cases such as this to preserve evidence and clarify fault.
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Time-sensitive evidence collection is crucial for understanding crash dynamics.
- Drivers bear a duty to yield to pedestrians in nearly all scenarios.
- Families may pursue compensation for losses, including income, companionship, and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. Formica highlighted that affected families could be eligible for wrongful death claims, with attorneys advocating for fair settlements against insurance pressures.
Analysts advise prompt legal consultation to navigate these complex situations compassionately and effectively.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Effect
The CHP continues to investigate the factors contributing to this fatal pedestrian crash. No charges have been announced as of the latest updates.
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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).