Woman in wheelchair struck by vehicle while crossing street in Santa Ana.
January 09, 2026 | Santa Ana, CA
A 55-year-old woman using a wheelchair lost her life after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in Santa Ana.
Sabrina Michelle Duran, 55, a transient woman in a wheelchair, died from injuries after a vehicle struck her in the 600 block of North Grand Avenue in Santa Ana.
Sabrina Michelle Duran was identified as the victim by authorities. The incident unfolded around 6:30 p.m. on the 600 block of North Grand Avenue. The driver fled the scene initially but returned shortly after to cooperate with investigators. Duran was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the crash. It remains unclear if charges will be pursued against the driver at this time.
What Happened in the Crash?
Key details from the incident include:
- Victim: Sabrina Michelle Duran, 55, wheelchair user
- Location: 600 block of North Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA
- Date and Time: Jan. 9, around 6:30 p.m.
- Vehicle Involved: Unspecified make and model, and driver returned to scene
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, and victim pronounced dead at hospital
- Agency: Orange County Sheriff's Department
This tragic crash underscores the dangers faced by vulnerable road users in urban settings.
Why Are Wheelchair Users at Higher Risk in Pedestrian Accidents?
Wheelchair users encounter unique challenges on roadways, including extended crossing times and inadequate infrastructure that fails to account for their mobility needs. Pedestrians in general are at a disadvantage against motor vehicles, but these vulnerabilities are amplified for those with mobility aids.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities have increased at a rate nearly seven times faster than U.S. population growth over the past decade. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that roadway design and driver behavior contribute significantly to these rises.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths Increase (Last Decade) |
7x U.S. Population Growth (7%) |
GHSA |
Annual Pedestrian Fatalities (U.S.) |
Over 7,000 |
CDC (Recent Estimates) |
Wheelchair Users' Crossing Time |
2-3x Longer than Able-Bodied |
Federal Highway Administration |
Common Causes |
Speeding, Distracted Driving |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
These figures emphasize the need for enhanced safety measures, such as improved crosswalks and driver education.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes Involving Vulnerable Road Users
In cases such as this, independent investigations play a critical role in uncovering the facts and supporting affected families. National legal analysts provide perspective on navigating these complex situations.
“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.
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Drivers must always yield to pedestrians, exercising heightened caution around vulnerable users like wheelchair operators.
- Prompt evidence preservation is essential, as time-sensitive factors can determine case outcomes.
- Families may pursue claims for wrongful death, covering losses such as income, companionship, and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Analysts stress that insurance companies may push for quick settlements below fair value, underscoring the importance of skilled representation to ensure fair compensation and respectful treatment.
For more on pedestrian safety and legal options in motor vehicle crashes, explore resources from the Federal Highway Administration.
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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).