A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle in Fairfield early Tuesday morning, November 18, 2025, in a tragic crash that led to the arrest of a driver suspected of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The DUI crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes of the Travis Boulevard overpass near the off-ramp of eastbound Interstate 80, according to the Fairfield Police Department. Officers and Fairfield Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the pedestrian dead shortly after their arrival.
Police arrested a 35-year-old from Fairfield at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence. The suspect remained at the location following the crash and cooperated with the investigation. The pedestrian’s identity has not been released pending notification to their next of kin. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatal collision.
Understanding DUI-Related Pedestrian Accidents in California
Driving under the influence remains one of the most preventable causes of traffic fatalities in California. When impaired drivers get behind the wheel, they endanger everyone sharing the road—including pedestrians who have no protective barrier between themselves and a multi-ton vehicle.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in these crashes, as they lack the protection afforded to vehicle occupants. When a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination are impaired by alcohol or drugs, they may fail to see pedestrians crossing the street, misjudge distances, or be unable to brake in time to avoid a collision.
Early morning hours, like the 1:30 a.m. timeframe of this Fairfield crash, are statistically among the most dangerous for DUI-related accidents. Many impaired driving crashes occur during late-night and early-morning hours when bars and restaurants close and intoxicated individuals attempt to drive home.
Families devastated by DUI crashes face not only unimaginable grief but also significant financial burdens. When someone chooses to drive under the influence and takes a life, they must be held fully accountable—not just through the criminal justice system but also through civil liability that can provide justice and financial security for the victim’s loved ones.
Legal Rights of Families After a Fatal DUI Pedestrian Crash
When a pedestrian is killed due to a driver’s negligence or criminal conduct, California law provides legal recourse for the victim’s family members through a wrongful death claim. These civil lawsuits are separate from any criminal charges the driver may face and serve a different purpose—to provide financial compensation to the surviving family members who have suffered devastating losses.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, the following individuals may file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- The deceased person’s surviving spouse or domestic partner
- The deceased person’s surviving children
- If there is no surviving spouse or children, other family members who would inherit the deceased’s property under intestate succession laws, including parents, siblings, or other relatives
Wrongful death claims in DUI pedestrian accidents can seek compensation for multiple types of damages, including funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred before death, loss of the deceased’s expected income and financial support, loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support, and the pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members.
In cases involving DUI, families may also pursue punitive damages—additional monetary awards designed to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. California Civil Code Section 3294 allows punitive damages when a defendant’s actions demonstrate malice, oppression, or fraud.
California DUI Laws and Criminal Penalties
California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) makes it unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Section 23152(b) explicitly prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. When a DUI results in the death of another person, the driver can face serious felony charges.
Under California Penal Code Section 191.5, a driver who kills someone while driving under the influence may be charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. This felony carries a potential sentence of 4, 6, or 10 years in state prison. If the prosecution can prove the driver acted with gross negligence (such as excessive speeding or extremely reckless driving in addition to being intoxicated), enhanced penalties may apply.
California Penal Code Section 192(c) addresses vehicular manslaughter, which may be charged when a driver causes a death through ordinary negligence while committing an unlawful act (such as DUI). Even this lesser charge carries serious consequences, including potential jail time and permanent criminal records.
For the family of a pedestrian killed in a DUI crash, these criminal proceedings can provide some measure of justice and accountability. However, the state prosecutes criminal cases, and any restitution ordered typically covers only direct financial losses. A civil wrongful death lawsuit allows families to seek more comprehensive compensation for their full range of losses.
The Investigation Process in Fatal DUI Pedestrian Crashes
Following a fatal pedestrian accident involving suspected DUI, law enforcement agencies conduct thorough investigations to determine precisely what occurred and to build a criminal case against the driver. In this Fairfield crash, the Fairfield Police Department is leading the investigation, likely examining multiple factors.
Investigators typically collect evidence including witness statements from anyone who observed the crash or the driver’s behavior beforehand, surveillance or traffic camera footage from the area, vehicle data from the suspect’s car, including speed and braking information, the driver’s blood alcohol concentration through chemical testing, toxicology results to determine if drugs were also involved, and physical evidence from the crash scene, including skid marks, vehicle damage, and the pedestrian’s location.
The driver’s BAC results will be critical to the case. California law establishes a “per se” DUI limit of 0.08% BAC for drivers over 21 years old. This means that if a driver’s BAC tests at or above this level, they are legally intoxicated regardless of whether they appeared impaired. However, even drivers with lower BAC levels can be charged with DUI under Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) if evidence shows their ability to drive safely was impaired.
For families pursuing a wrongful death claim, this investigation provides valuable evidence. Police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements gathered during the criminal investigation can all be used in the civil case to prove the driver’s negligence and liability.
Travis Boulevard and Interstate 80: A High-Traffic Area
The location of this fatal crash—the Travis Boulevard overpass near the off-ramp of eastbound Interstate 80—is part of Fairfield’s major transportation infrastructure. Travis Boulevard is a significant east-west arterial road that connects various parts of Fairfield and provides access to Interstate 80, one of California’s major highways.
Interstate 80 serves as a critical transcontinental route, running from San Francisco through Sacramento and continuing east across the country. The Fairfield area sees considerable traffic from commuters, commercial vehicles, and travelers using I-80 to access various parts of the Bay Area and beyond.
Pedestrians in this area face particular dangers. Highway off-ramps and overpasses often feature higher vehicle speeds, limited lighting during nighttime hours, and drivers who may be distracted while navigating exits and merges. When you add impaired driving to these existing hazards, the risk to pedestrians increases exponentially.
Local authorities have worked to improve pedestrian safety throughout Fairfield. Still, crashes continue to occur—particularly during late-night and early-morning hours when visibility is reduced and impaired drivers are more likely to be on the road.
Understanding Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Settlements
When families pursue wrongful death claims following fatal DUI pedestrian accidents, settlement values vary considerably based on the specific circumstances of each case. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, financial recovery can help families manage the economic consequences of their loss and provide a sense of justice.
Several factors influence the value of wrongful death settlements in DUI pedestrian cases:
Economic Damages: These include quantifiable financial losses such as the deceased’s expected lifetime earnings, loss of benefits and retirement contributions the deceased would have provided, funeral and burial costs, and any medical expenses incurred between the accident and death.
Non-Economic Damages: These address the intangible losses that family members experience, including loss of companionship, love, and emotional support; loss of guidance and counsel that the deceased would have provided; and the emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members.
Punitive Damages: In DUI cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the driver for choosing to operate a vehicle while intoxicated—conduct that demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others.
The deceased’s age, earning capacity, and role within the family all impact settlement values. For example, the wrongful death of a young parent supporting minor children typically results in higher economic damages due to decades of lost financial support. The egregiousness of the defendant’s conduct also matters—drivers with prior DUI convictions or extremely high BAC levels may face larger punitive damage awards.
GJEL Accident Attorneys has recovered millions of dollars for families who have lost loved ones in DUI crashes and other preventable accidents. Our firm understands how to evaluate these cases thoroughly, document all losses, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies that often attempt to minimize payouts.
To better understand the potential range of compensation in wrongful death cases, families can utilize resources such as settlement calculators, which provide general guidance based on specific case factors. However, each case is unique, and consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney is essential for accurate evaluation.
Why Legal Representation Matters in DUI Wrongful Death Cases
Pursuing a wrongful death claim while grieving the loss of a family member is extraordinarily difficult. Insurance companies representing DUI drivers often employ tactics designed to minimize their financial exposure, including disputing liability despite obvious impairment, questioning the deceased’s actions and suggesting contributory negligence, offering inadequate early settlement amounts before families understand their full losses, and delaying proceedings in hopes that families will accept less to resolve matters quickly.
An experienced wrongful death attorney protects families from these tactics and ensures their rights are fully vindicated. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, our legal team handles every aspect of wrongful death claims, including conducting independent investigations to supplement law enforcement findings, consulting with accident reconstruction experts and economists to establish liability and quantify damages, negotiating with insurance companies from a position of strength, and preparing cases for trial when insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements.
Insurance companies count on families being overwhelmed by grief and unfamiliar with the legal process. GJEL’s job is to shoulder the legal burden, allowing families to focus on healing while we fight to secure the maximum compensation they deserve. When someone drives drunk and kills an innocent pedestrian, we make sure they face full accountability for that choice.
GJEL Accident Attorneys works on a contingency fee basis, meaning families pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we recover compensation on their behalf. This arrangement ensures that financial concerns never prevent families from accessing quality legal representation during their time of need.
Steps to Take Following a Fatal Pedestrian Accident
If your family has been affected by a fatal pedestrian accident caused by a drunk driver, taking specific steps can protect your legal rights while you navigate this difficult time:
Preserve Evidence: Keep any documentation related to the crash, including police reports, medical records, death certificates, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
Avoid Early Settlement Offers: Insurance companies often approach grieving families with quick settlement offers before the full extent of losses is understood. These early offers are typically far below fair value.
Limit Public Statements: Avoid discussing the accident or your family’s losses on social media or with insurance adjusters without legal guidance, as statements can be used to minimize your claim.
Consult an Attorney Promptly: California law imposes strict time limits on wrongful death claims, and evidence preservation is crucial due to its time-sensitive nature. Consulting with an experienced attorney early ensures critical deadlines are met and evidence is secured.
Document Financial Impacts: Keep records of all expenses related to the death, including funeral costs, travel expenses, and lost income due to time away from work.
Seek Support: Grief counseling and support groups can help family members process their loss while legal proceedings continue.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“When someone makes the devastating choice to drive under the influence and takes an innocent life, families are left grappling with both profound grief and overwhelming questions about their future. Beyond the criminal case, which focuses on punishment, families have the right to pursue civil action that addresses their financial losses and holds the driver fully accountable for their actions. These cases can recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the immeasurable loss of companionship and guidance your loved one provided. No family should face this journey alone—we’re here to handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing, and we won’t charge you a penny unless we secure compensation for your family. The path forward starts with understanding your rights, and we’re ready to help you take that first step.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
The death of a pedestrian in a DUI crash represents not only a criminal violation but also a civil wrong for which the victim’s family deserves full compensation. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we have represented hundreds of families throughout Northern California who have lost loved ones in preventable accidents caused by negligent and reckless drivers.
Our firm has recovered over $1 billion for injured clients and their families since its founding, and it brings decades of experience to every wrongful death case it handles. We understand the unique challenges families face after losing a loved one, and we provide compassionate, personalized representation focused on achieving the best possible outcome for your family.
If your family has been affected by the Fairfield pedestrian crash or a similar incident, we invite you to contact GJEL Accident Attorneys for a free and confidential consultation. We will review the circumstances of your case, explain your legal options, and answer your questions with no obligation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the pedestrian killed in this tragic Fairfield crash. While nothing can undo this devastating loss, we stand ready to help your family pursue justice and hold the responsible driver accountable for choosing to drive under the influence. Contact us at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our office in Pleasanton.
Additional Resources and Support Services
Families affected by this tragic pedestrian accident or similar incidents in the Fairfield area can access support, information, and assistance through the following agencies and organizations:
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services
Fairfield Police Department
1000 Webster Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
Non-Emergency: (707) 428-7300
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.fairfield.ca.gov/gov/depts/pd/default.asp
The Fairfield Police Department investigates all serious traffic collisions within city limits, including fatal pedestrian accidents. Families can request collision reports, obtain case numbers, and receive updates on ongoing investigations by contacting the Traffic Division.
Fairfield Fire Department
1100 Kentucky Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
Non-Emergency: (707) 428-7340
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.fairfield.ca.gov/gov/depts/fire/default.asp
Fairfield Fire Department personnel respond to traffic accidents throughout the city and provide emergency medical care at the scene of crashes.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Solano Area Office
2900 North Watney Way
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 428-2100
24-Hour Dispatch: (707) 551-4180
Website: https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/golden-gate-division/solano
The CHP patrols state highways, including Interstate 80, and investigates accidents occurring on these roadways. They provide traffic collision reports and accident investigation information.
Legal and Victim Services
Solano County District Attorney’s Office
675 Texas Street, Suite 4500
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 784-6800
Victim-Witness Assistance: (707) 784-6850
Website: https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/da/default.asp
The District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal DUI cases. It provides victim services, including case status updates, court accompaniment, assistance with victim compensation applications, and emotional support throughout the criminal justice process.
Solano County Coroner’s Office
675 Texas Street, Suite 3500
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 784-6800
Website: https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/sheriff/coroner/default.asp
The Coroner’s Office handles death investigations and provides next of kin with information about autopsy findings, death certificate procedures, and personal property release.
California Victim Compensation Board
Phone: (800) 777-9229
Website: https://victims.ca.gov
The Victim Compensation Board provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime, including DUI crashes. Eligible expenses include funeral and burial costs, medical and mental health treatment, lost wages, and relocation expenses.
Transportation and Traffic Safety Agencies
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 4
111 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 286-5559
Public Affairs: (510) 286-5908
Website: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4
Caltrans District 4 maintains Interstate 80 and other state highways in the Bay Area, including Solano County. They handle traffic safety improvements, road maintenance concerns, and provide traffic incident information.
Solano Transportation Authority
One Harbor Center, Suite 130
Suisun City, CA 94585
Phone: (707) 424-6075
Website: https://sta.ca.gov
The Solano Transportation Authority coordinates transportation planning and funding throughout Solano County, including initiatives for pedestrian safety and roadway improvements.
City of Fairfield Public Works Department
1000 Webster Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 428-7491
Website: https://www.fairfield.ca.gov/gov/depts/pw/default.asp
The Public Works Department oversees city streets and addresses concerns regarding pedestrian safety, crosswalk maintenance, street lighting, and traffic control devices.
DUI Prevention and Victim Support Organizations
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Northern California
Phone: (877) 623-3435
National 24-Hour Victim Helpline: (877) MADD-HELP
Website: https://www.madd.org
Email: victims@madd.org
MADD provides comprehensive support to families affected by drunk driving crashes, including emotional support, victim advocacy, assistance navigating the criminal justice system, court accompaniment, and connections to local support groups.
California Office of Traffic Safety
2208 Kausen Drive, Suite 300
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Phone: (916) 509-3030
Website: https://www.ots.ca.gov
The Office of Traffic Safety administers grant programs and public education campaigns aimed at reducing impaired driving and enhancing pedestrian safety throughout California.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Phone: (888) 327-4236
Website: https://www.nhtsa.gov
NHTSA provides traffic safety statistics, information about vehicle safety recalls, and educational resources about impaired driving prevention.
Mental Health and Grief Support
Solano County Behavioral Health Services
275 Beck Avenue, MS 4-200
Fairfield, CA 94533
Access Line: (707) 428-1131
24-Hour Crisis Line: (707) 428-1131
Website: https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/h3/behavioral_health/default.asp
Provides mental health services, including grief counseling, crisis intervention, and trauma support for Solano County residents affected by traumatic events.
The Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing (GRASP)
Website: https://grasphelp.org
GRASP offers peer-led support groups specifically for families who have lost loved ones to substance-related deaths, including DUI crashes.
The Compassionate Friends
National Office: (877) 969-0010
Website: https://www.compassionatefriends.org
Provides grief support for families who have lost a child, sibling, or grandchild at any age, including support groups throughout Northern California.
Legal Information and Assistance
State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service
Phone: (866) 442-2529
Website: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Need-Legal-Help/Lawyer-Referral-Service
The State Bar provides referrals to qualified attorneys in various practice areas, including personal injury and wrongful death cases.
California Courts Self-Help Center
Website: https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm
Offers information about court procedures, legal forms, and resources for individuals navigating the California court system.
Solano County Superior Court
600 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 207-7450
Website: https://www.solano.courts.ca.gov
The Superior Court handles civil wrongful death cases and provides information about court procedures, filing requirements, and case status.
Additional Community Resources
Solano County Health and Social Services
275 Beck Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 784-8400
Website: https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/h3/default.asp
Provides various support services to county residents, including emergency assistance, food programs, and connections to community resources for families experiencing financial hardship.
211 Solano
Dial: 211 (24/7 helpline)
Website: https://www.211solano.org
A comprehensive information and referral service connecting Solano County residents with local health and human services, including crisis intervention, support groups, and emergency assistance.
