A tragic pedestrian accident occurred in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 29, 2025, when a 55-year-old man was struck and killed while crossing Decoto Road in Union City. The devastating incident took place near the intersection of Decoto Road and Royal Ann Drive, just before sunrise, leaving the community mourning another life lost to a traffic collision.
Details of the Union City Pedestrian Accident
Union City Police Department officers responded to reports of a pedestrian-involved collision at approximately 6:26 a.m. at the intersection of Decoto Road and Royal Ann Drive. The early morning darkness likely contributed to reduced visibility conditions at the time of the crash.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, but tragically, the 55-year-old pedestrian victim was pronounced deceased at the location of the collision. The severity of the impact left no opportunity for life-saving measures, underscoring the devastating consequences when vehicles strike pedestrians.
Investigation Into the Fatal Collision
The driver involved in the fatal crash remained at the scene and has been cooperating fully with Union City Police Department investigators. According to preliminary findings from authorities, alcohol or drug impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor in this collision, though the investigation remains ongoing.
One critical detail still under investigation is whether the pedestrian was crossing within a marked crosswalk at the time of the collision. This determination will be significant in understanding the circumstances of the crash and establishing any potential liability. Investigators are likely examining physical evidence at the scene, reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, and interviewing witnesses who may have observed the incident.
The Union City Police Department continues its comprehensive investigation into all aspects of this fatal pedestrian accident to determine the exact sequence of events and any contributing factors. Investigators will likely examine multiple factors as they work to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to this fatal collision.
Critical elements of the investigation typically include measuring skid marks or other tire evidence on the roadway to determine vehicle speed, documenting the exact point of impact, assessing roadway lighting conditions at the time of the crash, and examining the vehicle involved for any mechanical defects that may have contributed to the collision.
Detectives will also review the driver’s cell phone records to determine if distraction played a role, even though impairment has been ruled out as a factor. Weather conditions, road surface quality, and any obstructions to visibility will be carefully documented. Additionally, investigators may canvas the area for businesses or residences with security cameras that may have captured footage of either the moments before the collision or the crash itself.
The Union City Police Department will compile all this evidence into a comprehensive collision report, which may take several weeks or months to complete, depending on the case’s complexity and the need for expert analysis of the physical evidence collected at the scene.
Dangers of Pre-Dawn Pedestrian Crossings
This tragic incident highlights the particular dangers pedestrians face during pre-dawn hours when visibility is significantly compromised. At 6:26 a.m. in late October, the sun had not yet risen, creating challenging conditions for both pedestrians and drivers.
Pedestrians crossing roadways during these dark hours are often difficult for drivers to see, especially if they are wearing dark clothing or crossing in areas with inadequate street lighting. Similarly, drivers may be contending with glare from oncoming headlights, fatigue from early morning commutes, or distractions that reduce their ability to spot pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
Decoto Road is a significant thoroughfare in Union City, carrying substantial traffic volumes during morning commute hours. The combination of higher traffic speeds, reduced visibility, and increased vehicular activity makes early morning crossings particularly hazardous for pedestrians.
Legal Rights of Pedestrian Accident Victims and Their Families
When a pedestrian is killed in a traffic collision, their surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. Even when a driver remains at the scene and cooperates with authorities, as occurred in this case, they may still be held legally accountable for the fatal collision.
California law provides specific protections for pedestrians, and drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid striking people on foot. This duty includes maintaining appropriate speeds, remaining vigilant for pedestrians, and yielding the right-of-way when required. Suppose a driver’s negligence contributed to a pedestrian fatality. In that case, the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the emotional trauma of losing a loved one.
The determination of whether the pedestrian was in a crosswalk at the time of the collision will be relevant to any legal claims. However, even if the pedestrian was crossing outside a designated crosswalk, drivers still have an obligation to watch for and avoid striking pedestrians whenever possible.
California Crosswalk Laws and Pedestrian Safety
California Vehicle Code establishes clear rules regarding pedestrian crossings and driver responsibilities. Under California law, drivers must yield to pedestrians within marked crosswalks and at unmarked crosswalks at intersections. However, pedestrians also have responsibilities, including crossing only at designated locations when available and yielding to vehicles when crossing outside of crosswalks.
The fact that investigators are still determining whether the victim was in a crosswalk suggests this detail may not have been immediately apparent from the scene evidence. This ambiguity is not uncommon in pedestrian collisions, especially those that occur in low-light conditions.
Regardless of where the pedestrian was crossing, drivers approaching intersections during dark hours must exercise heightened caution and be prepared to stop for pedestrians who may be difficult to see. The duty of care that drivers owe to vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, is substantial under California law.
Seeking Justice After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident
Families who have lost a loved one in a pedestrian collision face not only profound grief but also potential financial hardships resulting from unexpected funeral costs and loss of income. Pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide necessary compensation and also help establish accountability for the tragedy.
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, our experienced legal team understands the devastating impact of losing a family member in a preventable traffic collision. We have successfully represented numerous families in pedestrian fatality cases throughout California, securing the compensation they need and deserve during the most difficult time of their lives.
Our attorneys conduct thorough independent investigations into fatal pedestrian accidents, working with accident reconstruction experts and reviewing all available evidence to build the strongest possible case for our clients. We handle every aspect of the legal process so that grieving families can focus on healing and remembering their loved one.
Understanding Fatal Pedestrian Accident Settlement Calculators
Families pursuing wrongful death claims after a fatal pedestrian accident often wonder what compensation they might reasonably expect to recover. Fatal pedestrian accident settlement calculators are valuable tools that can provide families with a preliminary understanding of potential settlement values based on key factors in their case.
These calculators typically consider multiple elements, including the victim’s age, income, and life expectancy, to calculate economic damages such as lost future earnings and benefits that the deceased would have provided to their family. They also factor in non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support, which cannot be easily quantified but are nonetheless significant losses for surviving family members.
Additional considerations include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred before death, and the pain and suffering the victim experienced before passing. While settlement calculators provide helpful estimates, it’s essential to understand that every wrongful death case is unique, and actual settlement values depend on specific circumstances, including the strength of evidence, the degree of the defendant’s negligence, insurance policy limits, and the skill of legal representation.
An experienced wrongful death attorney can provide a more accurate assessment of your case’s value after reviewing all relevant details. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we offer free consultations where we evaluate the specific factors in your case and provide realistic expectations about potential compensation, ensuring families understand their legal options without any financial obligation. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“The loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident is absolutely devastating, and no amount of compensation can truly make up for that loss. However, families deserve answers about what happened and accountability from those responsible. In cases like this, such as the Union City tragedy, even when a driver cooperates with police, there may still be legal liability if negligence played a role in the collision. Whether the pedestrian is in a crosswalk or not, drivers have a duty to watch for and avoid striking people on foot, especially during low-visibility conditions, such as pre-dawn hours. I encourage the family of this 55-year-old victim to preserve all evidence, obtain a copy of the police report once it’s available, and speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney who can protect their rights during this tough time. At GJEL, we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, so grieving families never have to worry about upfront costs or attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on their behalf. Our priority is to ensure families receive the financial support they need while holding negligent parties accountable, allowing them to focus on healing and honoring their loved one’s memory.” — Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
Suppose you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Union City or anywhere throughout California. In that case, GJEL Accident Attorneys is here to help your family seek justice and fair compensation. We understand that families grieving the loss of a loved one should not have to worry about legal fees or upfront costs during such a difficult time.
That’s why we handle all wrongful death and pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis – you pay absolutely nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for your family. There are no consultation fees, no retainer fees, and no hidden costs. Our experienced legal team advances all case expenses, from hiring expert witnesses to conducting thorough investigations, and we only collect our attorney fees from the settlement or verdict we secure on your behalf.
This contingency fee arrangement ensures that every family, regardless of its financial situation, has access to aggressive and experienced legal representation when they need it most. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for your free, confidential consultation, and let our dedicated team fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
At GJEL, we ensure that all evidence is properly preserved and that all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated, allowing families to focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Contact us at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Berkeley office to secure your future and compensation.
Comprehensive Alameda County Resources for Accident Victims and Families
Families affected by this tragic pedestrian fatality or other traffic accidents in Union City and throughout Alameda County can access the following local resources for assistance, information, and support:
Union City Police Department
34009 Alvarado-Niles Road
Union City, CA 94587
Non-Emergency: (510) 471-1365
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.unioncity.org/police
The Union City Police Department investigates traffic collisions within city limits and can provide accident reports, case updates, and information about ongoing investigations. Families can request collision reports through the department’s records division.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office – Traffic Unit
1401 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, CA 94612
Non-Emergency: (510) 667-7721
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.alamedacountyso.org
The Sheriff’s Office investigates traffic collisions in unincorporated areas of Alameda County and provides traffic safety enforcement throughout the county.
California Highway Patrol – Hayward Office
30000 Industrial Parkway SW, Suite 101
Hayward, CA 94544
Phone: (510) 489-1500
24-Hour Dispatch: (510) 489-1500
Website: https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/golden-gate-division/hayward
CHP investigates serious injury and fatal collisions on state routes and highways in the Union City area and throughout Alameda County. They also provide collision reports and assist with traffic safety concerns.
Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau
480 4th Street, Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 382-3000
Website: https://coroner.acgov.org
The Coroner’s Bureau investigates sudden, unexpected deaths including traffic fatalities in Alameda County. They provide death certificates, autopsy reports, and information for families of fatal accident victims.
Eden Township Healthcare District (Washington Hospital)
2000 Mowry Avenue
Fremont, CA 94538
Emergency Department: (510) 797-1111
Main Hospital: (510) 797-1111
Website: https://www.whhs.com
The nearest hospital emergency department for serious injuries resulting from traffic accidents in Union City, providing 24/7 emergency medical care.
Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC)
1111 Broadway, Suite 800
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 208-7400
Website: https://www.alamedactc.org
Email: info@alamedactc.org
Alameda CTC plans, funds, and delivers transportation projects and programs throughout Alameda County. They accept reports about dangerous road conditions, inadequate crosswalks, and requests for traffic safety improvements.
Union City Public Works Department
34009 Alvarado-Niles Road
Union City, CA 94587
Phone: (510) 675-5310
Website: https://www.unioncity.org/publicworks
Responsible for maintaining city streets, traffic signals, and crosswalks. Residents can report dangerous road conditions, malfunctioning traffic signals, inadequate lighting, or request pedestrian safety improvements.
Alameda County Public Health Department – Injury and Violence Prevention
1000 Broadway, 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 267-8000
Website: https://www.acphd.org
Provides community programs focused on preventing traffic injuries and deaths, including pedestrian safety education and advocacy for safer street design.
California Office of Victims Services (CalVCB)
Toll-Free: (800) 777-9229
Website: https://victims.ca.gov
CalVCB provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime, including some traffic-related crimes such as hit-and-run or DUI collisions. Eligible family members of fatal accident victims may receive help with funeral expenses, counseling, and other costs.
Alameda County District Attorney’s Office – Victim Services Division
1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 900
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 272-6222
Victim/Witness Assistance: (510) 272-6200
Website: https://www.alcoda.org
Provides support services to crime victims and witnesses, including victims of vehicular manslaughter or hit-and-run collisions. Offers court advocacy, notification of case status, and assistance with victim compensation applications.
Safe Transportation Research & Education Center (SafeTREC)
UC Berkeley
2614 Dwight Way #7374
Berkeley, CA 94720-7374
Phone: (510) 642-0655
Website: https://safetrec.berkeley.edu
A UC Berkeley resource center that provides data, tools, and education to improve transportation safety throughout California, including Alameda County pedestrian safety statistics and resources.
Walk Oakland Bike Oakland (WOBO)
446 17th Street, Suite 301
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 463-7433
Website: https://www.wobo.org
Email: info@wobo.org
A nonprofit organization advocating for safer streets for walking and biking throughout Alameda County, including Union City. They work to improve pedestrian infrastructure and provide community education on traffic safety.
Legal Aid Society of Alameda County
1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 663-4744
Toll-Free: (888) 534-5243
Website: https://www.laaconline.org
Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents of Alameda County on various civil matters and can offer guidance on accessing resources after a traffic accident.
These agencies and organizations can provide crucial assistance, information, and support to families navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident in Union City and throughout Alameda County.
