A pedestrian lost their life late Monday morning following a collision on Highway 4 near the Somersville Road on-ramp in Antioch. The fatal pedestrian accident, which occurred during peak travel hours, prompted an immediate response from emergency personnel and resulted in temporary traffic disruptions along the busy corridor.
The tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers pedestrians face on California highways and the devastating consequences when vehicles and pedestrians occupy the same high-speed roadways. This section of Highway 4 serves as a major commuter route connecting eastern Contra Costa County communities, making the incident particularly impactful for the surrounding area.
Details of the Antioch Highway 4 Fatal Pedestrian Accident
The collision was reported at approximately 10:41 a.m. on eastbound State Route 4 just west of Somersville Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. Officers responded to reports of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash in the roadway.
First responders arrived at the scene to find the pedestrian had sustained fatal injuries. Despite emergency medical efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene and cooperated with investigating officers. Details regarding the circumstances leading to the collision, including whether speed, visibility, or other factors contributed to the incident, remain under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Investigators are working to determine how the pedestrian came to be on the highway at the time of the collision. The CHP will examine all aspects of the incident, including traffic conditions, weather, roadway design, and the actions of both the pedestrian and the driver in the moments leading up to the crash.
Witness statements are being collected from other motorists who may have observed the pedestrian on the highway or witnessed the collision itself. The investigation will also review whether the driver had adequate time and distance to react to the pedestrian’s presence in the roadway, and whether any traffic violations or unsafe behaviors contributed to this tragic outcome.
Traffic Impact and Road Closures
Following the fatal collision, CHP officers established traffic control measures along eastbound Highway 4 near Somersville Road. Motorists experienced significant delays as authorities conducted their investigation and worked to clear the accident scene.
The eastbound lanes were partially blocked for several hours while investigators documented evidence, took measurements, and interviewed witnesses. Traffic was diverted around the collision scene, creating backup conditions that extended into the late morning and early afternoon hours.
Drivers who regularly use this section of Highway 4 for their commute to and from Antioch experienced considerable delays. The California Highway Patrol advised motorists to seek alternative routes or expect significant increases in travel time while the investigation was underway.
The highway closure affected thousands of commuters traveling through this heavily trafficked corridor, which connects Antioch, Pittsburg, and other eastern Contra Costa County communities to employment centers throughout the Bay Area. Emergency responders worked diligently to process the scene as quickly as possible while ensuring a thorough investigation was conducted.
The CHP utilized message boards and radio traffic alerts to warn approaching motorists of the delays and encourage them to use alternate routes such as Lone Tree Way or Deer Valley Road. Local surface streets in Antioch also experienced increased congestion as drivers sought to bypass the highway delays, impacting traffic flow throughout the surrounding residential and commercial areas.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents on California Highways
Pedestrian accidents on highways and high-speed roadways are among the most hazardous traffic incidents in California. Unlike collisions on city streets, where speeds are lower, highway pedestrian crashes often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries due to the velocity of traffic.
According to California Vehicle Code Section 21960, pedestrians are generally prohibited from walking on freeways and certain highways where pedestrian access is restricted. However, pedestrians may find themselves on these roadways due to vehicle breakdowns, mental health crises, disorientation, or other emergency circumstances.
When pedestrians are present on highways, drivers may have limited time to react. The high speeds, reduced sight lines near on-ramps and overpasses, and the unexpected nature of encountering a pedestrian on a freeway all contribute to the severity of these accidents.
California law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care for the safety of pedestrians under all circumstances. Even when a pedestrian is unlawfully on a highway, drivers must attempt to avoid a collision if possible.
Common Causes of Highway Pedestrian Accidents
Several factors frequently contribute to pedestrian collisions on California highways and freeways:
Vehicle-Related Breakdowns: Pedestrians may be forced onto the highway after their vehicle breaks down, particularly if they attempt to walk to find assistance or reach an emergency call box.
Mental Health Crises: Individuals experiencing mental health emergencies may inadvertently or intentionally enter highway traffic, creating dangerous situations for themselves and motorists.
Reduced Visibility Conditions: Fog, rain, glare, or nighttime darkness can make it extremely difficult for drivers to see pedestrians on the roadway, particularly when pedestrians are wearing dark clothing.
Driver Inattention: Despite the prohibition on pedestrian travel on highways, drivers who are distracted by mobile devices, in-vehicle entertainment systems, or other factors may fail to notice pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
On-Ramp and Off-Ramp Areas: The areas near highway on-ramps and off-ramps present particular hazards, as drivers are accelerating or decelerating and may not expect to encounter pedestrians.
Substance Impairment: Both driver impairment from alcohol or drugs and pedestrian impairment can contribute to these tragic accidents.
Highway design and infrastructure deficiencies can also significantly contribute to pedestrian accidents on California freeways. Inadequate lighting along specific highway stretches, particularly near on-ramps and overpasses, can make it nearly impossible for drivers to see pedestrians until it’s too late to avoid a collision.
Additionally, the lack of adequate pedestrian barriers or fencing in areas where highways run adjacent to residential neighborhoods or commercial districts may allow disoriented or distressed individuals to access the roadway inadvertently. Some highway segments also lack sufficient shoulder width or safe refuge areas where disabled motorists can move completely out of traffic lanes, forcing them to remain dangerously close to high-speed traffic.
Weather conditions unique to the Bay Area, including sudden fog banks that reduce visibility to near zero, can create extremely hazardous situations when combined with pedestrian presence on the highway. Understanding these contributing factors is essential for determining liability and pursuing appropriate legal action following a fatal pedestrian accident.
Legal Rights of Pedestrian Accident Victims and Their Families
When a pedestrian is killed in a highway accident, their surviving family members have legal rights under California law. Even when a pedestrian was unlawfully on the highway, families may still have grounds for a wrongful death claim if driver negligence contributed to the fatal collision.
California’s wrongful death statute allows certain family members to pursue compensation for their losses, including:
Immediate Family Members: Spouses, domestic partners, and children of the deceased have the primary right to file a wrongful death claim.
Extended Family: In some cases, other dependents or family members who can demonstrate financial dependence on the deceased may also have standing to pursue a claim.
Financial Support: Families can seek compensation for the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, including income, benefits, and services.
Loss of Companionship: California law acknowledges the profound emotional impact of losing a loved one, enabling families to seek compensation for the loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, and protection.
Funeral and Burial Costs: The expenses associated with laying a loved one to rest can be substantial, and these costs can be recovered in a wrongful death claim.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help Antioch Pedestrian Accident Victims
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the devastating impact that fatal pedestrian accidents have on families throughout the Bay Area. Our experienced legal team has represented countless families who have lost loved ones in traffic accidents, securing over $1 billion in compensation for our clients.
At GJEL, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully resolve your case. We advance all costs associated with investigating and prosecuting your claim, including expert witness fees, so you can focus on healing and supporting your family during this difficult time.
We have successfully represented families in similar highway pedestrian accidents throughout California, and we know how to navigate the complex legal issues these cases present, including questions of comparative fault, highway design defects, and driver negligence.
Investigating Highway Pedestrian Fatalities
A thorough investigation is critical in highway pedestrian accident cases. Our legal team works with leading accident reconstruction specialists who can analyze:
Traffic Camera Footage: Many California highways have surveillance cameras that may have captured the moments leading up to the collision.
Vehicle Data: Modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders that store information about speed, braking, and other factors immediately preceding a crash.
Highway Design: We examine whether inadequate lighting, poor signage, or other highway design defects may have contributed to the accident.
Driver Background: We investigate the driver’s history, including any prior traffic violations, accidents, or patterns of unsafe driving.
Witness Statements: We locate and interview witnesses who may have seen the pedestrian on the highway or observed the collision.
This comprehensive investigation helps us establish liability and pursue maximum compensation for families who have lost loved ones. Our investigative process begins immediately upon retaining our firm, often while the California Highway Patrol’s official investigation is still ongoing. We deploy our team of experts to the accident scene to conduct independent measurements, photograph road conditions, and document factors such as lighting levels, sight lines, road surface conditions, and traffic patterns at a time similar to when the accident occurred.
Our accident reconstruction specialists use sophisticated computer modeling and simulation software to recreate the collision, determining precise speeds, impact forces, and the driver’s available reaction time. We also obtain cell phone records to determine whether the driver was distracted by mobile device use at the time of the crash, and we review toxicology reports to establish whether impairment played any role.
In cases where highway design may have contributed to the accident, we consult with civil engineers and traffic safety experts who can identify deficiencies in roadway design, maintenance, or signage that violated applicable safety standards. This multifaceted approach ensures that no potential source of liability is overlooked, thereby strengthening our ability to secure maximum compensation for grieving families.
Understanding Fatal Pedestrian Accident Settlement Values
Determining the appropriate compensation for a fatal pedestrian accident requires careful analysis of multiple factors unique to each case. Pedestrian accident settlement calculators serve as valuable educational tools that help families understand the various components that contribute to the value of their claim. These calculators typically consider the deceased person’s age, occupation, annual income, and life expectancy to estimate economic damages such as lost future earnings and benefits.
They also factor in non-economic damages, including the family’s loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support, which can be substantial in fatal accident cases. Additional considerations include funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred before death, and the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before passing away.
While settlement calculators provide helpful estimates based on inputted information, they cannot account for the nuanced circumstances of each case, such as the strength of liability evidence, the degree of negligence involved, the jurisdiction where the case will be tried, and the specific dynamics of the family’s relationship with the deceased.
Experienced wrongful death attorneys use these calculators as one tool among many to educate clients about potential case values. Still, they rely primarily on their knowledge of similar verdicts and settlements, their understanding of local jury trends, and comprehensive economic analyses prepared by forensic economists to determine the actual value of each unique claim and negotiate maximum compensation for grieving families. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Taking the First Step Toward Justice
“Losing a loved one in a highway pedestrian accident is devastating, and families often struggle with both grief and uncertainty about their legal rights. Even when a pedestrian was on a highway where they shouldn’t have been, California law still holds drivers accountable if negligence played any role in the tragedy. We’ve seen cases where distracted driving, excessive speed, or failure to maintain proper lookout contributed to these fatal collisions. If your family is dealing with this unimaginable loss, please don’t face the insurance companies alone—they may try to minimize your claim or pressure you into a quick settlement that doesn’t reflect the true value of your loss. We handle everything on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win, and we’ll fight to secure the full compensation your family deserves while you focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.” — Andy Gillin, Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If your family has been impacted by this tragic Highway 4 pedestrian accident or any fatal collision in California, the compassionate legal team at GJEL Accident Attorneys is ready to fight for your rights. We understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, but pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial security for your family’s future and hold negligent parties accountable.
Our firm operates exclusively on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing upfront and no attorney fees whatsoever unless we successfully recover compensation for your family. We advance all costs associated with investigating your case, hiring expert witnesses, and building the most substantial possible claim, so financial concerns never stand between you and justice. Time is critical in wrongful death cases, as California law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims, and crucial evidence can disappear quickly.
Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into accepting inadequate settlements or signing away your rights. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our San Francisco office for your free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions, explain your legal options, and begin fighting for the maximum compensation your family deserves. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on what matters most—supporting your family and honoring your loved one’s memory.
Antioch Community Resources for Accident Victims
Families affected by this tragic Highway 4 pedestrian accident can access various local resources for support:
Antioch Police Department
300 L Street, Antioch, CA 94509
Non-Emergency: (925) 778-2441
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.antiochca.gov/government/police-department/
The Antioch Police Department can provide incident reports and information about victim services. Their Records Division is available to assist families in obtaining official documentation related to traffic accidents.
California Highway Patrol – Contra Costa Area
2450 Bisso Lane, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: (925) 646-4980
24-Hour Dispatch: (707) 551-4180
Website: https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/services-information/obtain-traffic-collision-report
The CHP Contra Costa office is investigating this collision and can provide official traffic collision reports. Families can request copies of the collision report online or in person at the office.
Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office
1 Ferry Building, Room 346, Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 313-2850
Website: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1196/Coroners-Bureau
The coroner’s office can provide information to family members regarding their loved one and can assist with questions about autopsy reports and death certificates.
Contra Costa Transportation Authority
2999 Oak Road, Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Phone: (925) 256-4700
Website: https://www.ccta.net/
Email: info@ccta.net
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority oversees transportation planning and highway safety initiatives throughout the county. They maintain information about highway conditions, safety programs, and infrastructure improvements along Highway 4 and other major corridors.
Sutter Delta Medical Center
3901 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94509
Phone: (925) 779-7200
Website: https://www.sutterhealth.org/delta
The closest emergency trauma center to the accident location provides comprehensive emergency medical services.
Contra Costa Crisis Center
24-Hour Crisis Line: (800) 833-2900
Text: “HOPE” to 20121
Website: https://www.crisis-center.org/
Provides immediate emotional support and crisis intervention services to individuals and families experiencing trauma. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide confidential support.
Victim Witness Assistance Center
Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: (925) 957-8501
Website: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1532/Victim-Witness-Assistance-Center
Location: 900 Ward Street, Martinez, CA 94553
Offers support services, information, and resources to crime victims and their families, including assistance with victim compensation claims and court navigation.
California Department of Motor Vehicles – Antioch Office
2tellings Court, Antioch, CA 94509
Phone: 1-800-777-0133
Website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/
Can provide driver records and vehicle registration information that may be relevant to accident investigations.
California Victim Compensation Board
Phone: 1-800-777-9229
Website: https://victims.ca.gov/
Provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime and their families, including help with funeral expenses, lost wages, medical bills, and mental health counseling.
211 Contra Costa – Community Resource Connection
Dial: 211 (24/7 hotline)
Website: https://www.211cc.org/
Text your zip code to: 898-211
A comprehensive information and referral service connecting Contra Costa County residents to local health and human services, including grief counseling, legal aid, housing assistance, and emergency support.
Bay Area Legal Aid
Phone: 1-800-551-5554
Website: https://baylegal.org/
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of the Bay Area, including assistance with insurance disputes and other legal matters that may arise following a fatal accident.
Antioch Community Center
4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531
Phone: (925) 776-3050
Website: https://www.antiochca.gov/recreation/facilities/community-center/
Offers various community support programs and can connect families with local grief support groups and counseling services.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/
Phone: 1-888-327-4236
Provides national traffic safety information, vehicle safety ratings, and resources for families affected by traffic accidents.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Northern California
Phone: 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435)
Website: https://www.madd.org/
Offers victim support services, including emotional support, assistance navigating the criminal justice system, and connections to local support groups for families who have lost loved ones in traffic accidents.
These resources provide comprehensive support for families navigating the aftermath of a fatal pedestrian accident, from obtaining official reports and medical assistance to accessing emotional support and understanding their legal rights.
