A person in his 70s sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing in a marked crosswalk at Morgan Street and College Avenue in Santa Rosa on Wednesday evening, December 31, 2025. The driver initially fled the scene but was later arrested on felony charges. The pedestrian hit-and-run crash occurred just hours before midnight on New Year’s Eve, leaving the victim unresponsive in the roadway and requiring immediate emergency medical intervention.
Authorities reported that the Toyota Tacoma was traveling at approximately 35 miles per hour when it struck the elderly man who was lawfully using the eastern crosswalk to cross College Avenue. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers pedestrians face even when following traffic laws and using designated crossing areas, particularly during evening hours when visibility is reduced. The driver’s decision to flee the scene before eventually contacting police dispatch approximately 24 minutes later has resulted in serious felony criminal charges in addition to potential civil liability for the victim’s catastrophic injuries.
Details of the Santa Rosa Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Crash
According to the Santa Rosa Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of Morgan Street and College Avenue at approximately 7:13 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. When first responders arrived, they found an elderly man lying unresponsive in the roadway. Investigators determined that the pedestrian was crossing College Avenue in the eastern crosswalk when he was struck by a blue 2019 Toyota Tacoma traveling at approximately 35 miles per hour. The impact left the victim with serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
Emergency medical personnel transported the man to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. The extent of his injuries and current medical status have not been publicly disclosed as of this report. The collision occurred at a busy intersection in Santa Rosa during the evening hours when pedestrian and vehicle traffic can be substantial, particularly on New Year’s Eve when many residents are traveling to celebrations and gatherings.
Investigators are examining all aspects of the crash, including lighting conditions at the intersection, the visibility of the crosswalk markings, whether the pedestrian activated any crossing signals if present, and the driver’s actions leading up to the collision. The fact that the vehicle was traveling at approximately 35 miles per hour—which may have been at or near the posted speed limit—raises questions about whether the driver was paying adequate attention to the roadway and whether he had sufficient time to react to the pedestrian lawfully using the crosswalk.
Witnesses at the scene may provide crucial information about the moments leading up to the impact, including whether the driver attempted to brake or take evasive action, and whether any other factors, such as poor visibility, obstructions, or the pedestrian’s clothing and visibility, contributed to this tragic collision.
The police department’s traffic collision investigation unit is thoroughly documenting the scene, analyzing any available surveillance or dashcam footage, and interviewing witnesses to build a complete picture of how this preventable accident occurred and why the driver made the decision to flee rather than immediately render aid to the critically injured victim.
Driver Fled Scene Before Contacting Authorities
In a disturbing development, police reported that the driver of the Toyota Tacoma left the scene immediately after striking the pedestrian. California law requires all drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death to stop, render aid, exchange information, and cooperate with the authorities. Approximately 24 minutes after the collision, the driver contacted police dispatch. Authorities subsequently identified the driver as 31-year-old Brigido V. of Greenfield, California.
Law enforcement officers arrested Brigido V. and booked him into custody on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing serious bodily injury. Police stated that their investigation found no evidence that alcohol played a role in the collision. The Santa Rosa Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including why the driver initially fled and what factors may have contributed to the collision.
Understanding Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws in California
California Vehicle Code Section 21950 establishes explicit pedestrian right-of-way protections at crosswalks, creating clear legal obligations for all motorists throughout the state. Under this statute, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at intersections, recognizing that pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of our roadways.
The law provides that pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing in marked crosswalks, and drivers must exercise due care to ensure their safety at all times, regardless of other traffic conditions or the driver’s perceived urgency. Motorists approaching a crosswalk where a pedestrian is crossing must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has safely crossed their lane of travel, not simply the driver’s immediate path.
Even when traveling at or below the posted speed limit, drivers must reduce their speed and be prepared to stop when approaching crosswalks, particularly in areas with limited visibility or during nighttime hours when pedestrians are more difficult to see. When drivers violate these pedestrian right-of-way laws and cause injury or death, they face significantly more serious criminal charges and substantial civil liability, including potential punitive damages that can dramatically increase their financial responsibility.
In the Santa Rosa case, the pedestrian was lawfully using the marked eastern crosswalk at College Avenue when the collision occurred, establishing a strong foundation for potential legal claims. The victim was exercising his legal right to cross the street in a designated pedestrian zone, where he had absolute right-of-way protection under California law.
The Serious Crime of Hit-and-Run in California
Leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury constitutes a felony offense under California Vehicle Code Section 20001. This law imposes strict obligations on all drivers involved in collisions.
Immediate responsibilities: Drivers must stop at the scene, provide reasonable assistance to injured persons, and exchange identifying information with other parties involved.
Felony hit-and-run penalties: When an accident causes injury or death, fleeing the scene is charged as a felony punishable by imprisonment in state prison for two to four years, or in county jail for up to one year, along with fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Civil consequences: Beyond criminal penalties, hit-and-run drivers face enhanced civil liability. California law allows injury victims to pursue punitive damages against defendants who fled the scene, which can substantially increase the total compensation awarded.
Insurance complications: Hit-and-run convictions typically result in driver’s license suspension and can make obtaining affordable auto insurance difficult or impossible for years following the incident.
In the December 31st collision, Brigido V. faces felony hit-and-run charges specifically because he left the scene after striking a pedestrian who sustained serious injuries. Even though he contacted authorities approximately 24 minutes later, the initial decision to flee the scene constitutes a separate criminal offense independent of the underlying collision.
Common Causes of Crosswalk Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents at marked crosswalks often result from preventable driver errors and violations. Understanding these common causes helps establish liability in personal injury cases.
Driver inattention and distraction: Motorists looking at cell phones, adjusting controls, or otherwise not watching the road frequently fail to see pedestrians in crosswalks until it’s too late to stop.
Failure to yield right-of-way: Many drivers either fail to understand or choose to disregard pedestrian right-of-way laws, proceeding through crosswalks when they should yield to pedestrians crossing the street.
Excessive speed: Even when traveling at the posted speed limit, vehicles moving at higher speeds have longer stopping distances, giving drivers less time to react to pedestrians entering crosswalks.
Poor visibility conditions, including darkness, adverse weather conditions, and obstructed sight lines, all contribute to crosswalk accidents, particularly when combined with inadequate street lighting or worn crosswalk markings.
Impaired driving: Despite police stating no evidence of alcohol involvement in this case, impaired driving remains a leading cause of pedestrian accidents across California.
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as rolling through stop signs, racing to beat yellow lights, and other reckless driving habits, put pedestrians at serious risk in intersection crosswalks.
The Santa Rosa collision occurred during evening hours at approximately 7:13 p.m., when visibility can be reduced. Investigators are examining all factors that may have contributed to the driver striking the elderly pedestrian who was legally using the marked crosswalk.
Serious Injuries Suffered by Pedestrians in Crosswalk Accidents
When vehicles traveling at speeds around 35 miles per hour strike pedestrians, the results are often catastrophic. The human body has virtually no protection against the force of a multi-ton vehicle.
Common severe injuries in pedestrian-vehicle collisions include:
Traumatic brain injuries: Head impacts with the vehicle, windshield, or pavement frequently cause concussions, skull fractures, brain bleeding, and permanent cognitive impairment.
Spinal cord damage: The violent impact can fracture vertebrae and damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
Internal organ damage: Blunt force trauma commonly causes internal bleeding, ruptured organs, and other life-threatening internal injuries requiring emergency surgery.
Broken bones and fractures: Multiple bone fractures, particularly to the pelvis, legs, ribs, and arms, are extremely common and may require surgical repair with plates, rods, and screws.
Soft tissue injuries: Severe lacerations, road rash, muscle tears, and ligament damage often accompany pedestrian accidents and may necessitate multiple reconstructive surgeries.
Psychological trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims often experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and fear of crossing streets or being near traffic.
In this case, the 70-year-old victim was found unresponsive in the roadway and transported to a hospital with serious injuries. Given his age and the reported severity of his condition, he likely faces a prolonged recovery period with significant medical treatment needs and potential permanent disabilities.
Legal Rights of Pedestrians Injured in Crosswalks
Pedestrians struck by vehicles while lawfully using crosswalks have strong legal protections under California law. Victims and their families should be aware of their rights to financial compensation.
Presumption of driver fault: When a pedestrian is injured in a marked crosswalk, California law creates a presumption that the driver failed to yield the right-of-way as required by law. This shifts the burden to the driver to explain why they should not be held responsible.
Comprehensive damages available: Injury victims can pursue compensation for all economic and non-economic losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Enhanced damages for hit-and-run: Because the driver in this case allegedly fled the scene, the victim may be eligible for punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct by others.
No upfront costs with contingency representation: Personal injury attorneys typically represent pedestrian accident victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless their case is successfully resolved.
Uninsured motorist coverage: If the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance or is uninsured, victims may file claims under their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to access additional compensation.
Shortened statute of limitations: California generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting too long can compromise evidence and witness availability.
The elderly victim in this Santa Rosa crosswalk collision has clear legal grounds for a personal injury claim. His case is strengthened by the facts that he was using a marked crosswalk, the driver was allegedly traveling at a relatively high speed, and the driver initially fled the scene before being arrested on felony charges.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one is struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, taking proper steps immediately after the accident and during recovery can significantly impact your ability to obtain fair compensation.
Seek immediate medical attention: Always accept emergency medical transport and receive a thorough evaluation, even if injuries seem minor initially. Some severe conditions have delayed symptoms.
Report the accident: Ensure that the police are called to the scene and file an official accident report, documenting the collision, injuries, and all relevant details.
Document everything: If physically able, take photos of the accident scene, crosswalk, vehicle damage, injuries, and surrounding conditions. Obtain contact information from witnesses.
Preserve evidence: Keep all medical records, bills, prescriptions, and documentation of treatment. Maintain records of missed work, transportation to appointments, and other accident-related expenses.
Avoid recorded statements: Do not provide recorded statements to insurance companies without first consulting an attorney. Insurers often use these statements to minimize the number of claims.
Don’t accept quick settlements: Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements, hoping victims will take them before fully understanding the full extent of their injuries and losses.
Consult an experienced attorney: Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure critical evidence is preserved.
In hit-and-run cases like this Santa Rosa collision, police investigation and criminal proceedings provide additional documentation that can strengthen civil injury claims. An attorney can coordinate with law enforcement while simultaneously building your personal injury case.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help Pedestrian Accident Victims
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, our legal team has extensive experience representing pedestrians who have been seriously injured in crosswalk collisions throughout Northern California, and we understand the physical, emotional, and financial devastation these accidents cause for victims and families. Our comprehensive approach begins with thorough independent investigations to document precisely how the accident occurred, identify all liable parties, and gather compelling evidence supporting your right to maximum compensation.
We work directly with healthcare providers to ensure you receive all necessary medical treatment while strategically negotiating medical liens to maximize your net recovery after all expenses are paid. Our team collaborates with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, economists, and other specialists to fully establish the actual value of your claim, including future medical needs and long-term impacts on your quality of life.
We handle all communications with insurance companies and their attorneys with aggressive negotiation tactics, fighting for settlements that genuinely reflect the harm you’ve suffered rather than accepting the low initial offers insurers typically present. While most cases settle favorably without trial, we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, demonstrating our readiness and ability to take your case to court if necessary to secure fair and just compensation.
Throughout this process, we provide compassionate support, recognizing that you’re dealing with serious injuries and major life disruptions. We provide personalized attention and regular communication, ensuring you are always informed about the status of your case. When someone is crossing legally in a marked crosswalk and gets hit by a vehicle, especially when the driver flees the scene, it represents a profound betrayal of the basic duty we all owe to protect others on our roadways. GJEL accident attorneys are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing the full compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives after such devastating injuries.
Understanding Your Pedestrian Accident Settlement Value
Many factors influence the potential value of a pedestrian accident claim. While every case is unique, understanding these considerations can help victims have realistic expectations.
Severity and permanence of injuries: More serious injuries requiring extensive treatment and causing lasting disabilities generally result in higher settlements.
Medical expenses: Both past and future medical costs are recoverable, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, assistive devices, and ongoing treatment needs.
Lost income and earning capacity: Victims can claim compensation for wages lost during recovery and reduced future earning ability if injuries prevent them from returning to their previous occupation.
Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages account for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible harms.
Available insurance coverage: The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits and any available uninsured motorist coverage affect maximum recovery potential.
Strength of liability evidence: Clear evidence of driver fault, such as fleeing the scene or violating pedestrian right-of-way laws, typically increases settlement value.
Victim’s age and life expectancy: Younger victims with longer life expectancies may receive higher awards due to extended future medical needs and longer periods of diminished quality of life.
For cases involving elderly victims like the 70-year-old man struck in this Santa Rosa crosswalk, insurance companies cannot legally discount damages based on age. Elderly pedestrians deserve full compensation for their medical treatment, pain, suffering, and other losses.
Using Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accident Calculators to Estimate Settlement Values
Pedestrian hit-and-run accident calculators serve as valuable tools for injury victims seeking to understand the potential worth of their legal claims before consulting with an attorney. These specialized calculators take into account the unique factors that apply specifically to pedestrian accidents where the driver fled the scene, including the severity of injuries sustained and the total cost of medical treatment.
It covers both past and projected future losses, including lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering damages, and the enhanced punitive damages that may be available due to the driver’s decision to leave the scene. By inputting detailed information about medical expenses, the duration of recovery, permanent disabilities or impairments, ongoing care needs, psychological trauma, and the impact on quality of life, victims can receive an estimated range of what their case might be worth in settlement negotiations or at trial.
These calculators factor in California-specific legal principles, including the state’s pure comparative negligence rules, typical jury verdicts in similar cases, and the multiplier methods commonly used to calculate non-economic damages for pain and suffering. For hit-and-run cases specifically, the calculator considers that fleeing the scene often entitles victims to punitive damages designed to punish the defendant’s egregious conduct, which can substantially increase the total settlement value beyond standard compensatory damages.
The calculator also accounts for available insurance coverage sources, including the at-fault driver’s policy limits and the victim’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that may provide additional compensation when the fleeing driver lacks adequate insurance. While no online calculator can replace the personalized case evaluation provided by an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who can assess the unique strengths and weaknesses of your specific claim, these tools offer victims a critical starting point for understanding their legal rights and the approximate financial compensation they may be entitled to recover.
This knowledge empowers victims to make informed decisions about pursuing legal action and helps them recognize lowball settlement offers from insurance companies. It provides realistic expectations as they navigate the claims process during an already difficult time of medical recovery and financial uncertainty. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“When an elderly pedestrian is struck while lawfully crossing in a marked crosswalk, and the driver flees the scene, it represents not just a traffic violation but a fundamental breach of our shared responsibility to care for the most vulnerable members of our community. This victim was doing everything right—using the designated crosswalk, following all traffic laws—yet he now faces a fight for his life because someone made the inexcusable decision to drive away rather than render aid. If you or a loved one has been injured in a similar pedestrian accident, especially one where the driver fled, please know that California law provides strong protections for you. You have the right to hold that driver accountable not only for your injuries but also for the additional harm caused by abandoning you at the scene. The criminal charges the driver faces are separate from your civil right to full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact these injuries will have on your life. Time is critical in these cases—evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies will move quickly to minimize their exposure. Don’t face this alone, and don’t let anyone pressure you into accepting a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses. Reach out to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who can protect your rights, investigate what happened, and fight for every dollar you deserve while you focus on healing.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
The pedestrian struck at Morgan Street and College Avenue in Santa Rosa faces a long and difficult recovery from his serious injuries. Beyond the physical and emotional challenges, navigating insurance claims and legal proceedings can feel overwhelming, especially for someone dealing with significant medical treatment.
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we’ve recovered over $1 billion for injury victims throughout California over our more than 40 years of practice. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges pedestrian accident victims face and have the resources, experience, and commitment to fight for the compensation you deserve. We represent all clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. There’s no financial risk in contacting us for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, or anywhere in Northern California, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today. Contact us or visit our website to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation. Let our experienced legal team handle the complex legal work, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Let our experienced legal team shoulder the legal burden while you focus on what matters most – your family’s healing and recovery. Call us today at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Fremont office to secure your future and compensation.
Local Santa Rosa Resources for Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Santa Rosa, these local resources can assist:
Santa Rosa Police Department
965 Sonoma Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Non-Emergency: (707) 528-5222
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.srcity.org/1675/Police
Services: Accident reports, traffic collision investigations, victim assistance referrals
Santa Rosa Police Department – Traffic Division
965 Sonoma Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: (707) 543-3636
Services: Traffic safety programs, collision reports, intersection safety concerns
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
1165 Montgomery Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Phone: (707) 546-3210
Emergency Department: (707) 546-3210
Website: https://www.stjoesonoma.org/santa-rosa-memorial
Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
30 Mark West Springs Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 576-4000
Emergency Department: Open 24/7
Website: https://www.sutterhealth.org/srmc
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center
401 Bicentennial Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 571-4000
Emergency Department: (707) 571-4000
Website: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org
Sonoma County Department of Health Services
625 5th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: (707) 565-4990
Website: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health
Services: Public health resources, mental health services, victim support
California Highway Patrol – Santa Rosa Area Office
4550 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 433-6101
Website: https://www.chp.ca.gov
Services: Traffic collision reports, highway safety information
Sonoma County Transportation Authority
490 Mendocino Avenue, Suite 206
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Phone: (707) 565-5373
Website: https://scta.ca.gov
Services: Transportation planning, pedestrian and bicycle safety programs, traffic safety initiatives
Santa Rosa Transit
Santa Rosa CityBus
Phone: (707) 543-3333
Website: https://srcity.org/1429/Transportation
Services: Alternative transportation options during recovery
California Department of Motor Vehicles – Santa Rosa Office
3950 Cypress Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov
Services: Driver records, license suspension information, vehicle registration
California Victim Compensation Board
Toll-Free: (800) 777-9229
Website: https://victims.ca.gov
Services: Financial assistance to victims of violent crime, including hit-and-run accidents; compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, funeral costs, and mental health counseling
Crime Victims Assistance Center – Sonoma County
2755 Mendocino Avenue, Suite 200
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 579-1562
24-Hour Hotline: (707) 237-4701
Website: https://cvacinc.org
Services: Crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, assistance with victim compensation claims
Legal Aid of Sonoma County
1212 Fourth Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: (707) 542-1290
Website: https://legalaidsc.org
Services: Free legal assistance for qualifying low-income individuals
Sonoma County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Phone: (707) 542-1190
Website: https://www.sonomacountybar.org
Services: Attorney referrals for personal injury and other legal matters
Santa Rosa City Hall
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: (707) 543-3010
Website: https://www.srcity.org
Services: Municipal services, city records, community resources
California Department of Insurance
Consumer Hotline: (800) 927-4357
Website: https://www.insurance.ca.gov
Services: Insurance complaint assistance, information on uninsured motorist coverage, policyholder rights
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Toll-Free: (888) 327-4236
Website: https://www.nhtsa.gov
Services: Vehicle safety information, pedestrian safety resources, crash data
Safe Transportation Research & Education Center (SafeTREC)
UC Berkeley
Website: https://safetrec.berkeley.edu
Services: Traffic safety data, pedestrian safety resources, community safety programs
Walk San Francisco – North Bay Chapter
Website: https://walksf.org
Services: Pedestrian advocacy, safety education, community support for walkability improvements
These organizations can assist with medical care, police reports, victim services, insurance claims, legal support, and other needs following a serious pedestrian accident. Many of these services are available at no cost to victims, and several agencies have staff who can guide in multiple languages to serve Santa Rosa’s diverse community.
