Santa Cruz County, CA – According to KSBW, a 66-year-old man from Watsonville has been hospitalized after being struck by a Tesla on Airport Boulevard, located east of Pajaro Lane, early Tuesday morning, just before 5 AM.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the Watsonville man was walking in the middle of the roadway when he was hit by a white Tesla driven by a 73-year-old male from Aptos. The collision resulted in major injuries for the pedestrian, who was subsequently transported to Natividad Medical Center for medical treatment.
As investigations into the incident continue, the exact cause of the crash remains under scrutiny. No arrests were made following the collision.
Duty of Care toward Pedestrians
Even in collisions where criminal charges are not filed, a driver may be held liable in whole or in part for the injuries they cause if they hit a pedestrian with their vehicle. Because of their greater vulnerability, pedestrians are expected to receive a greater Duty of Care from motorists. This includes staying at the scene of the crash, assisting the pedestrian in receiving emergency medical attention, and cooperating with authorities once they arrive.
