Porterville, CA – On the evening of Thursday, December 4, 2025, a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian resulted in an unidentified person losing their life, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident occurred around 6:11 PM near South Westwood Road and State Route 190.
Authorities said a green Toyota Scion struck a pedestrian who is believed to have been in the roadway at the time of the crash. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and confirmed the pedestrian had died. The impact was severe, and the roadway required cleanup due to debris from the collision.
Fire personnel were called to the scene to assist with washing down the roadway and ensuring it was safe for traffic once the investigation and evidence collection were complete. The vehicle involved was released to its owner after initial processing by CHP.
Officials stated that the circumstances leading to the pedestrian being in the roadway remain under investigation, and they have not yet determined what caused the collision. Traffic was temporarily disrupted while responders worked to secure the scene and treat the area.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, which includes being vigilant for those travelling by foot and, if a collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver evade authorities, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is subject to only partial liability in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
