Elderly Woman Killed in Oakland Hit-and-Run DUI Crash at Fruitvale Avenue and East 27th Street July 13 2025
Elderly Woman Killed in Oakland Hit-and-Run DUI Crash at Fruitvale Avenue and East 27th Street – July 13, 2025
Accident Overview:
A 76-year-old woman tragically lost her life after being struck by a Toyota Tacoma while walking in a marked crosswalk in Oakland’s Patten neighborhood on Sunday morning, July 13, 2025. The collision occurred at the intersection of Fruitvale Avenue and East 27th Street when the pickup truck made a turn. Authorities confirmed that the driver fled the scene but was later arrested. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor, and the suspect now faces charges including vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, DUI, and hit-and-run causing death.
take our free case quiz
Quick Facts
Details
Accident Type
Pedestrian Accident, DUI, Hit-and-Run
Location
Fruitvale Avenue & East 27th Street, Oakland, CA
Date
July 13, 2025
Parties Involved
76-year-old female pedestrian; 40-year-old male driver of Toyota Tacoma
Injuries
Severe injuries, later fatal
Fatalities
1 confirmed
Law Enforcement
Oakland Police Department
Legal Note
Potential wrongful death and DUI liability claims
Find Out If You Have A Case.
For Free!
Call 1-800-707-0707
🚨 What Happened
The elderly woman was walking in a marked crosswalk at Fruitvale Avenue and East 27th Street when a Toyota Tacoma turned westbound and struck her. The driver fled the scene but was later arrested by police. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor.
🧑⚕️ Medical Response
Victim transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
🚔 Investigation Underway
The Oakland Police Department continues to investigate the crash. The driver was booked into Santa Rita Jail and faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DUI, and hit-and-run. Oakland Police Department
📊 Statistics
🚶 California has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. In 2023, over 1,100 pedestrians were killed statewide, accounting for nearly 25% of all traffic deaths (California OTS).
🍷 DUI-related crashes remain a major factor in pedestrian deaths. In Alameda County alone, alcohol-impaired driving contributed to 32% of fatal collisions in recent years (California Highway Patrol).
🚦 Oakland consistently reports some of the highest pedestrian accident rates in Northern California, with intersections in East Oakland and Fruitvale among the most dangerous (OakDOT Vision Zero Reports).
📉 Seniors are at higher risk: people over 65 account for more than 20% of pedestrian fatalities in California, despite being a smaller share of the walking population (NHTSA).
Sources: California OTS, CHP SWITRS, Oakland DOT, NHTSA
Section 7: ⚖️ Legal Options
🚔 Wrongful Death Claim
The victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
🍷 DUI Liability
Because alcohol was involved, the driver may face enhanced civil liability in addition to criminal charges. Families may also pursue punitive damages for gross negligence.
🏃 Hit-and-Run Consequences
The fact that the driver fled the scene strengthens the civil case. California law treats hit-and-run with fatalities as aggravated negligence.
👨👩👧 Family Compensation
Surviving family members, including spouses, children, or dependents, may seek compensation under California’s wrongful death statute.
Section 8: 💼 Past Case Results
💰 In Los Angeles, a $12 million settlement was awarded to the family of a pedestrian killed by a drunk driver who fled the scene.
💰 In Alameda County, a jury awarded $4.5 million in a wrongful death case where an elderly pedestrian was struck in a crosswalk by an impaired driver.
💰 In San Francisco, the family of a woman killed in a crosswalk accident received a $7.25 million settlement from the at-fault driver and their insurance company.
Section 9: 👨⚖️ “Fighting For You” Statement
At the Scranton Law Firm, we understand the profound loss families face after a tragic pedestrian accident—especially when caused by a reckless, impaired, and fleeing driver. With over 50 years of experience and more than $1 billion recovered, we fight tirelessly for justice, accountability, and the maximum compensation victims’ families deserve.
Section 10: ❓ FAQs (Raw HTML)
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is the driver facing?
The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and hit-and-run causing death.
Can the victim’s family file a wrongful death claim?
Yes. The family may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and non-economic damages.
How does DUI affect civil liability?
DUI cases often allow for punitive damages in addition to standard compensation, holding the at-fault driver more accountable.
What if the driver fled the scene?
A hit-and-run strengthens the civil case and can increase potential damages due to the driver’s aggravated negligence.
Do families need to pay upfront legal fees?
No. Our firm works on a contingency basis,
⚖️ Legal Options
💔 Wrongful Death Claims
The family of the deceased Chrysler passenger may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.
📱 Distracted Driving Liability
If evidence confirms that the Honda driver was distracted by a phone, they could be held fully liable for damages under California negligence law.
🏥 Personal Injury Compensation
The injured Honda driver may also file a personal injury claim if defective safety features or third-party negligence contributed to the accident.
📝 Insurance Challenges
Insurance companies often minimize payouts in distracted driving crashes. Legal representation ensures that victims’ rights are protected and full compensation is pursued.
💼 Past Case Results
🚗 A Tulare County jury awarded $4.1 million to the family of a passenger killed in a head-on collision caused by a distracted driver near Visalia.
📱 In Fresno County, a wrongful death lawsuit involving cell phone distraction led to a $2.7 million settlement for the victim’s surviving spouse and children.
⚖️ A Los Angeles jury returned a $6 million verdict in a case where a head-on collision was linked to negligent lane departure and distracted driving.
👨⚖️ “Fighting For You” Statement
At the Firma de Abogados Scranton, we know the devastation that head-on collisions bring to Tulare County families. With over 50 years of experience and more than $1 billion recovered for accident victims, our attorneys stand ready to fight for justice. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one or facing serious injuries, we provide compassionate guidance and relentless advocacy to secure the compensation you deserve.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What should families do immediately after a fatal crash?
Families should contact law enforcement for an official report, seek medical and emotional support, and consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney to protect their rights.
Can distracted driving be proven in court?
Yes. Cell phone records, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction can establish distracted driving as the cause of a crash.
How long do families have to file a wrongful death claim in California?
Under California law, families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
What damages are available in a wrongful death case?
Families may recover funeral costs, loss of income, loss of companionship, and non-economic damages such as grief and suffering.
Do families need to pay legal fees upfront?
No. The Firma de Abogados Scranton works on a contingency basis, meaning no fees are owed unless we win compensation for you.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Reddit
Tumblr
LinkedIn
Digg
XING
Let's make sure you get the compensation you deserve
Don't wait—contact Scranton Law Firm now if you've been injured and need assistance. We fight for your rights, work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve, and support you through every step of the legal process. We're here to help you get back on your feet. Filling out this form is your first step toward receiving the help you need. Reach out to Scranton Law Firm, and let's take this important step together.
Visit our offices
Concord
2450 Stanwell Dr
CA 94520
Get Directions
Oakland
333 Hegenberger Rd Suite 500
CA 94621
Get Directions
Sacramento
3838 Watt Ave Ste. D-410
CA 95821
Get Directions
The post Elderly Woman Killed in Oakland Hit-and-Run DUI Crash at Fruitvale Avenue and East 27th Street – July 13, 2025 first appeared on Scranton Law Firm.