(Westminster, CA) A woman was killed Tuesday night, February 24, after being struck by a vehicle in a Bolsa Chica Road collision.
According to the Westminster Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 11 p.m. on Bolsa Chica Road. Officers responded to the scene and located a pedestrian, who sustained critical injuries in the roadway.
Orange County coroner’s officials identified the victim as Dianna May Villalva, 51. Paramedics responded to the location, but she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities did not release additional details about where she was positioned at the time of the collision.
Police said the driver involved remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Officials stated they do not suspect the driver was impaired. No arrests were announced, and detectives did not disclose whether traffic signals, speed, or lighting conditions may have played a role.
The investigation into the Bolsa Chica Road collision remained ongoing as officers continued reviewing evidence and speaking with potential witnesses.
Analysis on the Bolsa Chica Road Collision
When a fatal pedestrian crash occurs on a city roadway, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews often focus on pedestrian positioning, driver attentiveness, and roadway visibility during late evening hours.
Because the crash occurred outside of daylight hours, authorities may consider the Basic Speed Law. This law requires motorists to drive at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Reduced lighting can affect how quickly a driver can perceive and react to a person in the roadway.
If the pedestrian was crossing outside a marked crosswalk, investigators may also examine the Pedestrian Responsibilities Outside Crosswalks Law. This law requires pedestrians to yield to vehicles that pose an immediate hazard when crossing outside designated crosswalks. Officers often review sightlines and traffic flow when evaluating such incidents.
Officials could further assess the Duty of Drivers Toward Pedestrians Law. This statute requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even when pedestrians are not in marked crosswalks. These combined statutes help guide the department’s evaluation of the Bolsa Chica Road collision as evidence continues to be gathered.
Support for the Family
If you are related to Dianna May Villalva or are supporting her loved ones, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and request official police and coroner reports when they become available.
You may also consider speaking with a qualified legal professional to better understand your options after a fatal pedestrian collision. Emotional support from family members, friends, or grief counseling services can be especially important during a sudden and painful loss.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
