(Santa Maria, CA) A 14-year-old boy sustained serious injuries in a Foster Road collision after an SUV struck him in a crosswalk.
On Tuesday, September 9, at 6:05 p.m., the Foster Road collision occurred. According to the California Highway Patrol, it happened at the intersection of Foster Road and Woodland Street near Ernest Righetti High School.
Investigators learned a 14-year-old boy had pressed the crossing signal before entering the crosswalk on his electric scooter. A vehicle turning left onto Woodland Avenue stopped for him, but a white GMC Yukon continued westbound and struck him while he crossed. The driver fled the scene after the impact. Paramedics transported the boy to Marian Regional Medical Center. Doctors then transferred him to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital to undergo treatment with a trauma specialist.
Hit and runs are a serious and delicate situation. The state of California takes these cases very seriously. It’s important for all drivers to know what to do in a hit and run.
Legal Opinion on the Foster Road Collision
The Foster Road collision raises several serious legal issues under California law, especially since it involved a child pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. The most direct violation is California Vehicle Code 20001, which requires drivers to stop, provide assistance, and notify authorities after any crash that causes injury or death. By fleeing the scene, the driver committed a felony offense. Another key law is California Vehicle Code 21950, which requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks. The victim activated the crossing signal and entered the crosswalk legally. The Yukon driver’s failure to stop represents a clear violation of this law.
If speed played a role, California Vehicle Code 22350 could also apply. Known as the Basic Speed Law, it requires drivers to travel at speeds that are safe for current conditions, including areas near schools and crosswalks. Because the boy sustained severe injuries, he and his family may pursue a personal injury claim against the driver once identified. This claim could cover medical bills, rehabilitation, long-term care, and compensation for pain and suffering. Given his young age, future medical needs and schooling impacts may also be considered.
What the Victim and His Family Can Do
The boy’s family should contact a personal injury attorney immediately. An attorney can assist investigators by gathering surveillance video, obtaining the official CHP report, and working with witnesses who saw the Yukon. Once the driver is identified, the victim and his family can pursue a civil claim alongside the criminal charges. A civil claim can secure financial support for ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and future academic adjustments due to his injuries.
Although the road to recovery will be long, taking quick legal action can help the victim’s family secure justice and accountability. Holding the responsible driver accountable for the Foster Road collision will also help prevent similar tragedies in the community.
We at Accident News Now offer our encouragement and support. We know this is a confusing time as you deal with the uncertainties resulting from this terrible incident. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
