Pedestrian Killed at Howard and 7th in San Francisco Crash – May 1, 2025
Crash Overview: A pedestrian was killed at Howard and 7th Streets in San Francisco after being hit by a turning vehicle on May 1, 2025. The crash also took the life of the victim’s dog. The collision occurred in the busy SoMa district around 2:00 PM. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. No signs of impairment were reported.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Accident Type | Pedestrian Collision (Left Turn) |
| Location | Howard & 7th Streets, SoMa, San Francisco |
| Date | May 1, 2025 |
| Fatalities | 1 pedestrian & 1 dog |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Law Enforcement | San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) |
| Legal Note | Family may be eligible for a wrongful death claim |
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🚨 What Happened
According to SFPD, a vehicle turning left at the intersection of Howard and 7th Streets struck a pedestrian and their dog around 2:00 PM on May 1, 2025. The pedestrian was transported to the hospital but did not survive. The dog died at the scene. The driver stayed at the location and cooperated with investigators.
🧑⚕️ Medical Response
- San Francisco Police and Fire arrived quickly.
- The pedestrian later died from their injuries at the hospital.
- The dog was declared deceased at the scene.
🕵️♂️ Investigation Underway
SFPD is reviewing nearby traffic camera footage and speaking with witnesses. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors. Anyone with more information is urged to call the SFPD Tip Line at (415) 575‑4444.
📊 Pedestrian Crash Statistics in San Francisco
🚶♀️ Pedestrians make up nearly 30% of all traffic deaths in San Francisco
🚗 Left turns cause more than 60% of fatal pedestrian crashes at intersections
📍 The SoMa district has one of the highest pedestrian injury rates in the city
📉 Vision Zero SF aims to eliminate all traffic deaths — but 2024 still saw 39 pedestrian fatalities
(Sources: Vision Zero SF, SFMTA, CHP SWITRS)
⚖️ What Legal Options Do Families Have?
When someone is killed in a pedestrian accident at an intersection like Howard and 7th, California law gives families the right to take legal action.
🧑💼 Wrongful Death Claim
The victim’s spouse, children, or parents may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This helps cover lost income, funeral costs, and the emotional toll of the loss.
💵 Claiming Damages
A wrongful death case may include compensation for:
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical bills from the crash
Pain and suffering
Loss of companionship and support
🚨 If the Driver Failed to Yield
Even if the driver wasn’t impaired, a failure to yield while turning left is still considered negligence. That means the family may still have a strong case — including the potential for punitive damages if the actions were reckless.
💼 Past Case Results
⚖️ –$8.47 Million Settlement – Tracy Dangerous Intersection
A deadly accident involving a semi-truck occurred at a poorly marked intersection in Tracy. The case resolved for $8.47 million on behalf of families who suffered wrongful death and brain injuries.
⚖️ –$3.4 Million Settlement – Oakland Pedestrian Injury
An 8-year-old boy was struck by a car at an unsafe Oakland intersection. The family received $3.4 million, holding the city responsible for failing to install a traffic signal.
⚖️ –$515 Thousand Verdict – San Francisco Pedestrian Struck by SUV
In San Francisco, a pedestrian hit by an SUV at an intersection won a $515,000 jury verdict after proving fault by the driver’s failure to yield.
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We’ve helped thousands of California families recover after deadly pedestrian crashes. Our team fights to get justice—and real financial support—after tragic losses.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the driver always at fault in a pedestrian crosswalk crash?
Not always — but if the pedestrian had the right of way and the driver turned left into them, the driver is likely at fault under California law.
Can someone sue even if the driver stayed and cooperated with police?
Yes. Cooperation doesn’t erase fault. If the driver made an unsafe or illegal turn, the victim’s family may still have a strong wrongful death case.
What about the dog — can the family get compensation for that loss?
California law treats pets as property. While emotional loss isn’t compensable, the family may recover monetary damages related to the dog’s value and vet costs.
What if the intersection is known to be dangerous?
That could matter. If poor road design or visibility contributed, the city could be partially liable, especially if complaints were made before the crash.
Do pedestrian cases like this ever go to trial?
They can. If the driver or insurance company refuses to take responsibility, a trial may be necessary — especially in high-value wrongful death cases.
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