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.
| 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 |
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🚨 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
⚖️ 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.
💼 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.
👨⚖️ Fighting For You
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.❓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, meaning families owe nothing unless we win their case.
