Santa Paula, CA – According to KEYT, 77-year-old Santa Paula resident Carlos Villanueva passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, from injuries sustained in a pedestrian collision the previous day.
The accident occurred on Tuesday, December 31, at approximately 3:05 PM, at the intersection of Santa Barbara Street and Davis Street.
The Santa Paula Police Department reports that Villanueva was struck by a westbound vehicle as he entered the intersection from the north. Emergency responders transported him to Ventura County Medical Center with serious injuries. Despite receiving medical care, he succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The driver involved, a Santa Paula woman, remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Authorities noted that she did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the collision.
The investigation remains active as authorities seek to determine the circumstances leading to the collision.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
