Santa Paula, CA (December 31, 2024) – Carlos Villanueva, a 77-year-old Santa Paula resident, tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Accident Details: The collision occurred shortly after 3 p.m. at the intersection of Santa Barbara and Davis Streets. According to Santa Paula Police, a woman in her 70s was driving west on Santa Barbara. As she approached the intersection, she hit Villanueva, who was going north. The intersection features stop signs for northbound and southbound traffic but not for eastbound or westbound drivers.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Police noted that she did not possess a valid driver’s license. Villanueva was transported to Ventura County Medical Center in critical condition, where he passed away on Wednesday afternoon. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact law enforcement.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that this incident raises several critical legal questions regarding potential negligence and liability:
- Driver’s Duty of Care: California law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid injuring pedestrians. The lack of a valid driver’s license may determine whether the driver met her legal responsibilities.
- Intersection Design: The intersection’s design, with stop signs only for northbound and southbound traffic, could have contributed to the crash. Investigators might examine whether additional traffic controls are warranted. Should the investigation reveal that the intersection’s design or lack of adequate signage played a role in the crash, the municipality may be liable.
- Pedestrian’s Actions: To determine shared responsibility, investigators will assess Villanueva’s actions before the collision, such as whether he crossed at a marked crosswalk or adhered to traffic signals.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Villanueva’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral costs and emotional distress. California’s comparative negligence laws allow recovery of damages even if Villanueva shared partial responsibility for the accident. His percentage of fault would reduce any compensation awarded.
I extend my condolences to Carlos Villanueva’s family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time.
Source: Ventura County Star