San Francisco, CA (December 27, 2024) – On December 27, 2024, Melissa Lai Chow, 68, of San Francisco, tragically lost her life after being struck by a vehicle on the Upper Great Highway at Ulloa Street.
Accident Details: According to the San Francisco Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 5:43 a.m. Officers responding to the scene found Chow critically injured. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. The driver involved in the incident remained on-site and cooperated with investigators.
Chow’s family revealed she had been living with frontotemporal dementia, a condition affecting behavior, judgment, and memory. On the day of the accident, her dementia led her to wander from home. Despite the family’s precautions and immediate efforts to locate her, this tragic accident occurred. The San Francisco Police Department continues its investigation into the collision.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Chow’s dementia and her tendency to wander could complicate the legal analysis. While her condition may explain her presence on the roadway, it does not absolve the driver of responsibility. Drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming pedestrians. This duty includes adhering to speed limits, remaining vigilant, and adjusting driving behaviors to the conditions of the road, such as low visibility during early morning hours. Investigators will likely examine whether the driver acted reasonably under these circumstances, along with road conditions and lighting in the area.
Wrongful Death Claims: If investigators find that another’s negligence contributed to the collision, Chow’s family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
My thoughts are with Melissa Lai Chow’s family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time. Her family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with funeral costs and to help raise awareness for frontotemporal dementia.
Source: KRON 4