Oakland, CA – On the morning of Sunday, May 4, 2025, 49-year-old Elmo Ballard Jr. of Oakland lost his life in a pedestrian hit-and-run while operating an electric wheelchair, according to KTVU.
The Oakland Police Department reports that the accident took place around 11:30 AM at the intersection of San Pablo Avenue and 18th Street.
Ballard was reportedly crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when he was struck by a vehicle turning northbound onto 18th Street. Witnesses described the collision as severe, with Ballard pinned beneath the vehicle and his mobility device thrown from the impact. The driver fled the scene immediately after the crash, abandoning the vehicle still running and in drive.
Bystanders attempted to assist Ballard, and a passing tow truck driver was able to use a jack to lift the car and relieve pressure on the victim. Ballard was reportedly conscious and speaking briefly before emergency medical personnel arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators are requesting that anyone with surveillance or dash camera footage from the area around the time of the crash come forward. The Oakland Police Department continues to investigate, and no arrests have been made.
City records show that 13 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions in Oakland in the previous year, prompting community concerns over ongoing safety issues and driver behavior.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
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 bicyclists with whom they share the road 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 bicycle 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.
