Big Sur, CA – In the early morning of Tuesday, June 10, 2025, a pedestrian collision resulted in fatal injuries to 24-year-old Fernando Arredondo Delgado of Elk Grove, according to KSBW.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 5:08 AM near Rocky Creek Bridge on southbound Highway 1.
Investigators said Delgado was walking in the southbound traffic lane when a van traveling in the same direction struck him. The driver of the van, a man from Aptos, told officers he was unable to avoid the collision due to Delgado’s presence in the roadway. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement during the investigation.
Emergency personnel responded shortly after the crash was reported and pronounced Delgado dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
Authorities confirmed that alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the incident. An investigation into the circumstances of the collision is ongoing, and officials have not announced whether any charges will be filed.
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.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is subject to only partial liability in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
