Salinas, CA – On the evening of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a pedestrian collision resulted in 65-year-old Carmen Nava of Salinas losing her life after she was struck while crossing the street, according to KSBW.
The Salinas Police Department reports that the accident took place around 6:00 PM at the intersection of Main Street and Hardin Parkway.
Authorities said Nava was crossing the roadway when a vehicle moving through the intersection hit her, causing severe traumatic injuries. A witness told police that she had been running across the street just before impact and was thrown an estimated 30 to 45 feet. Bystanders and an arriving officer began CPR until paramedics reached the scene and transported her to a hospital by ambulance.
Despite emergency treatment, Nava did not survive her injuries. Police confirmed her death the following morning. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Nava was identified by the Monterey County Coroner’s Office. The Salinas Union High School District reported that she worked at Washington Middle School as part of the campus safety team and most recently served as a Safety and Security Officer. District staff said she had been with the school system since the 1990s and was preparing to retire in December.
The cause of the collision has not been determined, and police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, which includes being vigilant for those travelling by foot and, if a 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 evade authorities, 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 when 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.
Salinas Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Salinas Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
