Sacramento, CA – On the morning of Saturday, April 12, 2025, a vehicle collision resulted in pedestrian John Lorenzo French, 35, losing his life, according to ABC10, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 5:20 AM in the number three lane of southbound Highway 51 (Capital City Freeway) over the American River.
French was walking in the travel lane when an Audi A6, attempting to avoid a collision, swerved right, and the vehicle’s left side mirror struck him. A Mazda CX-30 SUV traveling directly behind the Audi then also struck French. He came to rest between the number two and three lanes and sustained fatal injuries.
CHP received several reports of a pedestrian walking in the traffic lanes shortly before the incident. Multiple near-miss collisions were also reported in the moments leading up to the crash. Emergency responders, including fire department personnel, arrived on scene and performed life-saving efforts, but French was pronounced deceased at the location.
The southbound lanes of Highway 51 were closed for approximately one hour while officials conducted the investigation and cleared the scene. The Sacramento County Coroner was called to the site, and all lanes were reopened by 6:27 AM.
This is an ongoing investigation.
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 pedestrians near the roadway 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 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 avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage.
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.
California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
