Tehachapi, CA – In the early hours of Saturday, August 30, 2025, a pedestrian crash claimed the life of Richard Todd Zito, 70, of Bellevue, Nebraska, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 1:38 AM on Highway 58, east of Mill Street.
Authorities stated that Zito had been walking near the roadway when a vehicle struck him. First responders arrived quickly and confirmed that Zito had suffered fatal injuries. Despite emergency efforts at the scene, he did not survive. Officials pronounced him deceased along the highway.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office later confirmed Zito’s identity and notified his family in Nebraska. Investigators with the California Highway Patrol began examining the circumstances of the crash, including traffic conditions in the area at the time.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the driver involved, and no charges or citations have been reported. The investigation into the fatal collision remains active.
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 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. 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.
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.
