Santa Maria, CA – On the evening of Saturday, February 21, 2026, a hit-and-run pedestrian collision resulted in the death of a 46-year-old Nipomo woman, according to The Tribune.
The Santa Maria Police Department reports that the accident took place around 11:59 PM at the intersection of Bunny Avenue and Blosser Road in northwest Santa Maria.
Authorities said officers responded to the scene just before midnight and found the woman suffering from critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle. Personnel from the Santa Maria Fire Department rendered aid, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Police reported that the driver fled immediately following the collision. During the subsequent investigation, officers located the suspect vehicle and made contact with the driver, a 30-year-old Santa Maria man. He was arrested and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on multiple felony charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
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, 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.
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.
