Santa Maria, CA – On the evening of Saturday, February 21, 2026, a hit-and-run pedestrian collision resulted in fatal injuries to 46-year-old Maria Juarez Moreno of Nipomo, 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 area just before midnight after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, they located Moreno with critical injuries. Personnel from the Santa Maria Fire Department provided medical aid at the scene. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the location.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed Moreno’s identity and ensured notification of her next of kin in accordance with established procedure.
Police reported that the driver fled immediately after the collision. During the course of their investigation, officers located the suspect vehicle and made contact with the driver, a 30-year-old Santa Maria man. He was taken into custody and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on multiple felony charges.
The incident remains under active investigation as authorities continue to review evidence and determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
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.
