In a tragic incident on Sunday night, April 27, 2025, a man lost his life after being struck by a fatal hit-and-run driver while walking along Highway 1 near Scott Creek in Davenport, Santa Cruz County. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is actively investigating this fatal collision that occurred approximately six miles south of the San Mateo-Santa Cruz County border.
Details of the Incident
According to CHP reports, officers responded to the scene at approximately 11:17 p.m. following reports of a pedestrian being struck on Highway 1. Initial investigations reveal that a vehicle traveling southbound struck the man, who was walking in the southbound lane of the highway, before fleeing the scene without stopping to render aid or report the collision.
Authorities believe the victim, described as a man between 30 and 40 years old, may have been struck by several additional vehicles after the initial impact. Tragically, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
The Investigation
Law enforcement officials are working to identify the victim and the driver responsible for the initial collision. The CHP has not yet released information about potential vehicle descriptions or other identifying details that might help locate the hit-and-run driver.
Investigators will likely review any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses, check for vehicle debris at the scene that could help identify the make and model of the vehicle involved, and interview potential witnesses who may have been traveling along Highway 1 at that time.
Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run incidents, particularly those resulting in serious injury or death, carry severe legal consequences in California. Drivers who flee the scene of an accident are subject to:
- Criminal charges: Leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a felony in California, potentially resulting in significant prison time
- Civil liability: The driver can be held financially responsible for the victim’s damages through a wrongful death lawsuit
- Enhanced penalties: Hit-and-run cases involving fatalities often result in more severe sentencing than accidents where the driver remains at the scene
Beyond the criminal penalties, hit-and-run drivers often face severe collateral consequences that can impact them for life. These include driver’s license suspension or revocation, dramatically increased insurance premiums (often for a decade or more), and permanent criminal records that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Additionally, California courts have increasingly allowed testimony about hit-and-run behavior to be used as evidence of “consciousness of guilt” – essentially arguing that fleeing the scene demonstrates the driver knew they were at fault.
This legal principle can significantly strengthen criminal prosecutions and civil cases against defendants, leading to enhanced penalties and larger damage awards than might otherwise be imposed in accidents where drivers remain at the scene.
Rights of the Victim’s Family
When a loved one is killed in a hit-and-run accident, the family of the deceased may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence)
Even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified, families may still have options for recovery through uninsured motorist coverage or other insurance policies.
Families of hit-and-run victims have specific legal rights that extend beyond financial compensation. They can be informed about the criminal investigation and any resulting prosecution.
Under California’s Marsy’s Law (the Victims’ Bill of Rights Act), families can request notification of all court proceedings, participate in sentencing hearings through victim impact statements, and have input into plea bargain discussions.
Additionally, families have the right to dignity and privacy throughout legal proceedings. This includes protection from harassment or intimidation and the right to request that sensitive information be kept confidential. A skilled victims’ rights attorney can help enforce these protections so that the family’s voice is heard throughout criminal and civil proceedings.
Pedestrian Safety on Highways
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers pedestrians face when walking near highways, particularly at night. Highway 1, with its scenic coastal views, often sees pedestrian traffic despite the inherent risks.
Safety experts recommend:
- Avoid walking on highways whenever possible
- Wearing reflective clothing when walking near roadways at night is unavoidable
- Walking facing traffic when no sidewalks are available
- Using a flashlight or headlamp for visibility after dark
- Staying as far from the roadway as possible
Highway 1 Pedestrian Dangers: A Growing Concern
The scenic Highway 1 corridor through Santa Cruz County has seen multiple pedestrian incidents in recent years. The highway’s narrow shoulders, limited lighting, and winding route create hazardous conditions for those on foot, particularly after dark.
Contributing factors often include:
- Limited visibility during nighttime hours
- Lack of dedicated pedestrian walkways
- High-speed traffic
- Tourists unfamiliar with the road
Local safety advocates have called for enhanced safety measures, including more visible crosswalks, additional lighting, and pedestrian warning signage along high-risk sections of the highway.
What to Do If You Witness a Hit-and-Run
If you witness a hit-and-run accident:
- Call 911 immediately
- Note as many details about the vehicle as possible (make, model, color, license plate)
- Check on the victim if it’s safe to do so
- Stay at the scene to provide information to law enforcement
- Document what you observed with photos or notes
Witnesses play a crucial role in hit-and-run investigations, often providing the critical information that leads to the driver’s identification. Beyond the immediate steps listed above, witnesses should consider their legal obligations and protections.
In California, witnesses to serious accidents have a legal duty to provide “reasonable assistance” to injured persons when it’s safe. If qualified, this may include calling for emergency services or providing basic first aid.
While California law doesn’t require witnesses to testify in court, those who do provide testimony are protected from retaliation and may be eligible for compensation for expenses like travel and lost wages when appearing in court. If you witness a hit-and-run, remember that your observations in the immediate aftermath, when details are freshest, are more important.
Legal Rights and Next Steps for Affected Families
The aftermath of a fatal hit-and-run collision is overwhelming for families. Necessary steps to protect legal rights include:
- Consult with a specialized attorney immediately. The investigation’s early stages are critical for preserving evidence.
- Document everything related to the crash, including police reports, medical examiner findings, and witness statements.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation.
- Understand the statute of limitations. In California, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the death.
- Consider all potential sources of liability, including the at-fault driver, vehicle manufacturers (if defects contributed), and government entities (if dangerous road conditions played a role).
Finding the Right Legal Support
Hit-and-run accident cases require specialized legal expertise. An experienced attorney can conduct an independent investigation parallel to law enforcement while working with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly how the collision occurred and build a compelling case for liability.
They’ll meticulously calculate the full extent of damages, including immediate expenses and projected lifetime earnings the victim would have contributed to the family, loss of benefits, and the monetary value of services the deceased would have provided to loved ones over their expected lifespan.
Additionally, they’ll navigate complex insurance issues and represent the family’s interests throughout all legal proceedings. The right attorney will seek maximum compensation and provide compassionate guidance during a challenging time.
Hit-and-Run Injury Settlement Calculator
Many personal injury attorneys utilize specialized hit-and-run injury settlement calculators to provide clients with a preliminary estimate of potential compensation. These digital tools incorporate factors specific to hit-and-run cases, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and applicable insurance policy limits.
The calculator employs algorithmic formulas considering California’s comparative negligence laws, precedent settlement amounts in similar cases, and jurisdiction-specific damage caps.
While no calculator can predict exact settlement values with complete accuracy, as each case has unique circumstances and emotional impacts that can’t be perfectly quantified, these tools provide valuable baseline estimates that help families understand the potential value range of their claims.
This information empowers families to make informed decisions and helps prevent the acceptance of inadequate settlement offers from insurance companies. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“When a hit-and-run tragedy occurs, families are left not only grieving but often feeling powerless in the face of an unknown driver who fled the scene. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the profound pain and uncertainty you’re experiencing. While no legal action can undo what happened on Highway 1 that night, you deserve justice and financial security as you navigate this unimaginable loss. California law provides several avenues for recovery even when the driver remains unidentified. Our team has helped numerous families find answers, hold responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation needed to move forward without financial worry. Don’t shoulder this burden alone – reaching out for legal support is not just about pursuing a case, it’s about reclaiming some measure of control during a time when so much feels beyond your grasp.” — Andy Gillin, Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
It’s important to note that factors such as the severity of injuries, long-term impact on quality of life, and the defendant’s level of negligence can significantly affect the final settlement value. An experienced GJEL hit-and-run attorney can provide a more accurate assessment based on their knowledge of similar cases and current legal precedents.
Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Stockton office for free legal advice. Our compassionate GJEL accident attorneys are always available to discuss your case, and you pay nothing unless we win. Let our experienced legal team shoulder the legal burden while you focus on what matters most – your family’s healing and recovery.
Resources and Important Contacts
If you have information about this hit-and-run incident or need assistance with a similar situation, the following resources may be helpful:
Law Enforcement Agencies
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Santa Cruz Area Office
- Address: 10395 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
- Phone: (831) 662-0511
- Website: CHP Santa Cruz
- Report Information: Witnesses can provide anonymous tips about the incident
- Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office
- Address: 5200 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
- Phone: (831) 471-1121
- Emergency: 911
- Website: Santa Cruz County Sheriff
- Santa Cruz Police Department
- Address: 155 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Non-Emergency: (831) 471-1131
- Emergency: 911
- Website: Santa Cruz Police Department
- Traffic Division: (831) 420-5120
Traffic Safety Resources
- California Office of Traffic Safety
- Website: OTS
- Resources for victims of traffic collisions
- Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission
- Website: SCCRTC
- Information on Highway 1 safety initiatives and improvements
Victim Support Services
- Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office – Victim Services Division
- Address: 701 Ocean Street, Room 200, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Phone: (831) 454-2400
- Website: Victim Services
- Services: Case status information, victim compensation assistance, counseling referrals
- California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB)
- Phone: 1-800-777-9229
- Website: CalVCB
- Services: Financial assistance for crime-related expenses
If you witnessed the collision or have any information that might help identify the driver involved in this hit-and-run, be sure to contact the CHP Santa Cruz Area Office immediately. Even small details can make a significant difference in bringing closure to the victim’s family.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.