Carmichael Collision Injures Two Schoolgirls

Carmichael Pedestrian Collision Near Deterding Elementary Injures Two Girls

Incident Overview

On Wednesday afternoon, November 12, 2025, two girls were struck by a vehicle near the 3100 block of Panama Avenue in Carmichael, close to Deterding Elementary School. The collision occurred around 2:30 PM—typically a busy hour for school dismissals—prompting a multi-agency response from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and the California Highway Patrol’s North Sacramento Division.

According to investigators, the girls were crossing Panama Avenue from the west shoulder to the east shoulder when a southbound vehicle traveling from Stanley Avenue hit both of them. Emergency medical personnel evaluated the children at the scene. One was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries, while the other sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization. Authorities indicated that the driver, a man in his 30s, remained on scene, cooperated with law enforcement, and tested negative for driving under the influence. The girls’ names and ages have not been released, and the investigation is ongoing.

What We Know So Far

- Time and location: Approximately 2:30 PM near the 3100 block of Panama Avenue, close to Deterding Elementary School in Carmichael.
- Parties involved: Two girls crossing the roadway and a southbound driver approaching from the direction of Stanley Avenue.
- Injuries: Both children sustained minor injuries; one child was transported to the hospital.
- Driver conduct: The driver remained on scene, cooperated with officers, and tested negative for DUI.
- Status: The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances and contributing factors.

School-Zone Safety and Duty of Care

Children are among the most vulnerable road users, especially during arrival and dismissal periods at schools when traffic congestion is heavy, and visibility can be compromised by parked cars, buses, and active pedestrian movement. In California, all motorists have a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid collisions, which includes slowing down in school zones, scanning for pedestrians, and yielding the right-of-way where required. Drivers must also be prepared for the presence of young pedestrians who may be less predictable than adults.

Investigators commonly evaluate factors such as:
- Speed relative to posted limits, including reduced speeds in school zones.
- Whether the crossing was marked or unmarked and the presence of crossing guards or signage.
- Driver attentiveness, including potential distractions or inattention.
- Visibility conditions—sun glare, parked vehicles, landscaping, or curves in the roadway that may obscure sightlines.
- Stopping distance, braking evidence, and vehicle damage patterns.
- Compliance with California vehicle and pedestrian laws.

California’s Rules on Pedestrian Right-of-Way

Under California law, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Even outside a crosswalk, drivers must use due care to avoid collisions and take reasonable steps to ensure pedestrian safety. When children are present, courts and law enforcement often expect an even higher degree of care because young pedestrians may act unexpectedly.

Potential Liability and Parties Who May Be Involved

While fault has not been determined in this case, pedestrian collisions can involve multiple legal issues and potentially several responsible parties:
- The driver and their insurance carrier, if negligence (such as speeding or failure to yield) contributed to the crash.
- Public entities, if roadway design, signage, lighting, or visibility issues created an unsafe condition. Claims against government entities are subject to strict notice and timing requirements under California’s Government Claims Act, typically requiring a claim to be filed within six months of the incident.
- Third parties, such as contractors responsible for traffic control devices or road work in the area, if applicable.

As investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking pedestrian accident in Carmichael, the community is left shaken by the fact that two young schoolgirls were injured while simply walking near their neighborhood. Incidents involving children are especially devastating, reminding us how vulnerable young pedestrians are and how quickly a moment of driver inattention or unsafe roadway conditions can lead to life-changing consequences.
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Avian Law Group extends its deepest support to the families affected as they navigate the fear, uncertainty, and emotional distress that follow such traumatic events. Our team understands the unique sensitivity of cases involving minors and remains committed to ensuring that the girls and their families receive clear guidance, compassionate assistance, and strong legal advocacy as they focus on healing.
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As the investigation moves forward, Avian Law Group will continue monitoring updates closely and is prepared to help the families pursue accountability from all responsible parties. No child should be placed in harm’s way on our streets, and our firm remains dedicated to promoting safer school routes, more vigilant driving practices, and justice for victims injured through no fault of their own.