DUI Hit-and-Run in Palmdale: Tragedy and Legal Steps

Fatal Suspected DUI Hit-and-Run in Palmdale; Family Rights and Next Steps

A tragic suspected DUI hit-and-run in Palmdale claimed the life of a woman in her 40s early Saturday, November 1, 2025. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Palmdale station, the collision was reported at approximately 4:13 a.m. near 20th Street East and Avenue S. Investigators say a light blue 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis was heading westbound on Avenue S in the left lane when it struck a pedestrian who was pushing a shopping cart across the roadway against a red signal. The driver allegedly fled without stopping to render aid or call 911. Paramedics later pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

Deputies subsequently located the vehicle and its driver at a Palmdale residence. Authorities arrested the driver on suspicion of multiple felony charges and impounded the Mercury as evidence. Investigators indicated that alcohol was a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and further details have not yet been released.

What We Know About the Collision

- Time and location: Approximately 4:13 a.m., November 1, 2025, at 20th Street East and Avenue S in Palmdale.
- Vehicles and parties: A light blue 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis allegedly struck a pedestrian pushing a shopping cart.
- Signals and right of way: Investigators report the pedestrian was crossing against a red light. While pedestrians must obey traffic signals, drivers still have a duty to exercise due care to avoid collisions when possible.
- Hit-and-run allegations: The driver reportedly continued driving and did not stop or call for help. Failure to remain at the scene of a collision resulting in injury or death can result in felony charges under California Vehicle Code section 20001.
- DUI suspicion: Authorities stated alcohol was a factor. DUI-related fatal crashes can lead to enhanced criminal penalties and significant civil liability.

How California Law Addresses DUI and Hit-and-Run Crashes

California law imposes both criminal and civil consequences in DUI and hit-and-run incidents:

- DUI offenses: Driving under the influence causing injury or death can lead to felony charges, license suspension, fines, and imprisonment. A criminal case proceeds separately from any civil claims by victims or their families.
- Hit-and-run: Leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury or death is typically charged as a felony and can result in substantial penalties, regardless of fault for the collision itself.
- Civil liability: Families may pursue wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver to recover damages such as funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other losses allowed under California law. In DUI cases, punitive damages may be available when the evidence shows the driver acted with conscious disregard for the safety of others.

Understanding Comparative Fault in Pedestrian Collisions

California follows a comparative negligence system. If a pedestrian crossed against a red light, a jury may attribute a percentage of fault to the pedestrian. However, that does not eliminate the driver’s responsibility. Drivers must still use due care—especially at night or in low-visibility conditions—and must take reasonable steps to avoid a collision when possible. In practice, a family may still recover damages even if a portion of fault is assigned to the pedestrian; the total award would be reduced by the pedestrian’s percentage of responsibility. Each case turns on its specific facts, including speed, lighting, driver impairment, braking distance, and visibility.

Key Evidence That Can Strengthen a Claim

Building a strong civil case requires timely preservation of evidence. In many DUI and hit-and-run matters, crucial proof can include:

- Law enforcement reports and supplemental investigations
- Toxicology results, field sobriety observations, and bar or receipts records
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and residential doorbell cameras
- Event data recorder (“black box”) and vehicle inspection findings
- Scene documentation: skid marks, debris fields, lighting conditions, signal timing, and roadway design
- Cell phone records addressing potential distraction
- Eyewitness statements and expert accident reconstruction

Because much of this evidence can disappear quickly—video may be overwritten within days—prompt action is essential. Attorneys often send preservation letters to ensure that relevant footage, vehicle data, and records are not destroyed.

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Avian Law Group extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic DUI hit-and-run collision. Losing a life to the reckless and irresponsible actions of an impaired driver is an unimaginable loss that no family should ever have to endure.

Driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of an accident are serious crimes that leave lasting pain for victims’ families and communities. At Avian Law Group, we remain committed to seeking justice for those affected by such senseless acts and to holding negligent drivers fully accountable for their actions.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a DUI or hit-and-run accident, our compassionate and experienced legal team is here to help. Contact Avian Law Group for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and the options available for pursuing justice and closure.