Pedestrian Crash in Santa Maria Injures Mother and Child

Santa Maria Pedestrian Crash Hospitalizes Mother and Child on Miller Street Police say no immediate signs of criminal conduct; investigation continues Two pedestrians described as a mother and child were hospitalized with major injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Santa Maria on Friday morning, October 3, 2025. According to preliminary information from Santa Maria police, the collision occurred shortly after 7:00 a.m. on Miller Street near Dena Way. The driver was traveling northbound on Miller Street at the time of the impact. Authorities have indicated there are no early signs that the crash involved criminal activity, and the cause remains under active investigation. What We Know So Far - Time and location: Shortly after 7:00 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, on Miller Street near Dena Way in Santa Maria, California. - Parties involved: Two pedestrians (a mother and child) were struck and sustained significant injuries requiring hospitalization. - Driver direction: Northbound on Miller Street. - Status of investigation: Ongoing. Police report no initial indications of criminal conduct, but the full set of circumstances—such as visibility, speed, roadway conditions, and right-of-way—are being reviewed. If you witnessed the collision or have dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident, your information may be valuable to investigators. Why Morning Pedestrian Collisions Happen While the specific cause of this crash has not been determined, early morning hours are a high-risk window for pedestrian incidents across California. Common contributing factors in pedestrian crashes include: - Sun glare and low-angle light reducing driver visibility - Increased traffic during school drop-off and work commutes - Left turns across crosswalks, where drivers may focus on oncoming traffic and miss people walking - Speeding or failing to yield at intersections - Distracted driving, including device use - Limited sightlines due to parked cars, landscaping, or roadway design Understanding Liability in California Pedestrian Accidents California law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians and to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. That said, liability is determined by the totality of circumstances. California follows pure comparative negligence, which means an injured person can still recover compensation even if they are found partially at fault; their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. Important legal points for pedestrians and drivers: - Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully within marked crosswalks or at unmarked crosswalks at intersections. - Sudden entry: Pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb or place of safety and walk