Pedestrian Critically Injured in Sacramento Collision

Sacramento Pedestrian Critically Injured Near Rio Linda Boulevard and Ford Road

Overview of the Incident

A 61-year-old pedestrian, identified by authorities as David Zoellner, was critically injured in a collision on Saturday evening, November 30, 2025, in Sacramento. The incident occurred around 9:30 PM near the intersection of Rio Linda Boulevard and Ford Road. According to initial police statements, the driver involved remained at the scene, and impairment was not believed to be a factor. Mr. Zoellner was transported to a local hospital, where officials reported he was in critical but stable condition as of Sunday night.

Earlier that day, Mr. Zoellner had been reported missing and was considered at risk due to medical and mental health concerns. While those details may provide context for the timeline leading up to the collision, the precise moments and movements immediately before impact remain under investigation.

Status of the Victim and Early Findings

In the hours following a pedestrian crash, details can evolve as investigators gather witness statements, review surveillance footage, and examine vehicle and roadway evidence. At this stage, what is known is that:
- The crash took place after dark, a time when visibility challenges can increase risk for pedestrians and drivers alike.
- The driver remained on scene and cooperated with law enforcement.
- Impairment was not suspected by investigators.

Remaining at the scene and rendering aid are both legally required and practically essential measures that can improve outcomes and preserve critical evidence.

What Investigators Typically Examine

In serious pedestrian collisions, investigators often consider:
- Visibility and lighting: streetlight performance, headlight use, weather, and ambient lighting.
- Vehicle speed and stopping distance: compliance with California’s basic speed law (Vehicle Code § 22350), which prohibits driving at a speed unsafe for conditions, regardless of posted limits.
- Pedestrian location and movements: whether the pedestrian was within a crosswalk, crossing between intersections, or walking along the roadway (Vehicle Code §§ 21950–21955).
- Distraction: potential cell phone usage by any party, infotainment system data, and witness accounts.
- Roadway design: crosswalk markings, signal timing, signage, lane configurations, and sight-line obstructions.
- Mechanical condition: brake functionality, tire condition, headlights/taillights, and any potential vehicle defects.
- Data sources: nearby cameras, event data recorders, emergency dispatch logs, and 911 calls.

Duty of Care Toward Pedestrians in California

California law recognizes that pedestrians are especially vulnerable. The duty of care for drivers includes:
- Maintaining a safe speed for conditions (Vehicle Code § 22350).
- Yielding to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections (Vehicle Code § 21950).
- Exercising due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian, including sounding the horn when necessary (Vehicle Code § 21950(c)).
- Remaining at the scene and providing assistance and information after a collision (Vehicle Code §§ 20001–20003).

Pedestrians also have responsibilities, such as not suddenly leaving a curb into the path of a close vehicle and yielding when crossing outside of a crosswalk (Vehicle Code § 21954). However, even if a pedestrian is outside a crosswalk, drivers must still exercise due care. California follows a pure comparative negligence framework, meaning each party’s share of fault is evaluated, and recovery can be adjusted accordingly.

Common Risk Factors in Nighttime Pedestrian Crashes

Nighttime adds layers of risk that can affect both perception and reaction time:
- Reduced visibility and contrast: darker clothing can be harder to detect, especially on poorly lit roadways.
- Glare and depth perception challenges: oncoming headlights and reflective surfaces can make it difficult to judge distance and speed.
- Driver expectations: motorists may be less alert for pedestrians in areas without frequent crosswalks or in regions with higher speeds or fewer signals.
- Roadway design: wide lanes, long distances between crosswalks, and limited traffic calming can encourage higher speeds and increase stopping distances.

With the investigation still developing and Mr. Zoellner in critical condition, this crash serves as a sobering reminder of how vulnerable pedestrians are—especially at night. For families navigating the aftermath of a sudden and serious collision, timely information and clear guidance are essential.

At Avian Law Group, we help victims and families understand their next steps, gather the evidence needed to support their claims, and pursue the compensation required for recovery. If you’ve been affected by a pedestrian crash in Sacramento, our team is here to help.