Published: September 16, 2026
By: Yaghmai Law Firm, APC
(Midway City, CA) – A pedestrian died late on the night of September 13, 2026, after being struck by a southbound silver sedan on Beach Boulevard in Midway City, and the driver did not stop, according to the Westminster Police Department and the Westminster Area CHP.
The collision was reported at about 9:15 p.m. on Beach Boulevard, just north of McFadden Avenue, the Westminster Police Department said. Investigators with the Westminster Area CHP indicated the vehicle may have been a silver Toyota Venza, which continued south and left the scene without stopping.
The pedestrian was taken to a nearby trauma center and was later pronounced dead, according to the reporting. The CHP has asked anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about it to reach the Westminster Area Office at (714) 622-3600.
Know Your Rights After a Crash
After a serious crash, California law gives injured people and families limited time to act. Evidence like vehicle data, camera footage, and witness memories fades quickly. A free, no-obligation case review can help you understand your options. Call or text (888) 800-6731, or start a free case review online. Asistencia en español disponible.
Analysis of the Midway City Pedestrian Collision
The following is a general overview of the legal framework that can apply to a fatal pedestrian collision of this kind in California. It is not a statement about what happened here or about anyone's fault, which remains under investigation.
When a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone leaves without stopping, California law imposes specific duties. Under Vehicle Code section 20001, a driver in an injury or fatal collision must immediately stop and remain at the scene, and Vehicle Code section 20003 requires that driver to exchange identifying information and render reasonable assistance to anyone hurt. Investigators in cases like this typically work to identify the vehicle and driver before any conclusions about responsibility can be drawn.
Where a pedestrian is struck, investigators often examine how each person exercised care. Vehicle Code section 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks while also imposing a duty of care on pedestrians, and Vehicle Code section 21954 addresses a pedestrian's duties when crossing outside a crosswalk. Speed can also be relevant under the Basic Speed Law, Vehicle Code section 22350. If evidence were to show a statutory violation that proximately caused the harm, Evidence Code section 669 can allow a presumption of negligence, and general negligence principles under Civil Code section 1714 would still govern. Where more than one person may share fault, Civil Code section 1431.2 allocates non-economic damages in proportion to each party's percentage of fault.
When a collision is fatal, California law allows certain surviving family members to bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60, and a separate survival claim may pass to the decedent's successor in interest under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.30. The measure of recoverable damages is described by Civil Code section 3333. Because a driver who flees may be unidentified or uninsured, families sometimes look to their own uninsured motorist coverage, which Insurance Code section 11580.2 requires California auto policies to include unless it is rejected in writing.
What Families and Survivors Can Do
After a fatal hit-and-run, families can request a copy of the collision report, preserve any physical evidence and photographs, and note any nearby businesses or homes that may have security or dashcam footage of Beach Boulevard near McFadden Avenue. It also helps to keep records of medical and funeral expenses and to review one's own auto policy for uninsured motorist coverage, which can matter when a driver has not been identified. California generally allows two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, so acting sooner protects those rights.
Were you, or someone you love, involved in this crash? A California pedestrian accident attorney at Yaghmai Law Firm can explain your options and deal with the insurance companies for you. Call or text (888) 800-6731 or request a free case review.
About the Author
Houtan Yaghmai, Esq., President & Managing Attorney of Yaghmai Law Firm, APC. California State Bar No. 298487. Speaks English, French, and Persian. The firm represents personal injury clients throughout Southern California – consultations by phone, text, or video, no office visits required.
This post was assembled with AI assistance from publicly reported news sources cited below. All California Vehicle Code references were verified against leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Facts were re-checked via additional web searches before publication. This post is based on initial news reports and may be updated as new facts develop. Nothing in this article is legal advice. Yaghmai Law Firm, APC is not associated with the investigating agencies and does not represent any party named in this post unless explicitly stated.
Sources:
1. newsantaana.com – CHP seeks hit and run driver after fatal collision with pedestrian in west OC
