Published: July 21, 2026
By: Yaghmai Law Firm, APC
(Redwood City, CA) – A 36-year-old Redwood City man died on July 14 after he was run over while pursuing a truck that had left the scene of a collision near Hudson Street and Woodside Road, according to Redwood City police.
Investigators said the man was riding as a passenger in a Jeep heading south on Hudson Street at about 7:40 p.m. when the Jeep was sideswiped by a white Ford pickup, according to Redwood City police. The pickup had been leaving a driveway behind a gas station when the two vehicles met at the intersection of Hudson Street and Woodside Road.
Police said the Jeep's driver stopped to trade information, but the pickup left the area without stopping. The passenger then got out of the Jeep and ran after the departing truck. When traffic slowed on Woodside Road, he reached the pickup and took hold of its tailgate in an effort to bring it to a halt, according to police. Officers said the truck sped up, the man fell, and the pickup then drove over him.
Redwood City police, fire and medical crews responded and attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Detectives and drones later found the truck abandoned a short distance away, according to police.
One day after the crash, a 32-year-old Redwood City man surrendered to investigators, police said. He was booked into the San Mateo County Main Jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death and gross vehicular manslaughter, according to Redwood City police. The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office said he was arraigned that Friday and entered not-guilty pleas to all charges.
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 Hudson Street Hit-and-Run Collision
California law imposes clear obligations on drivers after a collision. Under Vehicle Code section 20001, a driver involved in a crash that results in injury or death must stop immediately and remain at the scene, and a violation is charged as a felony. Related duties under Vehicle Code section 20003 require a driver to give identifying information to those involved and to police and to render reasonable assistance to anyone hurt. Investigators in cases like this one typically examine whether those statutory duties were met and how a departure from them may bear on both criminal and civil exposure.
Separately, Penal Code section 192(c) defines vehicular manslaughter to include driving in a manner that may produce death while acting with gross negligence. Whether that standard is met depends entirely on evidence developed through the investigation and the criminal proceedings, which remain ongoing.
In a civil claim, the framework begins with Civil Code section 1714(a), under which a person is responsible for harm caused by a lack of ordinary care. Where evidence shows a statutory violation that proximately caused the type of harm the law was meant to prevent, Evidence Code section 669 can give rise to a presumption of negligence. California also allocates any non-economic damages by each party's share of fault under Civil Code section 1431.2, so a full investigation of what each person did is generally central. None of these principles establishes fault here; they simply describe the questions a court would weigh.
When a death results, California distinguishes between claims that survive the decedent under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.30 and a wrongful death action that eligible family members may bring under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60. The measure of recoverable damages is set by Civil Code section 3333, which covers the detriment proximately caused by the wrongful act.
What Families Can Do
Families facing a sudden loss like this can take several practical steps: request the official collision report, preserve any surveillance or dashcam footage and witness contact information before it disappears, and keep records related to the loss. Because a personal injury or wrongful death action in California is generally subject to the two-year deadline in Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, it is wise not to delay. Even where a driver flees, uninsured motorist coverage under Insurance Code section 11580.2 can sometimes provide a recovery path. A family unsure of its options can speak with an experienced attorney to understand the process. Were you, or someone you love, involved in this crash? A California truck accident lawyer 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. GNEWS_CA_HITRUN – Redwood City man killed after chasing hit-and-run vehicle identified: https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/redwood-city-man-killed-after-chasing-hit-and-run-vehicle-identified/article_2bc2e950-3a5b-4923-8d61-64c78141a1ff.html
