Fatal Pedestrian Collision on Capital City Freeway State Route 51 Under Investigation

Fatal Pedestrian Collision on Capital City Freeway State Route 51 Under Investigation

In the early morning hours of Sunday, July 13, 2025, a fatal pedestrian collision on Capital City Freeway occurred on the northbound side of State Route 51 (Capital City Freeway), just south of the Watt Avenue off-ramp. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the incident around 4:51 a.m., confirming that a pedestrian was fatally struck while in the roadway.

Emergency Responders Locate Victim in Center Divide

Initial 911 calls indicated a vehicle may have collided with an unknown object in the No. 1 lane. Upon arrival, emergency crews discovered the body of a pedestrian in the center divide. Authorities believe the individual may have been struck by a silver Honda CR-V, although the potential involvement of other vehicles remains under investigation.

Lanes Temporarily Closed as Investigation Unfolds

The Sacramento Fire Department confirmed the fatality at the scene. CHP closed the No. 1 and No. 2 lanes to conduct a comprehensive investigation, while the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office was notified and responded. All lanes reopened at approximately 6:20 a.m., after a nearly two-hour closure to allow for scene analysis and evidence collection.

Legal Rights for Injured Pedestrians and Their Families

When pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence, victims and their families have the right to pursue compensation for damages such as emergency medical care, lost wages, long-term treatment, and more. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts with early settlement offers that don’t reflect the full scope of injuries and losses. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can protect your rights and help ensure any settlement properly accounts for current and future needs.

Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating a pedestrian injury claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially while dealing with emotional trauma, medical treatments, or the loss of a loved one. A skilled personal injury attorney not only advocates on your behalf but also helps gather crucial evidence, deal with insurance adjusters, and ensure you’re not pressured into accepting less than you deserve. With decades of experience representing injured pedestrians throughout Northern California, our legal team is equipped to secure fair and just compensation for our clients.

Check out this video with accident attorney Ed Smith to discover how to select the best injury lawyer for your claim:

Safety Reminder: Staying Alert Can Save Lives

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers must remain alert, especially during early morning or late-night hours when visibility is low. Likewise, pedestrians should avoid crossing highways and always use designated crosswalks when possible. Wearing reflective clothing, staying off roadways not intended for pedestrian traffic, and avoiding distractions like cell phones can greatly reduce the risk of a fatal accident. Tragedies like this serve as a reminder of the importance of awareness for both motorists and pedestrians.

About Our Law Firm: Compassionate Advocacy You Can Trust

My name is Ed Smith, a Sacramento-based personal injury attorney committed to helping individuals and families recover after serious pedestrian accidents. Our firm offers personalized, compassionate legal support and has been nationally recognized by organizations such as the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Top 1 Percent of attorneys nationwide. Victims of pedestrian accidents can rely on our firm for knowledgeable and personalized legal counsel, call us for a free and confidential consultation at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400, or contact us through our online form.

To see how we’ve helped others in similar situations, visit our Verdicts & Settlements page or explore client testimonials on Google, Yelp, and Avvo.