University Avenue at Eighth Street: the driver of a dark-colored sedan struck two older pedestrians in a crosswalk and left them critically injured
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA (October 7, 2026): A 78-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman were critically injured in a Berkeley hit-and-run on Wednesday night, October 7, when the driver of a dark-colored sedan struck them in a crosswalk at University Avenue and Eighth Street and drove away, according to the Berkeley Police Department, as reported by KTVU. The collision happened at about 9 p.m.; The Berkeley Scanner reported that the 911 call came in at 8:50 p.m.
Police told KTVU that both pedestrians suffered serious injuries and were taken to a hospital in critical condition. The Berkeley Scanner reported that the Berkeley Fire Department took them to Highland Hospital and that, based on initial reports, they appeared to have been using the crosswalk. Their names have not been released.
A witness told The Berkeley Scanner and KTVU that the two were a couple visiting from Barcelona, Spain. Berkeley police called in its Fatal Accident Investigation Team, the unit that handles serious and fatal crashes, the Scanner reported.
No description of the driver has been released beyond the dark-colored sedan, and no arrest has been announced. Anyone who saw the collision, recognizes a dark sedan with fresh damage or has video from University Avenue near Eighth Street can call the Berkeley Police Department traffic unit at 510-981-5980.
Liability for the Berkeley Hit-and-Run
California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires any driver involved in a crash that injures a person to stop, provide aid and give their identifying information. Vehicle Code § 21950 requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk and to slow down or take other action to protect them, and Civil Code § 1714 makes every driver responsible for harm caused by a lack of ordinary care. Based on what has been released, the questions include:
- Leaving two people injured: The driver did not stop after striking two pedestrians, police said. Fleeing an injury crash is a crime and usually weighs heavily in a civil claim.
- The crosswalk: Initial reports indicate the couple appeared to be in the crosswalk. Under California law, drivers must yield to people crossing there.
- Finding the sedan: Traffic cameras, business video along University Avenue and repair shop records can help investigators locate a dark sedan with front-end damage.
- Coverage for visitors: If the driver is never identified, other sources, such as travel or health insurance, can become relevant for injured visitors.
People injured by a hit-and-run driver may bring a personal injury claim for medical care, lost income and pain and suffering against the driver once identified, and against the vehicle’s owner in some cases under Vehicle Code § 17150. These claims are separate from the criminal investigation. Being visitors from another country does not generally prevent injured people from bringing a claim in California courts for a crash that happened here.
Steps to Take After a Berkeley Hit-and-Run
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, older pedestrians face a higher risk of death or serious injury when struck by a vehicle. When the driver flees, families who act quickly can help preserve the evidence investigators need.
- Contact the traffic unit: Families can ask the Berkeley Police Department traffic unit for the case number and updates on the search for the sedan.
- Gather medical records: Keep records and bills from Highland Hospital and any later care, including care received after returning home.
- Ask about victim help: The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) may help victims of crimes in California, including hit-and-run crashes, with certain medical and related costs.
- Preserve video quickly: Send written requests to businesses near University Avenue and Eighth Street for footage from Wednesday night before it is overwritten.
Personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If the crosswalk’s lighting, markings or design maintained by the City of Berkeley or Caltrans are examined, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Berkeley Hit-and-Run
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the couple injured at University Avenue and Eighth Street, and we hope for their full recovery. Important questions remain: Who was driving the dark-colored sedan that struck them and kept going? And what will cameras along University Avenue show about the moments before the crash?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 8, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 7, 2026.
