OAKLAND, Calif. — A driver fled the scene after striking a pedestrian in an electric wheelchair on May 4. The accident happened around 11:30 a.m. at the intersection of San Pablo Avenue and 18th Street.
Elmo Ballard, 49, was crossing in a marked crosswalk when a northbound vehicle attempted to turn and hit him. Witnesses said the driver abandoned the vehicle, leaving it running and still in gear.
A passing tow truck driver used a jack to lift the vehicle and relieve pressure from Ballard. Emergency responders arrived shortly after and transported him to a hospital, where he later succumbed.
Authorities have not identified a suspect. Officials urge witnesses or anyone with video footage of the incident to come forward.
Elmo Ballard tragically killed in Oakland hit-and-run pedestrian accident
May 06, 2025
FATAL ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
More than 2,850 people were killed by hit-and-run crashes in 2022 — a significant increase compared to earlier years. AAA reported that 2022 marked one of the deadliest years for hit-and-run incidents since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began compiling statistics on fatal motor vehicle crashes in 1975.
Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, said in cases such as this it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney in a timely manner to protect a victim’s rights.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond, a Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Elmo Ballard may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, the loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person’s death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
If your loved one has been killed by a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
