Kaya Terry Injured in Newbury Park Pedestrian Accident
The 16-year-old was struck by a pickup truck that swerved onto the shoulder to avoid a stopped vehicle
Kaya Terry, 16, of Newbury Park, was severely injured in a pedestrian crash on Potrero Road west of Wendy Drive in Newbury Park, California, on July 5, according to the Highway Patrol.
Paramedics transported the unconscious teen to Los Robles Regional Medical Center before transferring her to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for specialized care. The collision occurred when an eastbound 2016 Toyota Tacoma swerved onto the dirt shoulder to avoid a 2022 Audi that had stopped in the road to drop off a passenger, investigators said.
The pickup struck Terry as she walked toward a parked vehicle in a dirt turnout. The 17-year-old driver of the Toyota remained at the scene and was not hurt.
Officers from the Moorpark Area office determined alcohol and drugs were not factors in the collision.
Authorities have not announced any arrests as they work to determine the speed of the pickup.
Investigators are still working to determine the exact speed of the Toyota Tacoma and the positioning of the stopped Audi.
However, establishing liability in multi-vehicle pedestrian collisions requires a thorough examination of driver reactions and right-of-way rules.
"Pedestrians remain fundamentally exposed when sharing roadways with vehicles. The physical disparity creates inherent danger, regardless of traffic laws or safety measures. When serious crashes occur, evidence preservation becomes critically important immediately," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
"An attorney must work quickly to document the scene, gather witness accounts, and coordinate with accident reconstruction specialists, ensuring that all physical evidence is carefully maintained and analyzed," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
According to data finalized by the California Office of Traffic Safety, the state recorded 1,106 pedestrian fatalities in 2023, representing a nearly 9% decline from the previous year yet cementing a decades-long 56% upward trajectory since 2014.
California follows a pure comparative fault system. Injured parties may recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the crash.
Damages include economic losses, like medical bills, lost income, and rehabilitation, as well as non-economic losses, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
According to Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal, "Legal counsel recognizes that comprehensive documentation of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and prognosis is essential for understanding the complete scope of harm. Detailed injury records protect injured individuals and families during recovery."