Anaheim Harbor Blvd Sidewalk Crash: Driver Suspected of DUI Injures 8 Anaheim High Student Runners

• Anaheim sidewalk crash injures eight student runners: what’s known now
• What happened at Harbor Boulevard and North Street
• Who was involved and current status
• Official response and scene details
• Key California laws that frame civil responsibility
• Potential civil liability after a DUI pedestrian collision
• Insurance issues that often arise in pedestrian injury cases
• Evidence to preserve right away
• How to obtain reports and records
• Support and recovery resources in Orange County
• Time limits for California injury claims
• Community context and safety reflections
• Practical call-to-action: timely steps to take
• Commentary from Gosuits Anaheim, California Personal Injury Attorney

Anaheim sidewalk crash injures eight student runners: what’s known now

Just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, a group of Anaheim High School track athletes were standing on the sidewalk at Harbor Boulevard and North Street when a southbound vehicle left the roadway and struck them. Eight students were injured. Anaheim Police said the driver, a 27-year-old Anaheim man, remained at the scene and was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence involving a suspected combination of drugs and alcohol. According to police, none of the injuries are life-threatening. The intersection was closed for several hours as first responders assisted and investigators documented the scene.

The crash occurred in a largely residential pocket just north of central Anaheim, near neighborhood homes and small businesses. Anaheim Fire & Rescue treated multiple students on the sidewalk and in an adjacent yard. The school district coordinated with police, and Anaheim High scheduled a crisis response meeting for the affected student-athletes.

What happened at Harbor Boulevard and North Street

Based on statements from Anaheim Police, the students were part of the school’s track and field team and were out for an offseason practice run during the sixth-period athletics block. As they waited for the pedestrian signal at Harbor and North, an orange Toyota sedan veered onto the sidewalk and struck the group, coming to rest against a low brick wall bordering a residence.

Footage from the scene showed medics stabilizing several teenagers and placing one in a neck brace. Some students were transported to area hospitals immediately with varying injuries, while others with minor to moderate injuries were brought later as a precaution. The coach, who was behind the group and witnessed the crash, was not injured.

Who was involved and current status

The injured students are reported to be between 16 and 17 years old and members of Anaheim High’s track and field program. Anaheim Police indicated that three were transported promptly for treatment, and four more were taken later. Authorities stated that injuries are not life-threatening. The driver, a 27-year-old Anaheim resident, was evaluated at a hospital and subsequently arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Parents who were worried their student might have been involved were directed to call Anaheim High School at 714-999-3717. The school set a crisis response meeting for the affected student-athletes the following day.

Official response and scene details

Anaheim Police public information officer Sgt. Matt Sutter provided preliminary information. City spokesperson Mike Lyster described the area as mostly residential with a few corner businesses and reminded motorists to remain alert when driving through neighborhoods, especially where pedestrians and students are present. School resource officers assisted at the scene. The intersection closure allowed investigators to photograph the vehicle’s final position, document debris and skid patterns, and take witness statements.

Residents along this Harbor Boulevard corridor know how busy it gets midafternoon, as students walk home from nearby campuses and traffic builds toward early evening. While many safety features are present, the reality is that sidewalks remain the community’s refuge. When a vehicle breaches that space, injuries can be severe.

Key California laws that frame civil responsibility

Driving on sidewalks is prohibited

California law generally prohibits operating a motor vehicle on a sidewalk, except when necessary to enter or exit a property at a driveway entrance. See Vehicle Code section 21663. Striking pedestrians who are lawfully on a sidewalk can be strong evidence of negligence in a civil injury case.

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Impaired driving standards

California’s DUI laws prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The general prohibitions are detailed in Vehicle Code section 23152. Where injuries occur, prosecutors may consider the injury-specific DUI statute, Vehicle Code section 23153. Although those are criminal statutes, the same conduct often supports civil liability. National data reinforce the risk: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports thousands of lives lost annually due to alcohol-impaired driving in the United States, and it highlights the significant role impairment plays in serious roadway injuries and fatalities. See NHTSA’s drunk driving overview and California’s traffic safety emphasis on impaired driving through the Office of Traffic Safety at ots.ca.gov.

Negligence per se and safety statutes

In civil cases, violating a safety statute can support a finding of negligence under California’s “negligence per se” doctrine if the violation caused the type of harm the law was designed to prevent and the injured person is among the class the law was meant to protect. See Evidence Code section 669. In a sidewalk collision, statutes prohibiting driving on sidewalks and laws against impaired driving may be central to evaluating fault.

Possibility of punitive damages

In some civil cases involving egregious conduct, California allows punitive damages where a plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that a defendant acted with malice or with a willful and conscious disregard of others’ safety. See Civil Code section 3294. Whether punitive damages are recoverable depends on specific facts and evidence.

Potential civil liability after a DUI pedestrian collision

From a civil perspective, a driver who leaves the roadway and strikes pedestrians on a sidewalk is usually the primary focus for liability. Allegations may include negligence, negligence per se based on statutes like the sidewalk prohibition, and in some cases punitive damages if the conduct meets the high standard under Civil Code section 3294.

Other issues sometimes arise depending on facts that have not been publicly reported here, such as whether a vehicle defect contributed, whether a third party negligently entrusted a vehicle, or whether a bar or host furnished alcohol to an underage or obviously intoxicated minor. California’s general rule is that providers of alcohol are not civilly liable for injuries caused by those who consume it, with narrow exceptions primarily involving service to minors. Any assessment beyond the driver’s conduct requires careful factual development and should be grounded in verified evidence.

Insurance issues that often arise in pedestrian injury cases

After a crash like the one at Harbor and North, multiple insurance coverages may be implicated. Understanding them early can help families avoid common pitfalls.

• Driver’s bodily injury liability coverage. This is typically the primary source for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering in a civil claim, subject to policy limits.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. In California, a pedestrian injured by a driver may be covered by UM/UIM benefits on a household auto policy. If the at-fault driver’s limits are low, UM/UIM may help bridge the gap.
• Medical payments coverage. Some auto policies include MedPay that can assist with immediate medical bills regardless of fault.
• Health insurance coordination. Health insurers may pay first but could assert reimbursement rights if a liability recovery occurs later.

Insurance adjusters often contact people quickly. It is generally wise to speak with a qualified attorney before giving any recorded statement or signing authorizations. What is said to an insurance company can be used later to dispute a claim. A free consultation can clarify rights and obligations before any conversation with insurers.

Evidence to preserve right away

In collisions involving pedestrians on sidewalks, timely evidence preservation can make a meaningful difference. Anaheim’s Harbor Boulevard corridor has many businesses and residences with cameras, and footage can be overwritten quickly. Consider the following steps while keeping safety and medical care first:

• Photos and video. Scene images, vehicle position, debris fields, tire marks, and damage to walls or landscaping can help reconstruct impact angles and speeds.
• Witness contact details. Names, phone numbers, and brief notes on what they saw. Independent eyewitnesses are often crucial.
• Nearby surveillance. Doorbell cameras, storefront CCTV, and traffic cameras can capture approach paths or the moment of impact. Prompt requests matter because many systems overwrite data within days.
• Medical documentation. Keep discharge summaries, imaging results, physician notes, and receipts for all treatment and medications.
• School and athletics incident notes. If coaches or staff documented what they observed, preserving those timelines can help.
• Personal accounts. A dated journal of symptoms, pain levels, missed school or work, and emotional impacts helps tell the full story of harm.

How to obtain reports and records

Police traffic collision report

For collisions within Anaheim city limits, the Anaheim Police Department typically prepares the traffic collision report. The Records Section handles release of reports to involved parties or guardians of minors. While the city’s primary website uses a .net domain and is not cited here, a call to Anaheim Police Records can guide the request process and applicable fees. Keep the report number, location, and date ready.

• Anaheim Police non-emergency: 714-765-1900
• Ask for the Records Section to request the traffic collision report and find out when it will be available.

Medical records

Hospitals and clinics that treated the students will have records request procedures for patients or parents/guardians of minors. Each facility’s Health Information Management department can explain how to submit a request.

School-related information

The Anaheim High School administration provided a point of contact for concerned parents at 714-999-3717. The athletics department or school district may have internal incident notes or communications relevant to timeframes or student support services.

Coroner or autopsy records, if a crash results in a fatality

In this incident, authorities reported no life-threatening injuries. In the tragic event that a traffic collision leads to a death in Orange County, the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner handles postmortem examinations and next-of-kin notifications. Information on reports and procedures is available through the Sheriff’s office. See the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner page at ocsheriff.gov.

911 audio and other public records

California’s Public Records Act allows access to certain government records. Some items, like active investigation materials, may be exempt or delayed. Requests often need specific dates, times, and locations. While each agency has its own portal, the statutory framework is established under the Government Code.

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Support and recovery resources in Orange County

When minors are injured in a traumatic event, recovery is about more than physical healing. Emotional and psychological support matters. Here are avenues that may help:

• School crisis support. Anaheim High planned a crisis response meeting for affected student-athletes. School counselors familiar with the student community can help with short-term coping and referrals.
• City and county services. Anaheim Police Victim Advocacy can assist with information on rights and services. County-level victim support can also be explored through state programs.
• California Victim Compensation Board. CalVCB may provide financial assistance to eligible victims of qualifying crimes, which can include certain DUI injury crimes, for items like counseling and medical costs not covered elsewhere. Learn more at victims.ca.gov.
• Primary care follow-up. Even after hospital discharge, follow-up with a pediatrician or family physician can catch evolving symptoms, including concussion-related issues or emotional distress.

Time limits for California injury claims

California generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims measured from the date of the injury. See Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. For minors, many claims are tolled until the person turns 18, subject to important exceptions. See Code of Civil Procedure section 352(a).

Where a claim is brought against a public entity, California’s Government Claims Act requires a written administrative claim to be presented within a shorter timeframe, typically six months for personal injury claims, before any lawsuit. See Government Code section 911.2. The facts here focus on a private driver, but these deadlines are mentioned for general awareness.

Because deadlines can be complex and exceptions exist, prompt evaluation by a seasoned attorney can help ensure rights are preserved.

Community context and safety reflections

Harbor Boulevard is one of Anaheim’s main north-south corridors, carrying steady traffic past homes, small shops, and schools. Around the end of the school day, sidewalks and corners fill with students moving between campuses and after-school activities. The intersection with North Street is a place where cars, pedestrians, and cyclists all come together, and residents know it well.

The city spokesperson’s reminder resonates locally: everyone shares responsibility behind the wheel, especially in residential areas where students gather. While traffic engineering helps, impaired or inattentive driving can defeat even well-designed protections. Community-focused safety steps often include reminders for drivers to slow down near campuses, proactive school-day patrols, and collaboration with neighbors and businesses to preserve and share camera footage when incidents occur.

Practical call-to-action: timely steps to take

• Prioritize medical care and documentation. Immediate evaluation ensures injuries are identified and treated. Keeping all records, imaging, and receipts builds a clear picture of harm if a civil claim is considered later.
• Preserve evidence early. Request that nearby homes and businesses retain camera footage. Photograph the scene, vehicle resting position, property damage, and any visible injuries as soon as it’s safe.
• Request the police collision report. Contact Anaheim Police Records with the date, time, and location. The report number, if known, speeds up the request.
• Consult an attorney before engaging insurers. Insurance adjusters often seek recorded statements quickly. Speaking with an attorney first helps avoid statements that could later be used to minimize or deny compensation. A free consultation can clarify rights and strategy.
• Track all impacts. Maintain a log of symptoms, missed classes or work, tutoring or accommodations needed, and out-of-pocket expenses.
• Consider UM/UIM options. If the at-fault driver’s insurance is limited, a household auto policy’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply to pedestrians. Policy reviews are time-sensitive.
• Be mindful of deadlines. California’s injury timelines and any public-entity claim requirements are strict. Early action prevents preventable deadline issues.

The benefit of acting sooner is simple context and clarity. Physical evidence is fresh, witnesses remember more, and video systems haven’t overwritten critical footage. Medical providers can connect symptoms to the incident in real time, and insurance coordination starts on a solid footing. Those practical advantages tend to fade as days and weeks pass.

Commentary from Gosuits Anaheim, California Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts are with the Anaheim High students, their families, and the school community. An afternoon training run should never end with ambulances on a neighborhood sidewalk. This article is shared for educational purposes and general information, with the sole aim of helping our community understand what typically follows an event like this.

From the details publicly reported, several factors will guide the civil analysis. When a vehicle leaves the roadway and mounts a sidewalk, California law strongly disfavors that conduct. If impairment played a role, as police statements suggest, it adds another layer of legal concern. The focus in any civil claim is accountability and making sure the full extent of harms is recognized, including physical injuries, the emotional toll on students, and the disruption to school and family life.

Insurance companies and corporate stakeholders often move quickly. Adjusters may sound helpful while asking for recorded statements or broad medical authorizations. Those early conversations can shape the entire claim and sometimes reduce its value. It’s common to see low initial offers before the full impacts are even known. Understanding coverage, policy limits, lien rights, and how California’s rules on negligence per se and damages apply can prevent avoidable missteps.

Obtaining a free consultation before speaking with any insurer is important. It allows families to understand rights, timelines, and evidence needs without pressure. It also helps level the playing field when dealing with insurance entities that handle claims every day. Knowledge and preparation are the best antidotes to tactics that capitalize on confusion or stress in the aftermath of a crash.

Local contacts and helpful numbers

• Anaheim Police Department non-emergency: 714-765-1900
• Anaheim High School main line (as publicized): 714-999-3717
• Orange County Sheriff-Coroner information: see OC Sheriff-Coroner
• California Victim Compensation Board: victims.ca.gov
• California Office of Traffic Safety on impaired driving: ots.ca.gov

As a community that runs, bikes, and walks these streets daily, Anaheim rallies when our students are hurt. Clear information and steady steps forward can help families focus on healing while the process of accountability moves ahead.