Rehoboth Beach, DE (April 2, 2025) – A car accident unfolded early Monday morning, March 31, in the Walmart parking lot near Rehoboth Beach, ending in the death of a 66-year-old woman. Delaware State Police confirmed that Antonia Walton was killed when a reversing pickup truck struck and pinned her against the store building.
The fatal accident occurred just before 8 a.m. outside the Walmart at 18922 Rehoboth Mall Boulevard. Authorities say Walton had been assisting a driver by guiding his Dodge Ram onto the sidewalk so he could load mulch. As the driver reversed, the truck hit Walton, pinning her to the wall. Emergency personnel responded swiftly, but sadly, Walton was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Dodge, a 76-year-old man from Rehoboth Beach, was not injured during the incident.
An investigation into the circumstances of the accident is still underway as officers work to determine what led to the misjudgment. No charges have been filed at this time.
We hope those impacted by this heartbreaking accident find support and strength in the days ahead.
Pedestrian Accidents in Delaware
Pedestrian accidents in Delaware remain a troubling concern, especially in commercial areas where vehicles and foot traffic converge. In recent years, Delaware has consistently ranked among the states with the highest pedestrian fatality rates per capita. Many of these incidents take place in parking lots, intersections, and poorly lit areas where visibility is compromised.
Understanding some of the common reasons behind these types of accidents can help shed light on how they unfold:
- Driver Confusion in Parking Lots: Many parking lot crashes occur when drivers lose spatial awareness or misjudge distances while maneuvering in tight spots. With shoppers frequently walking behind or between vehicles, even a small lapse in attention can have serious consequences.
- Reduced Visibility: Obstructions like parked cars, shopping carts, and poorly placed signage can limit a driver’s view. When drivers back up without a full line of sight, pedestrians behind them are often at greater risk.
- Assistance Gone Wrong: Accidents sometimes happen when one person tries to help guide a driver. If communication between the person guiding and the driver is unclear or misinterpreted, it can lead to critical errors.
- Elderly Drivers and Response Time: Older drivers may experience slower reaction times, particularly in high-pressure or unexpected situations. That delay, even by a few seconds, can influence whether an accident is avoidable.
- Lack of Parking Lot Regulations: Unlike public roads, parking lots don’t always have clear signage or marked lanes, making it more difficult for pedestrians and drivers to predict each other’s actions.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a pedestrian accident, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable Rehoboth Beach wrongful death attorney. Acting quickly after a crash allows you to protect your rights and collect vital information while the evidence is still fresh. It can also help uncover key factors, like video footage or eyewitness accounts, that could make a difference in your case. Our attorneys understand how difficult the days after an accident can be. Let us help you through it.
At Murphy & Landon, we’ve been standing beside injury victims across Delaware for decades. Whether the case is small or complex, our team puts everything into getting results for our clients. We know how tough the fight can be, but we don’t back down. If you’ve lost a loved one or been seriously hurt, reach out to our compassionate legal team. We offer free consultations and are ready to discuss your case with the care it deserves. Call us at 302-472-8112 and talk to someone who will take your case seriously. We’re here to listen, to support you, and to help you move forward.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Contact Murphy & Landon if you locate any inaccurate information. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at this accident scene.
