Fatal Hyde Park Hit-and-Run: What Families Should Know After a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles

Oaks Law Firm | Attorney: Matthew Nezhad | 15233 Ventura Blvd, 5th Floor, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 | (877) 539-5366

A 16-year-old boy was killed and his younger sister was seriously hurt this week in a hit-and-run crash in the Hyde Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles. The two teenagers were crossing the street with their mother when they were struck. Our thoughts are with the family and the community during this painful time.

Tragedies like this raise hard questions for anyone who has been hurt, or who has lost a loved one, because of a driver who fled. This article explains how California law treats hit-and-run crashes, what options may exist when the driver has not been found, and what steps can help protect a family’s rights.

What happened in the Hyde Park hit-and-run?

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, as reported by ABC7, the crash happened around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, near West 60th Street and South 10th Avenue. Police say the driver of a blue sedan struck the brother and sister, then crashed into a parked car. The driver and a passenger ran from the scene on foot.

The teenage boy died at the scene. His sister was taken to a hospital. Video from the area appears to show the vehicle speeding and running a stop sign just before the collision. Neighbors told reporters that speeding through that intersection is a common problem.

As of this writing, police have reported no arrests. They are searching for a female driver and a male passenger and are asking anyone with information to contact the LAPD. The investigation is ongoing, and no one has been charged in connection with the crash.

Is leaving the scene of an accident a crime in California?

Yes. Under California Vehicle Code § 20001, a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills another person must stop at the scene. The driver must also provide identifying information and render reasonable assistance to anyone who is hurt.

Leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash is a serious criminal offense. The criminal case, however, is separate from any civil claim for compensation:

• A criminal prosecution is brought by the state and focuses on punishment.
• A civil personal injury or wrongful death claim is brought by the injured person or their family. It focuses on the losses they have suffered.

A family does not need to wait for an arrest or a criminal conviction before learning about their civil options.

Can I recover compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never found?

Possibly. Even when the driver is never identified, California law may provide other avenues.

Uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on an auto insurance policy can apply to hit-and-run crashes, including in some situations where the injured person was a pedestrian rather than a driver. Under California Insurance Code § 11580.2, claims involving an unidentified driver come with specific requirements. These include reporting the crash to law enforcement within 24 hours and giving the insurer prompt written notice, and individual policies may contain their own conditions as well. Because missing one of these steps can create problems, it is worth reviewing any household auto policies early.

Other potentially responsible parties. Depending on what the investigation reveals, the registered owner of the vehicle may be responsible, and other parties may be as well. Identifying who can be held responsible is a fact-specific inquiry.

Victim assistance programs. The California Victim Compensation Board may be able to help victims of violent crime, including certain hit-and-run crashes, with expenses such as medical bills, counseling, and funeral costs. Eligibility rules apply.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in California when a child is killed?

California’s wrongful death statute, Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, allows certain close family members to bring a claim when a loved one dies because of another person’s wrongful act or negligence. When the person who died was a minor with no spouse or children, the parents are generally among those who may bring the claim.

A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for losses such as funeral and burial expenses. It can also seek compensation for the loss of the love, companionship, comfort, and support the family would have received. Every family’s situation is different, and the specific damages available depend on the facts.

When a surviving family member was also injured in the same crash, that person may have a separate personal injury claim of their own.

How long do families have to file a claim after a fatal pedestrian accident in California?

The general statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims in California is two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.

There are important exceptions:

• Minors. Different timing rules can apply when the injured person is a minor.
• Government entities. If a government entity may share responsibility, a formal written claim must generally be presented within six months of the incident under Government Code § 911.2, before any lawsuit can be filed. This can come up, for example, when a dangerous road condition or a public vehicle is involved.
• Insurance policies. Insurance claims, including uninsured motorist claims, carry their own notice and timing requirements.

Because the rules depend on who may be responsible and on each person’s circumstances, families should confirm their specific deadlines with a licensed California attorney as soon as they are able.

What should I do after a hit-and-run as a pedestrian in Los Angeles?

When someone is hurt, medical care comes first. Once immediate needs are addressed, these steps can help protect a claim:

• Report the crash to police and request the report number.
• Preserve video evidence. Security and doorbell camera footage from nearby homes and businesses can be recorded over within days, so ask neighbors to save any footage that may have captured the vehicle.
• Keep records of medical treatment, bills, and other expenses connected to the crash.
• Notify your auto insurer about the crash, even if you were walking rather than driving, and keep copies of what you send.
• Write down details while they are fresh, including witnesses’ names and anything you remember about the vehicle.

Talk With Oaks Law Firm About a Pedestrian or Hit-and-Run Accident

After a devastating loss or a serious injury, understanding your legal options can feel overwhelming. If you or a family member was hurt, or a loved one was killed, in a hit-and-run or pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, Oaks Law Firm is available to talk through your situation. We serve families in South Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and throughout Los Angeles County. You can reach us at (877) 539-5366 to schedule a consultation about your specific circumstances.

Oaks Law Firm |Attorney: Matthew Nezhad | 15233 Ventura Blvd, 5th Floor, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information presented may not reflect the most current legal developments and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney. Every personal injury case involves unique facts and circumstances, and the outcome of any case depends entirely on those specific facts. Any results, settlement amounts, or verdicts referenced in this content are specific to the individual cases described, are not typical, and do not guarantee, promise, or predict a similar outcome in your case. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Oaks Law Firm. Contact us directly for a consultation specific to your situation.