Pedestrian killed in Pacoima hit-and-run: what families need to know

ABC7 reports that a man in his 50s was struck and killed while crossing Van Nuys Boulevard in Pacoima. Police say the driver, operating a Chevy pickup, fled the scene; the truck was later located, but the driver remains at large.1 For families, the shock and grief are overwhelming—and fast, informed steps can protect your legal rights. CALL NOW 1-844-999-5342

Key takeaways

• Hit-and-run doesn’t end your options: Civil claims can proceed even if the driver isn’t immediately found.
• Evidence disappears quickly: Nearby cameras and witnesses are time-sensitive.
• Multiple insurance paths may apply: Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and other sources can help.

Your rights after a fatal pedestrian crash

• Civil vs. criminal process: Law enforcement handles the criminal investigation. Separately, surviving family can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover for financial and human losses.
• Insurance avenues:
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Pedestrians are generally covered if they—or a resident family member—carry UM/UIM on an auto policy.
  • Med-Pay: Some policies include no-fault medical benefits to help with immediate costs.
• Potential third-party liability: In some cases, dangerous road conditions (poor lighting, faded crosswalks, obstructed sight lines) contribute to a crash. Claims against public entities require special procedures and short deadlines.

Evidence that strengthens a case

• Video: Look quickly for surveillance from businesses, transit, and residential doorbells along Van Nuys Blvd.
• Witnesses: Names, contact information, and exact viewpoints.
• Vehicle data: If identified, Event Data Recorder (EDR) can reveal speed and braking; prompt preservation letters matter.
• Scene documentation: Photos of lighting, skid marks, debris, vehicle parts, and any road defects.
• Official reports: LAPD report number, follow-up supplements, and collision diagrams.

Common defenses—and how we respond

• Fault shifting: Insurers may argue the pedestrian caused the crash. California’s comparative negligence still allows recovery even if fault is shared. We use reconstruction, video, and expert analysis to establish driver fault.
• Unknown driver: We pursue UM/UIM benefits while assisting the search for the driver and evaluating any other responsible parties.

What damages can families recover?

• Economic: Funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support and benefits, and loss of household services.
• Non-economic: Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, and guidance.
• Survival claims: In appropriate cases, damages for the decedent’s pre-death pain and suffering.

Steps to take now

• Obtain the police report number and secure any available photos or videos.
• Avoid recorded statements with insurers until you speak with counsel.
• Gather insurance information to evaluate UM/UIM.
• Contact the best LAPD wrongful death attorney immediately to send preservation letters and coordinate investigation.

How Walch Law helps With LAPD Wrongful Death Claims
We act fast to preserve critical footage, issue preservation demands, reconstruct the crash, and identify all available insurance. Our consultations are free and confidential, and we work on contingency—no fees unless we recover for you. If you have information that could help LAPD, please contact the police. If you need legal guidance, reach out to us—we’re here for your family. We know how to win pedestrian accident cases for the most money possible and have been helping families for over 40 years.