Lankershim Boulevard at Oxnard Street: a dark red Ford SUV struck a 71-year-old woman crossing the street, and the driver left without stopping
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (October 3, 2026): A 71-year-old woman was killed in a North Hollywood hit-and-run on Saturday night, October 3, near Lankershim Boulevard and Oxnard Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, as reported by City News Service, KTLA and NBC Los Angeles. Police said the collision happened at about 9:35 p.m. and that the driver of a dark red Ford SUV left the scene.
According to the LAPD, the SUV was on Lankershim Boulevard just north of Oxnard Street when it struck the woman as she was crossing Oxnard Street outside a crosswalk. The driver did not stop, identify themselves or render aid, as the law requires. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced the woman dead at the scene. Her name has not been released pending notification of her family.
Valley Traffic Division detectives are asking anyone who was driving on Lankershim Boulevard near Oxnard Street around that time, or who saw a dark red Ford SUV with fresh damage, to contact Detective Martinez at 818-644-8033, or 877-527-3247 on weekends and after hours. The city’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program offers a reward for information that leads to the driver. Anonymous tips can go to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Liability for the North Hollywood Hit-and-Run
California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills a person to stop, render aid and identify themselves. Under Vehicle Code § 21954, a pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk generally must yield to vehicles, but the same section keeps a duty of due care on every driver, and Civil Code § 1714 makes drivers responsible for harm caused by a lack of ordinary care. Based on what police have released, the questions include:
- Leaving the scene: The driver drove away after striking a 71-year-old woman. Fleeing a fatal crash is a felony and weighs heavily in a civil claim.
- Due care at an intersection: A busy commercial intersection at night requires drivers to watch for people on foot. Speed, lighting and the driver’s attention will be examined.
- Shared fault: Under California’s comparative fault rules, a family can still recover even if a pedestrian is found partly responsible, with damages reduced by that share.
- Finding the SUV: Traffic cameras, business video and body shop records can help detectives locate a dark red Ford SUV with front-end damage.
The woman’s family may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. If the driver is never identified, uninsured motorist coverage on a household auto policy may still provide a path to recovery.
Steps to Take After a North Hollywood Hit-and-Run
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, older pedestrians face a higher risk of dying when struck by a vehicle. When the driver flees, families benefit from acting in the first days after the crash.
- Stay in contact with Valley Traffic: Ask detectives for the case number and updates on the search for the SUV.
- Notify insurers promptly: California auto policies generally require a police report within 24 hours to use uninsured motorist coverage for a hit-and-run.
- Request victim assistance: The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) may help with certain funeral and related expenses.
- Preserve personal items: Keep the clothing and belongings the woman had that night. They can help confirm the point of impact.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If street lighting or crossing design maintained by the City of Los Angeles is examined, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the North Hollywood Hit-and-Run
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the woman who lost her life near Lankershim Boulevard. Important questions remain: Who was driving the dark red Ford SUV that struck her and left? And what will cameras along Lankershim Boulevard show about the moments before the crash?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 5, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 3, 2026.
