Figueroa Street north of 79th Street: a man crossing the street was struck by a driver who kept going, and he later died at a hospital
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (October 1, 2026): A man was killed in a South Los Angeles hit-and-run early Thursday, October 1, after a driver struck him as he crossed Figueroa Street north of 79th Street in the Vermont Knolls area and did not stop, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, as reported by City News Service. The collision happened at about 1:15 a.m.
Police said the impact caused the man to fall into the roadway, where he suffered blunt force injuries. The driver of the unidentified vehicle failed to stop, render aid or remain at the scene, as the law requires. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics took the man to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name, age and city of residence have not been released.
Detectives from the LAPD South Traffic Division are asking for the public’s help to identify the driver and the vehicle. The city’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program offers a reward for information leading to the driver’s identification, arrest and conviction. Anyone with information can contact South Traffic Division Officer Diaz or Sgt. Nily at 323-421-2577, or 877-527-3247 during non-business hours. Anonymous tips can go to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Liability for the South Los Angeles Hit-and-Run
California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires any driver involved in a crash that injures or kills a person to stop, render aid and identify themselves. Drivers also owe pedestrians a duty of ordinary care under Civil Code § 1714, and Vehicle Code § 22350 prohibits speeds that are unsafe for conditions, including darkness. Based on what the LAPD has released, the questions include:
- Failure to stop: The driver left the man in the roadway. Fleeing after a fatal crash is a felony and weighs heavily in any civil claim.
- Identifying the vehicle: Cameras along Figueroa Street, nearby businesses and auto body shops can help investigators trace a vehicle with fresh front-end damage.
- Care at night: At 1:15 a.m., lighting, the driver’s speed and whether the driver was paying attention are central questions.
- Insurance if the driver is not found: Uninsured motorist coverage on a household auto policy may apply to hit-and-run crashes, even for a person on foot.
The man’s surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. That claim is separate from the criminal investigation, and it can move forward through uninsured motorist coverage even while the driver remains unidentified.
Steps to Take After a South Los Angeles Hit-and-Run
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most pedestrian deaths in the United States happen at night. In hit-and-run cases, the first days are often the most important for finding the vehicle.
- Contact South Traffic Division: Families can ask detectives for the case number and updates on the search for the driver.
- Report to insurance quickly: California auto policies generally require a police report within 24 hours to use uninsured motorist coverage for a hit-and-run.
- Ask about victim assistance: The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) may help families of hit-and-run victims with certain funeral and related expenses.
- Share information safely: If you saw the crash or a damaged vehicle nearby, give the information directly to the LAPD or Crime Stoppers rather than posting it online.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If street lighting or road 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 South Los Angeles Hit-and-Run
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man who lost his life on Figueroa Street. Important questions remain: Who was driving the vehicle that struck him north of 79th Street and kept going? And will cameras along Figueroa Street help detectives find it?
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 1, 2026.
