Published: September 21, 2026
By: Yaghmai Law Firm, APC
(Van Nuys, CA) – A pedestrian died after being struck by a driver who fled the scene on Sherman Way early on Friday, Sept. 18, and Los Angeles police are now searching for the vehicle involved, authorities said.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the collision happened around 3:45 a.m. as the pedestrian was crossing Sherman Way just west of Sherman Circle in Van Nuys. Investigators said a small, dark-colored SUV heading east on Sherman Way hit the pedestrian.
Police said another motorist who was traveling on Sherman Way witnessed the crash, stopped, and called 911. The SUV's driver left without stopping to exchange information or offer help, according to the LAPD.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported the pedestrian to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, and the victim was later pronounced dead, police said. The city is offering a reward of up to $50,000 through its Hit-and-Run Reward Program for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the driver, or a resolution through civil compromise, according to the LAPD.
Know Your Rights After a Crash
After a serious crash, California law gives injured people and families limited time to act. Evidence like vehicle data, camera footage, and witness memories fades quickly. A free, no-obligation case review can help you understand your options. Call or text (888) 800-6731, or start a free case review online. Asistencia en español disponible.
Analysis of the Sherman Way Hit-and-Run Collision
When a driver leaves the scene of a crash that injures or kills someone, California law treats that conduct seriously. Under Vehicle Code section 20001, a driver involved in a collision resulting in injury or death must immediately stop and fulfill duties that include exchanging identifying information and rendering reasonable assistance under Vehicle Code section 20003. Investigators in cases like this typically work to identify the fleeing vehicle and driver before any question of civil liability can be fully evaluated.
If the driver is eventually identified, a civil claim would be analyzed under general negligence principles. Civil Code section 1714(a) makes each person responsible for injury caused by a lack of ordinary care. Because the collision involved a pedestrian crossing a roadway, investigators and any later court may examine the respective duties described in Vehicle Code section 21950, which requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks while imposing a duty of due care on pedestrians, and Vehicle Code section 21954, which addresses a pedestrian's duty when crossing outside a crosswalk. Where a statutory violation is shown to have proximately caused harm the statute was meant to prevent, Evidence Code section 669 may allow a presumption of negligence; any allocation of responsibility among the parties would be governed by Civil Code section 1431.2.
When a crash proves fatal, California permits certain family members to pursue a wrongful death action under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60, and a survival claim may pass to the decedent's successor in interest under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.30. Recoverable damages would be measured under Civil Code section 3333. Because the driver here fled, uninsured motorist coverage under Insurance Code section 11580.2 can be significant, as it may allow recovery from a victim's own policy when the responsible driver is unidentified.
What Families and Survivors Can Do
After a fatal hit-and-run, families can take practical steps while the investigation continues: obtain a copy of the traffic collision report from the LAPD, preserve any physical evidence and note potential witnesses or nearby cameras, and keep records of medical and funeral expenses. It is also worth reviewing available auto policies for uninsured motorist coverage, which often matters most when a driver flees. California generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, so it helps to understand deadlines early.
Were you, or someone you love, involved in this crash? A Van Nuys Personal Injury Lawyer at Yaghmai Law Firm can explain your options and deal with the insurance companies for you. Call or text (888) 800-6731 or request a free case review.
About the Author
Houtan Yaghmai, Esq., President & Managing Attorney of Yaghmai Law Firm, APC. California State Bar No. 298487. Speaks English, French, and Persian. The firm represents personal injury clients throughout Southern California – consultations by phone, text, or video, no office visits required.
This post was assembled with AI assistance from publicly reported news sources cited below. All California Vehicle Code references were verified against leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Facts were re-checked via additional web searches before publication. This post is based on initial news reports and may be updated as new facts develop. Nothing in this article is legal advice. Yaghmai Law Firm, APC is not associated with the investigating agencies and does not represent any party named in this post unless explicitly stated.
Sources:
1. Patch – Fatal Hit-And-Run On Sherman Way Leaves Pedestrian Dead: LAPD
