Published: July 15, 2026
By: Yaghmai Law Firm, APC
(Van Nuys, CA) – A 37-year-old woman on foot was struck and killed by a pickup truck whose driver left the scene early Saturday in Van Nuys, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The collision happened at about 12:50 a.m. Saturday near Sepulveda Boulevard and Wyandotte Street, the LAPD reported. Police said a gray Toyota Tacoma, described as a 2005-11 model, was heading north on Sepulveda Boulevard when it hit the woman as she walked eastbound in an unmarked crosswalk.
According to police, the truck kept going north on Sepulveda Boulevard and did not stop. Paramedics who responded declared the woman dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified the woman on Tuesday and reported that she died from blunt force injuries. The LAPD's Valley Traffic Division asked anyone with information to come forward, and tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
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 Van Nuys Pedestrian Collision
Because a driver reportedly left the scene, one of the central issues investigators typically focus on is identifying the vehicle and the person behind the wheel. Under California Vehicle Code section 20001, a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone must stop immediately and meet the duties set out in section 20003, including exchanging identifying information and rendering reasonable aid; leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash is a felony. These provisions frame what law enforcement will examine, though whether they apply here depends entirely on facts that remain under investigation.
Where a pedestrian and a vehicle are involved, investigators often review right-of-way questions. California Vehicle Code section 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, while also imposing a duty of care on pedestrians. A related question of speed may be examined under the Basic Speed Law, Vehicle Code section 22350, which requires drivers to travel at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions. If evidence were to establish a statutory violation that caused this type of harm, Evidence Code section 669 can allow a presumption of negligence; whether any such showing can be made is not established at this stage.
In the civil context, California recognizes that everyone must use ordinary care to avoid injuring others under Civil Code section 1714, and any recovery would be measured by Civil Code section 3333, which compensates for the detriment proximately caused. When a driver is never identified or turns out to be uninsured, Insurance Code section 11580.2 becomes relevant, because uninsured motorist coverage can allow an insured person and certain heirs to seek bodily injury damages under their own policy in hit-and-run situations. These are general legal frameworks and not conclusions about fault, which the facts here do not support.
What Families Can Do
Families who lose a loved one in a hit-and-run crash often feel powerless while the search for a driver continues, but there are concrete steps that protect their interests. Requesting the official collision report, preserving any nearby surveillance or witness information, and following up on the Medical Examiner's findings can all matter later. California generally allows two years from the date of injury to bring a personal injury claim under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, and a wrongful death action may be pursued by eligible survivors under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60. Because uninsured motorist coverage may apply even when a driver is never found, reviewing available auto policies early is often worthwhile. Anyone with questions about these rights can reach our office for a confidential case review. 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. RSS_MYNEWSLA – Woman Killed By Alleged Hit-And-Run Driver in Van Nuys Identified: https://mynewsla.com/crime/2026/07/14/woman-killed-by-alleged-hit-and-run-driver-in-van-nuys-identified/