North Hollywood Hit and Run Kills Pedestrian | CA Law
- Tom Feher, Esq.
A pedestrian was killed in a hit and run in North Hollywood early Monday, October 19, CBS Los Angeles reported. The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. near Sherman Way and Lankershim Boulevard, where a light-colored SUV, possibly a yellow Jeep Wrangler, struck the person as they crossed the street and then fled eastbound on Sherman Way. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene, and the person had not been publicly identified as of the report.
The Los Angeles Police Department said it was investigating and searching for the driver. The report noted a standing reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the driver through the city’s Hit-and-Run Reward Program, and asked anyone with information to contact LAPD Valley Traffic Division.
Feher Law handles pedestrian accident and wrongful death cases across Los Angeles County. See also our guide to the average hit and run settlement in California.
Tom’s Opinion
“In a hit and run, families are often told there is no case without a driver. That is the most expensive misunderstanding in this area of law. Uninsured motorist coverage can still respond, but it comes with deadlines most people have never heard of, including a police report within 24 hours and a sworn statement to the insurer within 30 days after that. The other thing I tell families is that evidence disappears faster than paperwork does. Cameras overwrite, and every day makes the driver harder to find.”
Thomas Feher, Esq. · Founding Attorney, Feher Law APC · 50+ jury trials to verdict · $170M+ recovered
What California Law Says
The driver’s duties after a crash
Vehicle Code 20001 requires the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash that injures or kills someone to stop immediately at the scene and comply with Vehicle Code 20003, which means giving their name, address, and vehicle registration to the person struck or to police and rendering reasonable assistance. When the crash results in death or permanent, serious injury, leaving the scene is punishable by state prison for two, three, or four years, or by county jail for 90 days to one year, plus a fine. That criminal case belongs to prosecutors and is separate from any civil claim.
A wrongful death claim
Under Code of Civil Procedure 377.60, a wrongful death claim can be brought by the decedent’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and issue of deceased children, or if there are none, by those who would inherit by intestate succession, along with certain dependents. The general deadline is two years under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. If a public entity may share responsibility, for example for a broken signal or a dangerous street condition, a written claim is generally due within six months under Government Code 911.2.
When the driver is never found
Under Insurance Code 11580.2, uninsured motorist coverage can apply when the driver is unknown, but the statute adds conditions: the injury must arise out of physical contact between the unknown vehicle and the insured person or the car they were in, the accident must be reported to police (or the sheriff or CHP in unincorporated areas) within 24 hours, and a sworn statement that the insured or their heirs have a cause of action against an unidentified person must be filed with the insurer within 30 days after that. The coverage is included in a policy unless the policyholder waived it in writing, and it depends on the terms of each policy, so it is worth checking every policy the person or their household had.
Damages claims filed after 2025
Besides the family’s wrongful death claim, the decedent’s own claim for losses before death can be brought by the estate or successor in interest. Under Code of Civil Procedure 377.34, those damages do not include pain, suffering, or disfigurement for actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, a rule that changed what these cases can recover. For background, see our guides to who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California and the average wrongful death settlement in California.
If This Happened to You or a Loved One
If someone in your family was hit by a driver who fled, these steps protect the options you may have:
- Make sure a police report exists and keep the report number. The 24 hour reporting condition in Insurance Code 11580.2 is one reason to confirm this right away.
- Share what you know with the investigating agency. Tips about the vehicle, a camera, or a witness can matter, and a reward may apply.
- Notify your own insurer promptly and ask what uninsured motorist coverage applies, including policies held by relatives in the household. Calendar the 30 day sworn statement.
- Preserve evidence. Business and doorbell cameras overwrite on a short cycle. Write down what you know while it is fresh.
- Keep medical, funeral, and income records. They support every claim that follows.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before you understand your rights.
Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers can review your options at no cost. You pay nothing unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in some situations. A claim against the driver needs an identity, but uninsured motorist coverage on the person's own policy, or a household member's policy, may respond when the driver is unknown. Insurance Code 11580.2 sets conditions, including physical contact and prompt reporting, so move quickly.
For an unknown driver, Insurance Code 11580.2 requires that the accident be reported to the police within 24 hours, and that a sworn statement be filed with the insurer within 30 days after. Missing these steps can give the insurer a defense, so confirm a report exists immediately.
Under Code of Civil Procedure 377.60, the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and issue of deceased children can bring a claim. If there are none, those who would inherit by intestate succession can. Certain dependents, such as stepchildren and parents, may also qualify.
The general deadline is two years from the date of death under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. If a city, county, or other public entity may be responsible, a written claim is generally due within six months under Government Code 911.2, so ask a lawyer early.
Yes. Vehicle Code 20001 requires a driver to stop, and a violation that results in death or permanent, serious injury is punishable by state prison for two, three, or four years, or by county jail for 90 days to one year, plus a fine. The civil case is separate.
Feher Law handles these cases on contingency, so there is no upfront cost, and the consultation is free and confidential. The firm is paid a percentage only if there is a recovery. You pay nothing unless we win.
Last reviewed by Thomas Feher, Esq., October 2026
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This article is for general information and is not legal advice for any specific matter.
