Pedestrian Injured in Encino Truck Accident at Equinox Gym

Pedestrian Struck at Balboa and Ventura Before Truck Plows Into Equinox Gym in Encino; Driver Arrested for DUI

ENCINO, CALIFORNIA (November 12, 2026) – A pedestrian was injured in a truck accident at Balboa Boulevard and Ventura Boulevard near the Equinox gym in Encino.

Los Angeles County officials are saying that the crash occurred around 10:44 p.m. on Friday. A pedestrian was at the intersection of Balboa Boulevard and Ventura Boulevard when a black truck struck them, according to MyNewsLA.

The truck then continued into the Equinox gym on Ventura Boulevard, causing extensive damage to the building and the equipment inside. Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived after responding to an emergency signal from the driver’s cellphone, and first responders were called to the scene.

The pedestrian was injured, and two people were taken to the hospital, according to KTLA. The driver of the truck was arrested for DUI, an LAPD spokesperson said.

Officials also found a downed street light nearby and called the Department of Water and Power to shut off power in the immediate area. It was not confirmed whether the light was connected to the crash.

Ventura Boulevard in Encino has a history of serious pedestrian crashes, including a 2018 hit-and-run that critically injured a woman in a marked crosswalk east of Louise Avenue and a 2024 hit-and-run that severely injured a 71-year-old man. These incidents raise questions about whether the corridor’s crossings, lighting, and traffic speeds adequately protect people on foot.

Questions may also arise about whether barriers or bollards along the sidewalk could have kept a vehicle from reaching the building. Video from nearby businesses and the gym itself may help show the truck’s path from the intersection.

Liability for Encino Pedestrian Accidents

California law gives pedestrians strong protections at intersections. Under Vehicle Code section 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within a marked or unmarked crosswalk, and the duty to use due care continues for any pedestrian in the roadway. Vehicle Code section 23153 makes it a crime to drive under the influence and cause bodily injury to another person, and Civil Code section 1714 makes everyone responsible for injuries caused by a lack of ordinary care. When a vehicle also leaves the roadway and damages a building, additional questions arise about how the crash unfolded and who may share responsibility. Common issues in these cases include the following:

• Right-of-way: Drivers must yield to people in crosswalks and slow down or stop whenever pedestrians are present.
• Impairment: Chemical test results and officer observations can establish whether a driver was under the influence.
• Speed: Vehicle data, skid marks, and damage patterns can show whether a driver was traveling too fast to stop safely.
• Lighting: Street lighting and signal operation at night affect what a driver could see, and the agencies responsible for them may face scrutiny.
• Employers: If a driver was working at the time, the employer may share responsibility for the driver’s actions.

California’s highest court has made clear that drivers bear the main responsibility for watching for pedestrians in crosswalks. In Schmitt v. Henderson (1969), the California Supreme Court reviewed a case involving an elderly man who was struck by a left-turning car while crossing a San Francisco street in a marked crosswalk on a green light. The court reversed a judgment for the driver, holding that she was negligent as a matter of law because she failed to yield and offered no reasonable explanation. It also found no evidence that the pedestrian had been careless, explaining that a person lawfully crossing in a crosswalk may rely on drivers to obey the law and has no duty to look behind for approaching cars. The decision remains an important statement of the protections pedestrians enjoy at intersections.

Pedestrian Injuries and the Road to Recovery

Pedestrian injuries remain stubbornly common across the country. According to NHTSA, 68,244 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2023, a 1% increase over the year before, and alcohol use was reported in 46% of fatal pedestrian crashes that year. Because people on foot have no protection, even a low-speed impact can cause fractures, head trauma, and internal injuries. Some injuries are obvious at the scene, while others surface days later. Anyone hurt while walking should understand the most common injuries and the steps that protect their health:

• Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can cause headaches, memory problems, and mood changes that require ongoing care.
• Fractures: Leg, hip, and pelvic fractures are common in pedestrian collisions because the bumper often strikes the lower body first.
• Internal injuries: Bleeding and organ damage may not be visible right away, which makes prompt imaging and evaluation critical.
• Follow-up care: Keeping every appointment and following treatment plans supports recovery and creates a clear medical record.
• Documentation: Photos of injuries, receipts, and notes about pain and limitations help capture the full impact of an injury over time.

Recovering from a pedestrian injury can take months, and some people face lasting limitations. Safer street design, better lighting, and strict enforcement of impaired driving laws all help reduce these collisions. Businesses along busy corridors can also consider protective barriers that keep errant vehicles away from entrances and sidewalks. People hurt by negligent or impaired drivers have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the disruption to their lives. Understanding those rights early can make a meaningful difference in recovery.

Investigating Pedestrian Accidents in Encino

We at Feher Law send our best wishes for a full recovery to the pedestrian struck at Balboa and Ventura in Encino. We hope this crash leads to accountability and to a closer look at protections for people walking along this busy corridor. The collision raises serious safety concerns for pedestrians and businesses on Ventura Boulevard. How did the truck travel from the intersection into the front of a neighboring gym?

Have you or a loved one been hurt in a pedestrian or truck accident in Encino or elsewhere in the San Fernando Valley? Pedestrians injured by careless or impaired drivers may be entitled to compensation for medical care, lost wages, and the disruption an injury brings to daily life. Surveillance video from nearby businesses is often recorded over within days, and damaged vehicles may be repaired or sold before anyone examines them. Our team of safety advocates and accident investigators can help you understand what happened, from business security footage and traffic signal data to arrest reports and witness accounts. If you need answers to legal questions or support of any kind, our team is here for you at (424) 433-4412.