Police Looking for Tesla Driver in Deadly Sherman Oaks Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident

A 62-year-old Ventura County man was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Van Nuys Boulevard in Sherman Oaks early in the morning on October 19, according to local news. According to police, the victim had just been dropped off at Sherman Oaks Hospital following a mental health emergency when he ran into the street and jumped in front of a black Tesla Model Y. The driver fled the scene and remains at large. Meanwhile, police continue to investigate and seek information from the public.

Accidents like this, especially when mental health is involved, showcase how life-threatening injuries can occur in an instant. Hit-and-run accidents leave victims and their families devastated, facing not only the trauma of the incident but also the challenge of pursuing justice when the responsible driver flees the scene. If you’ve lost a loved one to a pedestrian accident, the attorneys at King Law are here to help you recover. Call us today at (818) 452-2510 to schedule a free consultation and learn about what steps you can take to quickly recover compensation.

Let a Sherman Oaks Pedestrian Accident Attorney Build Your Case

At King Law, our Sherman Oaks pedestrian accident attorneys have extensive experience handling hit-and-run cases and fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians throughout Los Angeles. Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, as victims have no protection against the force of a vehicle collision. When a driver flees the scene, families are left searching for answers while dealing with mounting medical bills, funeral expenses, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

We work diligently to investigate every aspect of your case, from reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to collaborating with law enforcement to track down fleeing drivers. Our team also explores all available insurance coverage options, including uninsured motorist policies, to ensure you receive maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Sherman Oaks

Pedestrian accidents occur for various reasons, but most involve some form of driver negligence or dangerous road conditions. Understanding the common causes of these accidents helps victims and their families identify liability and build stronger cases for compensation. While each accident is unique, certain factors appear repeatedly in pedestrian collision cases throughout California, and recognizing these patterns is essential for both prevention and legal accountability.

Driver Negligence and Distraction

Most pedestrian accidents result from driver negligence, including distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield at crosswalks, and driving under the influence. Even in cases involving pedestrians with mental health crises, drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care and remain vigilant for people in the roadway. When drivers fail to pay attention or drive recklessly, they create dangerous conditions that put pedestrians at severe risk.

Visibility and Environmental Factors

Poor lighting conditions, inadequate crosswalk markings, and limited visibility can contribute to pedestrian accidents, especially during early morning or nighttime hours. While these factors may play a role in accidents, they do not absolve drivers of their responsibility to operate vehicles safely and remain at the scene after a collision occurs.

Failure to Yield at Crosswalks and Intersections

California law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. However, many accidents occur when drivers roll through stop signs, run red lights, or fail to check for pedestrians before making turns. Intersections represent particularly dangerous locations for pedestrians, as drivers focus on vehicle traffic while overlooking people crossing on foot.

Speeding and Excessive Speed for Conditions

Higher vehicle speeds dramatically increase both the likelihood of pedestrian accidents and the severity of injuries sustained. When drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions, they have less time to react to pedestrians entering the roadway and cannot stop in time to avoid collisions. Speed-related pedestrian accidents are more likely to result in fatal injuries.

Impaired and Drowsy Driving

Drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment, reduced reaction times, and diminished ability to perceive pedestrians. Similarly, drowsy driving creates dangerous conditions as fatigued drivers experience lapses in attention and slower response times. Both impaired and drowsy driving significantly increase the risk of pedestrian accidents, particularly during nighttime hours.

Compensation Available in Sherman Oaks Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accident Cases

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents present unique challenges when pursuing compensation, as the responsible driver has fled the scene and may be difficult to locate. California law provides multiple avenues for victims and their families to recover damages, even when the at-fault driver remains unidentified. Understanding all available sources of compensation is critical, as hit-and-run cases often require creative legal strategies to ensure victims receive the full financial recovery they deserve while dealing with the additional trauma of having the responsible party abandon them at the scene.

Economic Damages

Victims and their families may recover compensation for medical expenses, emergency room treatment, hospitalization costs, funeral and burial expenses, and lost wages or loss of financial support. In hit-and-run cases, these economic damages can be pursued through uninsured motorist coverage or directly against the at-fault driver once identified. Documentation of all financial losses is essential, as hit-and-run cases may involve multiple insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Non-Economic Damages

Beyond financial losses, pedestrian accident victims and their families can seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of quality of life. In wrongful death cases, family members may recover damages for the profound emotional impact of losing a loved one suddenly and tragically. The callous act of fleeing the scene compounds the emotional trauma, as families are left without answers and must cope with the knowledge that the responsible driver abandoned their loved one in a moment of crisis.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Hit-and-Run Cases

When the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks insurance, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes the primary source of compensation for hit-and-run victims. Most California auto insurance policies include UM coverage, which applies when the responsible driver flees the scene. This coverage can compensate victims for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages up to the policy limits, providing crucial financial support while investigators work to identify the fleeing driver.

Underinsured Motorist Protection

If the hit-and-run driver is eventually located but carries insufficient insurance to cover all damages, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s policy limits and the full value of your claim. This additional layer of protection ensures that victims aren’t left financially vulnerable simply because the responsible driver chose minimal insurance coverage before fleeing the accident scene.

Punitive Damages for Egregious Conduct

In cases where the fleeing driver is identified and their conduct was particularly reckless or intentional, California courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. Hit-and-run drivers who were intoxicated, driving recklessly, or who deliberately struck a pedestrian may face punitive damage awards that significantly exceed compensatory damages, reflecting society’s condemnation of drivers who cause harm and then flee to avoid responsibility.

Crime Victim Compensation Programs

California’s Victim Compensation Board provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run accidents. This state-funded program can help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and mental health counseling when other sources of compensation are unavailable or insufficient. While compensation is limited, these benefits can provide immediate financial relief to families struggling with expenses while pursuing other legal remedies.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Laws in California

Hit-and-run accidents represent some of the most serious traffic violations under California law, with severe consequences for drivers who flee the scene. The legal framework surrounding these incidents is designed to protect victims and ensure that responsible parties cannot simply disappear after causing harm. Understanding these laws helps victims and their families recognize the gravity of the offense and the legal tools available to pursue justice and compensation.

Legal Obligations After an Accident

California Vehicle Code Section 20001 requires all drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to immediately stop at the scene, provide identification and insurance information, and render reasonable assistance to injured parties. Fleeing the scene is a serious crime that can result in felony charges, particularly when the accident causes severe injury or death. Drivers who leave the scene face substantial criminal penalties, including imprisonment and license suspension.

Penalties for Hit-and-Run Drivers

When a hit-and-run accident results in injury or death, the responsible driver faces felony charges carrying penalties of up to four years in state prison and fines up to $10,000. Beyond criminal consequences, fleeing drivers also face civil liability for all damages caused by the accident. These severe penalties reflect the seriousness with which California treats drivers who fail to take responsibility for their actions on the road.

Why Drivers Flee the Scene

Understanding why drivers flee accident scenes can help investigators identify suspects and build stronger cases. Common reasons include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, operating without a valid license or insurance, outstanding warrants or immigration concerns, panic and fear of consequences, or attempting to avoid responsibility for previous traffic violations. Regardless of the motivation, leaving an injured person without assistance compounds the initial negligence and demonstrates a conscious disregard for human life.

The Impact of Hit-and-Run Accidents on Families

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents create unique trauma that extends far beyond the physical injuries or death of the victim. The act of fleeing the scene adds layers of psychological harm, uncertainty, and frustration that compound the already devastating effects of losing a loved one or watching them suffer catastrophic injuries.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Families of hit-and-run victims experience profound emotional distress knowing that the responsible driver abandoned their loved one in their moment of greatest need. This betrayal creates lasting psychological wounds, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and feelings of helplessness. The uncertainty of not knowing who caused the accident or whether they will ever be held accountable intensifies the grieving process and can prevent emotional healing.

Financial Burdens and Uncertainty

Hit-and-run accidents create immediate financial crises for families already dealing with overwhelming grief. Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, funeral expenses, and lost income pile up quickly, often before victims know whether insurance coverage will be available. The uncertainty about identifying the responsible driver and accessing their insurance adds stress during an already difficult time, making it crucial to work with an attorney who can quickly identify all available sources of compensation.

The Search for Answers and Justice

Families of hit-and-run victims often become consumed with the need to identify the responsible driver and see them held accountable. This quest for justice can dominate their lives, affecting work, relationships, and mental health. While the criminal justice system pursues charges against fleeing drivers, civil attorneys work parallel investigations to ensure that victims’ families receive not only answers but also the financial compensation necessary to rebuild their lives.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident

The moments and days following a hit-and-run pedestrian accident are critical for both the victim’s health and the success of any future legal claim. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can preserve crucial evidence, protect your legal rights, and improve the chances of identifying the fleeing driver.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if injuries don’t seem severe, victims of pedestrian accidents should always seek immediate medical evaluation. Some serious injuries, including internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage, may not present obvious symptoms initially but can become life-threatening without prompt treatment. Medical records created immediately after the accident also serve as crucial evidence documenting the extent and cause of injuries.

Report the Accident to Police

Always call 911 immediately after a hit-and-run accident to report the incident and request police response. Provide as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle, including make, model, color, license plate numbers (even partial plates), direction of travel, and any distinguishing features. Time is critical, as police can issue alerts to patrol officers who may spot the vehicle before the driver has time to hide or repair damage.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If physically able, victims or witnesses should document the accident scene by taking photographs of the location, any vehicle debris left behind, skid marks, traffic signals and signs, weather conditions, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident or the fleeing vehicle. This evidence can prove invaluable in reconstructing the accident and identifying the responsible driver.

Preserve Damaged Clothing and Personal Items

Do not discard clothing, shoes, bags, or other personal items damaged in the accident, as these items can provide forensic evidence about the collision, including paint transfer from the vehicle, tire marks, or other trace evidence that helps identify the specific vehicle involved. Store these items in paper bags (not plastic) to preserve any evidence for potential analysis.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your auto insurance company about the hit-and-run accident as soon as possible, even if you weren’t driving at the time. Your uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation for your injuries, but insurance policies typically require prompt notification. However, consult with an attorney before providing detailed recorded statements to insurance adjusters, as these statements can be used to minimize your claim.

Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media

Refrain from posting about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery on social media platforms. Insurance companies routinely monitor social media accounts of claimants and can use posts, photos, or comments to argue that injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. Even innocent posts about daily activities can be twisted to undermine your case, so it’s best to maintain privacy until your case is resolved.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents demand immediate action from victims and their families. Unlike typical accident cases, where the responsible driver remains at the scene and exchanges information, hit-and-run cases begin with a massive disadvantage in that the at-fault party has fled, and every passing moment makes identification more difficult. The window of opportunity to preserve critical evidence, locate witnesses, and secure surveillance footage closes rapidly, sometimes within hours or days of the accident. Prompt legal action not only improves the chances of identifying the fleeing driver but also protects your rights under California’s strict legal deadlines. 

Preservation of Evidence

Time is critical in hit-and-run cases, as crucial evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage may be recorded over, witnesses’ memories fade, and physical evidence at the scene can be lost to weather or traffic. Contacting an attorney immediately ensures that investigators can begin gathering evidence while it’s still available, significantly improving the chances of identifying the responsible driver.

Securing Surveillance Footage Before It’s Deleted

Many businesses and residences near accident scenes have security cameras that may have captured the hit-and-run vehicle, but this footage is often automatically deleted within days or weeks. An experienced attorney can immediately send preservation letters to nearby property owners, businesses, and the city, requesting that all relevant footage be saved. Traffic cameras, ATM cameras, doorbell cameras, and dashboard cameras from passing vehicles can all provide crucial evidence, but only if secured before the footage cycles out of the system.

Locating and Interviewing Witnesses

Witnesses to hit-and-run accidents are invaluable sources of information about the vehicle description, license plate numbers, driver characteristics, and the circumstances of the collision. However, witnesses can be difficult to locate after they leave the scene, and their memories of critical details fade rapidly. An attorney can work with law enforcement to identify witnesses, conduct timely interviews, and preserve their statements while recollections remain fresh and accurate.

Documenting the Accident Scene

Physical evidence at the accident scene, including skid marks, vehicle debris, paint transfer, broken glass, and road conditions, can help reconstruct the accident and identify the responsible vehicle. Weather, traffic, and road maintenance can quickly destroy this evidence. Professional accident reconstruction experts retained by your attorney can document and analyze scene evidence to determine vehicle speed, point of impact, and other factors that support your claim and help identify the fleeing driver.

Filing Insurance Claims Promptly

Uninsured motorist claims must be reported to your insurance company within the timeframes specified in your policy, often as soon as reasonably possible after the accident. Delays in reporting can jeopardize your coverage and provide insurance companies with grounds to deny your claim. An attorney ensures that all necessary notifications are made promptly and that your rights under your insurance policy are fully protected from the outset.

California’s Statute of Limitations

California law imposes strict time limits for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely, making it essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

Government Entity Claims Have Shorter Deadlines

If the hit-and-run accident involved poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, or dangerous intersections maintained by a government entity, you may have a claim against the city, county, or state. That said, claims against government entities require filing a formal claim within just six months of the accident, which is a much shorter deadline than typical personal injury cases. Missing this brief window completely bars any lawsuit against the government, regardless of how strong your case may be.

When You Need a California Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, as victims have no protection against the force of a vehicle collision. When a driver flees the scene, families are left searching for answers while dealing with mounting medical bills, funeral expenses, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one. California law provides legal pathways for pedestrian accident victims and their families to seek justice and compensation, but navigating these complex cases requires an experienced attorney who understands both the legal process and the investigative work needed to identify hit-and-run drivers.

How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Builds Your Case

Pedestrian accident cases, particularly those involving hit-and-run drivers, require comprehensive investigation and strategic legal planning to achieve successful outcomes. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney brings specialized knowledge of traffic laws, accident reconstruction techniques, and insurance claim procedures that most victims lack. From the initial consultation through settlement negotiations or trial, a skilled attorney handles every aspect of your case while you focus on healing and supporting your family. 

Conducting a Thorough Accident Investigation

Pedestrian accident attorneys immediately launch comprehensive investigations to gather all available evidence before it disappears. This includes visiting the accident scene to document conditions, identifying and preserving surveillance footage from nearby cameras, photographing physical evidence like skid marks and debris, and creating detailed accident scene diagrams. Attorneys also work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the evidence to determine vehicle speed, driver behavior, and the sequence of events leading to the collision.

Identifying and Interviewing Witnesses

Locating witnesses who saw the accident is critical to building a strong case, especially in hit-and-run situations where the driver’s identity is unknown. Attorneys canvass the accident area, review police reports for witness information, and conduct detailed interviews to document what witnesses observed. These witness statements can provide crucial details about the vehicle description, license plate numbers, driver appearance, and the circumstances surrounding the collision that help identify fleeing drivers and establish liability.

Collaborating with Law Enforcement

Experienced pedestrian accident attorneys maintain strong working relationships with local police departments and traffic investigators. They regularly communicate with assigned detectives, provide additional leads or evidence uncovered during independent investigations, and stay informed about the progress of criminal investigations. This collaboration ensures that civil and criminal cases work in tandem, with attorneys advocating for a thorough police investigation while building the civil case for compensation.

Analyzing All Available Insurance Coverage

Hit-and-run cases require attorneys to identify every potential source of compensation. This involves reviewing the victim’s own auto insurance policies for uninsured motorist coverage, examining household members’ policies that may provide additional coverage, investigating commercial policies if the accident occurred near businesses, and exploring umbrella policies that could increase available compensation. Attorneys also determine whether underinsured motorist coverage applies if the at-fault driver is identified but lacks sufficient insurance.

Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim

Determining appropriate compensation requires careful analysis of all damages suffered. Attorneys work with medical professionals to understand the full extent of injuries and future treatment needs, consult with economists to calculate lost earning capacity and lifetime financial losses, engage with mental health professionals to document emotional trauma, and coordinate with life care planners for cases involving permanent disabilities. This comprehensive damages assessment ensures that settlement demands and jury verdicts reflect the true impact of the accident.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts in hit-and-run cases, arguing that the victim shares fault or that injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. Experienced attorneys counter these tactics by presenting compelling evidence of liability and damages, responding to insurance company arguments with legal precedent and expert testimony, demanding policy limits when appropriate, and preparing for litigation if insurers refuse fair settlement offers. Strong negotiation skills backed by thorough case preparation typically result in substantially higher settlements than victims could achieve on their own.

Preparing for Trial When Necessary

While many pedestrian accident cases settle before trial, attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to court. This preparation includes filing lawsuits within statutory deadlines, conducting discovery to obtain evidence from opposing parties, deposing witnesses and experts, preparing compelling visual presentations of accident reconstruction and injuries, and developing persuasive trial strategies. The willingness and ability to take cases to trial often motivates insurance companies to offer fair settlements rather than face jury verdicts that could exceed policy limits.

Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Process

Throughout the legal process, attorneys serve as advocates who protect clients from common pitfalls that can damage claims. They prevent clients from giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without preparation, ensure that social media posts don’t undermine injury claims, advise on medical treatment decisions that affect case value, handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel, and meet all procedural deadlines to keep cases moving forward. This comprehensive representation allows victims and families to focus on recovery while knowing their legal interests are fully protected.

Contact a Sherman Oaks Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

Time is critical in hit-and-run pedestrian accident cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and crucial surveillance footage may be deleted if not preserved quickly. California law also imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims, making it essential to act fast to protect your legal rights. By contacting King Law immediately after a pedestrian accident, you give our attorneys the best opportunity to gather evidence, identify the responsible party, and build a compelling case for maximum compensation. We understand the urgency of these situations and are prepared to take immediate action on your behalf.

Our Sherman Oaks pedestrian accident attorneys provide compassionate, personalized representation to victims and families during their most challenging moments. We handle every aspect of your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. From the initial investigation through negotiations with insurance companies or trial, we fight tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the justice you deserve. Don’t let a hit-and-run driver escape responsibility. Give us a call at (818) 452-2510 or contact us online for your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery and justice today.