South Los Angeles, CA (April 30, 2026) – A man in his 60s died after a hit-and-run driver struck him while he was crossing the street at Manchester and Vermont avenues in South Los Angeles early Thursday morning, April 30. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the scene at 12:52 a.m. following reports of a man lying in the roadway.
Witnesses told officers that the vehicle was traveling west on Manchester Avenue when it struck the pedestrian near Vermont Avenue. The driver did not stop after the collision and fled the scene, leaving the victim without aid.
Emergency responders arrived and assessed the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released a description of the vehicle involved in the fatal crash.
Investigators from the department’s West Traffic Bureau are leading the investigation into the accident.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time.
Legal Options After a Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident in California
When a person dies in a hit-and-run crash in California, their surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver once that person is identified. California law allows close family members — including spouses, children, and in some cases parents — to seek compensation for the losses they suffer as a result of the death.
Fatal pedestrian accidents produce devastating consequences for the families left behind. Beyond the emotional toll, surviving family members often face unexpected financial burdens including funeral and burial costs, lost household income, and the long-term absence of support that the deceased provided.
California’s wrongful death statute allows families to seek compensation for these economic losses as well as for the loss of companionship, guidance, and care that the victim would have provided over their lifetime.
Hit-and-run cases present unique legal challenges because the at-fault driver is not immediately known. If investigators identify the driver, a civil wrongful death claim can proceed alongside any criminal prosecution. If the driver remains unidentified, a personal injury lawyer can explore whether uninsured motorist coverage applies through the victim’s own auto insurance policy or through a household family member’s policy.
Families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Acting quickly gives the time needed to investigate the scene, gather surveillance footage, review witness statements, and build a thorough case before evidence becomes harder to recover.
Compensation in a wrongful death case may cover funeral expenses, lost financial support, medical costs incurred before death, and the non-economic losses that come with losing a loved one unexpectedly.
If you lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident in California and want to understand your legal options, Saleh Law Group is here to help. Our team has extensive experience reviewing wrongful death and pedestrian accident cases across California.
We can explain how the claims process works, what evidence matters most, and what compensation may be available for your family. Call Saleh Law Group at (949) 431-6371 to speak with our team.
