Panorama City, CA (December 27, 2025) – A 40-year-old woman died on Friday, December 26, after a hit-and-run crash in Panorama City. The collision occurred around 4:55 a.m. near The Plant Shopping Center on Van Nuys Boulevard, between Arminta Street and Blythe Street.
Police said a driver struck the woman while turning into the shopping center and then fled without stopping to help. Emergency crews arrived within minutes and found the victim unresponsive. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but she died at the scene.
Officials identified the woman as a Van Nuys resident but have not released her name pending family notification. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and gathered witness statements as part of the search for the driver. The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate and urges anyone with information to come forward.
We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends during this challenging time.
Fatal Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents in California
Fatal hit-and-run crashes occur far too often across California, claiming hundreds of lives each year. In busy areas like Los Angeles County, heavy traffic and high pedestrian activity increase the risk of these devastating collisions. These incidents reflect a troubling pattern of drivers fleeing instead of stopping to help.
When a driver leaves the scene, the harm often worsens, and the likelihood of survival declines. The moments immediately after a crash can determine whether a victim survives, especially when injuries involve head trauma, internal bleeding, or loss of consciousness.
Fleeing the scene delays emergency medical care and prevents first responders from receiving accurate information about the crash. Families are left grieving while investigators work urgently to identify the driver and reconstruct the events with limited details.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, more than 1,100 pedestrians die in traffic crashes statewide each year, with Los Angeles County among the most affected.
Many incidents involve drivers who fail to yield, ignore traffic signals, or make unsafe turns in busy corridors and intersections where pedestrians have limited protection. Victims often suffer catastrophic injuries, including brain trauma and spinal damage, leaving families to face lasting emotional loss and financial strain.
Under California’s wrongful death laws, surviving family members may have the right to seek financial compensation. This may cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost future income. A claim can also provide accountability and some measure of closure.
A car accident attorney can gather evidence, identify the responsible driver, and handle communication with insurance companies. Legal support also helps families meet filing deadlines and avoid costly mistakes during an already painful time. Careful case preparation strengthens the chances of a fair outcome.
At Saleh Law Group, we stand beside families who lose loved ones in pedestrian crashes across Los Angeles County. We fight to hold negligent drivers responsible and pursue the financial recovery families need to move forward. We provide clear guidance and steady support through every stage of the legal process.
If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, contact Saleh Law Group at (949) 431-6371 today to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
