Van Nuys, CA (February 23, 2026) – A pedestrian was killed in a collision on Monday, February 23, in the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles. The incident was reported shortly after 6:00 a.m. at the intersection of Balboa Boulevard and Keswick Street.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, responding officers arrived to find the victim lying in the middle of the roadway. The individual, who has not yet been publicly identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. A red Chevrolet SUV with front-end damage was seen to be stopped nearby.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the SUV was directly involved in the fatal collision or whether the case is being investigated as a possible hit-and-run. Police temporarily shut down the southbound lanes of Balboa Boulevard at Keswick Street as detectives processed the scene.
Traffic in the area was detoured through nearby streets while investigators examined evidence and documented the crash site. The investigation remains ongoing.
We extend our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this challenging time.
Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Under California law, the deceased person’s spouse or registered domestic partner has primary standing to bring a claim. If there is no surviving spouse or partner, the decedent’s children may have the right to file. In some cases, grandchildren may be eligible if the deceased person’s children are also deceased.
If none of these relatives are living, individuals who would be entitled to inherit under California’s intestate succession laws may qualify to pursue a claim. This can include parents or other close family members, depending on the circumstances.
Additionally, individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased, such as stepchildren or putative spouses, may have standing in certain situations. A putative spouse is someone who believed in good faith that they were legally married to the deceased, even if the marriage was later found invalid.
Eligibility depends on the specific family structure and financial relationships involved. Courts may examine evidence of dependency, household contributions, and the nature of the relationship to determine standing.
In many cases, only one wrongful death lawsuit may be filed, meaning all eligible heirs must be identified and included in the action.
Because wrongful death laws are strictly applied, determining who has legal standing often requires careful review of the facts, family records, and financial documentation. Consulting with a car accident attorney can help clarify eligibility, coordinate among potential claimants, and ensure the appropriate party files the claim within the required timeframe.
Our legal team at Saleh Law Group reviews fatal accident cases throughout California.
To discuss your legal options after the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one in an accident in Los Angeles, contact Saleh Law Group at (949) 431-6371.
