South Los Angeles, California – A man was struck and killed early Tuesday in a suspected hit-and-run crash on the southbound Harbor (110) Freeway in South Los Angeles, authorities said.
According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded around 1:37 a.m. near the West Florence Avenue exit, where they found a pedestrian lying on the roadway. The man, whose name and age were not immediately released, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said a tow truck driver had stopped to assist a motorist who was pulled over on the freeway shortly before the collision occurred. It was not immediately clear how the crash unfolded, but the vehicle that struck the victim had left the scene before officers arrived, according to CHP Officer Elizabeth Kravig.
A SigAlert was issued for the closure of all southbound lanes of the freeway at Florence Avenue for several hours. Two lanes reopened around 5:40 a.m., and all lanes were cleared by about 7 a.m., CHP reported.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner opened a case under the number 2025-15802 to identify the victim and determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the California Highway Patrol’s Central Los Angeles Area office.
Can You Claim Compensation After a Freeway Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Death?
Yes, it’s possible to pursue compensation after a fatal freeway hit-and-run pedestrian accident in California — but the process can be complex. When a driver flees the scene, the victim’s family may still file a wrongful death claim through their own insurance policy, the victim’s uninsured motorist coverage, or directly against the responsible driver if they’re later identified.
California law allows surviving family members — such as a spouse, children, or dependents — to seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering caused by the victim’s death. Proving negligence and identifying liable parties, however, requires legal skill and investigation resources that only experienced wrongful death attorneys and pedestrian accident attorneys can provide.
If the hit-and-run occurred on a California freeway, a legal team experienced in traffic collisions — like our car accident lawyers in California or a seasoned Los Angeles car accident attorney — can help families collect evidence, track down the driver, and file the appropriate insurance or civil claims.At Megeredchian Law, we understand how devastating these cases are. Our attorneys work aggressively to ensure justice and maximum compensation for victims and their loved ones. Call (866) 359-0807 today for a free consultation.