Pacoima, California – Authorities have identified the pedestrian who was killed in a hit-and-run crash Sunday night in Pacoima as 53-year-old Juan Villegas Martinez.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the incident occurred around 10 p.m. in the 13200 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. Investigators said Martinez was crossing the intersection diagonally near Ralston Avenue when he was struck by a white Chevrolet Silverado pickup traveling southbound on Van Nuys Boulevard.
Martinez, a Pacoima resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup fled and was last seen heading north on Sutter Avenue from Van Nuys Boulevard, according to witnesses.
Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division are handling the investigation. They are asking anyone with information about the fatal collision to contact Investigator James Takishita at 818-644-8116.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office listed the case under number 2015-16443.
Can You Claim Compensation After a Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run?
Yes. Families can pursue compensation after a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run in California, even if the at-fault driver fled the scene. State law allows surviving relatives to file a wrongful death claim when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence — including drivers who abandon the scene of an accident.
When these tragic crashes happen, an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in California can guide families through the process of identifying the driver, gathering evidence, and filing the appropriate legal actions. Even if the driver is never found, compensation may still be available through the victim’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
Understanding Liability in a Fatal Hit-and-Run
Under California Vehicle Code §20001, leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a felony offense. The responsible driver can face both criminal charges and civil liability for the damages caused. Families can work with hit and run accident attorneys to file a civil claim seeking compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional suffering caused by the loss.
Wrongful Death Claims in Fatal Pedestrian Crashes
If the victim’s death resulted from the driver’s negligence, close family members — such as a spouse, children, or dependents — may file a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death attorney in California can help determine eligibility, calculate damages, and ensure all deadlines under the California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60 are met.
These claims seek to hold negligent drivers financially accountable for their actions, even if they initially flee.
What If the Driver Is Never Caught?
Many families fear that compensation is impossible if the hit-and-run driver escapes. However, insurance coverage options may still provide relief. A skilled Los Angeles car accident attorney can explore whether the victim’s policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can pay for damages even when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured.
How a Car Accident Law Firm Can Help
A dedicated car accident law firm like Megeredchian Law can investigate the crash, work with police, and coordinate with insurance companies to recover the maximum compensation possible. Their team uses traffic camera footage, witness testimony, and expert accident reconstruction to identify liable parties and build a strong wrongful death case.
Get Legal Help Today
No family should face the financial and emotional aftermath of a fatal hit-and-run alone. Megeredchian Law has helped countless California families seek justice and recover the compensation they deserve.Call (866) 359-0807 today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorneys. You pay nothing unless we win your case.