Los Angeles, California – A pedestrian was struck and killed Monday night on the southbound Harbor (110) Freeway near downtown Los Angeles after reportedly falling or jumping from a moving vehicle, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP officers responded at around 11:21 p.m. to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian at the southbound lanes of the freeway near West 23rd Street. When they arrived, officers learned that the individual had either fallen or jumped from a vehicle and was then struck by multiple passing cars, CHP Officer Sergio Garcia told City News Service.
The victim, whose identity, age, and gender were not immediately known, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities issued a SigAlert and shut down all southbound lanes of the Harbor Freeway for approximately two hours while investigators examined the scene and worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Can Families Seek Compensation After a Freeway Fatality Involving a Fall or Jump from a Car?
When a person dies after falling or jumping from a moving vehicle on a freeway, families are often left with painful questions — not just about what happened, but whether any form of justice or compensation is possible. While these cases are complex, it is sometimes possible to pursue a wrongful death claim under California law, depending on the specific facts and the presence of negligence.
Determining Liability in Unusual Freeway Fatalities
Accidents involving a person falling or jumping from a moving vehicle are rare, and each case must be evaluated carefully. A Los Angeles car accident attorney will review the situation to determine whether negligence played a role. For instance, if the driver was speeding, driving under the influence, or failed to pull over safely after the incident began, there may be grounds for a claim.
If another vehicle struck the victim after the fall, investigators will also look at whether that driver was following traffic laws or could have reasonably avoided the collision. These details often make the difference between a tragic accident and a legally compensable wrongful death.
When a Wrongful Death Claim May Be Possible
Under California’s wrongful death statute, families may be entitled to compensation if another party’s negligence contributed to the fatality. This could include:
- Drivers who failed to take reasonable precautions to avoid hitting the victim.
- Vehicle operators who acted recklessly before the fall or jump occurred.
- Parties responsible for defective vehicle parts that led to an unsafe situation.
An experienced wrongful death attorney in California can help families understand whether they have a valid claim and what type of evidence would be needed to prove it.
Compensation Available for Families
If negligence is established, eligible family members — such as a spouse, children, or dependents — may recover damages for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Emotional suffering and loss of companionship
- The value of household services the victim would have provided
Each claim is unique, and compensation depends on the circumstances of the incident and the extent of the family’s losses.
The Role of a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Although these cases may not fit the traditional definition of a pedestrian accident, once the victim leaves the vehicle, they are legally considered a pedestrian on the freeway. A pedestrian accident lawyer in California can assist in determining whether other drivers acted negligently or failed to react appropriately to the emergency.
Legal Help for Families in California
Because these incidents often involve multiple vehicles, unclear fault, and complex insurance coverage, families should not attempt to handle the matter alone. Working with a trusted car accident law firm ensures that every possible source of compensation is pursued, and that the family’s rights are protected from the beginning.
If your loved one died in a freeway incident involving a fall or jump from a vehicle, Megeredchian Law can help. Our attorneys investigate every angle of your case, fight for accountability, and pursue the maximum compensation available under California law.Call (866) 359-0807 today for a free consultation with Megeredchian Law — you pay nothing unless we win your case.