If you’re familiar with Megeredchian Law’s website, you’ve probably seen our local accident news section, where we publish daily articles about traffic incidents throughout California. One of the most concerning trends we continue to report is the rise in hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.
According to recent state data, pedestrian fatalities in California have been rising steadily over the past decade, with Los Angeles consistently ranking among the most dangerous cities for foot traffic. Hit-and-run incidents now account for a significant portion of these fatal or life-altering accidents.
Why Are These Cases Increasing?
Several factors contribute to this disturbing trend:
- Distracted driving, particularly involving smartphones and navigation systems
- Speeding, especially in residential or poorly lit areas
- Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, including crosswalk visibility and sidewalk coverage
- Driver impairment due to alcohol or drugs
- Fear of legal consequences, leading some drivers to flee the scene instead of rendering aid
Despite California law requiring all drivers to stop after a collision—especially those involving injury or death—many still flee, leaving victims critically injured or deceased and their families without immediate answers or justice.
Why We Report These Cases
At Megeredchian Law, we publish these stories not just to document tragic events, but to raise public awareness, highlight recurring patterns, and encourage accountability. Each article we publish is part of our broader mission to support victims and their families through legal advocacy, and to help reduce the number of preventable deaths on California roads.
Here are some of the most recent hit-and-run cases we’ve covered:
- August 7, 2025 — West Los Angeles, CA – Francis Shim Identified as Pedestrian Killed in Wrong‑Way Hit‑and‑Run
- August 6, 2025 — Pacoima, Los Angeles, CA – Gloria Vasquez Identified as Victim in Fatal Hit‑and‑Run in Pacoima
- July 16, 2025 — Los Angeles County, CA – Edgar Cumplido Identified as Bicyclist Killed in Hit‑and‑Run Accident
- July 11, 2025 — West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, CA – Bicyclist Dies in West Hollywood Hit‑and‑Run Accident
- July 1, 2025 — Hollywood, CA – Erika Edwards ID’d as Victim in Hollywood Hit‑and‑Run
These are just a few among dozens of cases we’ve reported in recent months—a pattern that demands both legal response and community attention.
How to Receive Compensation From a Hit and Run as a Pedestrian
If you’re a pedestrian injured in a hit-and-run accident in California, you may still be able to recover compensation—even if the driver is never identified. California law provides several avenues for financial recovery depending on the circumstances of the case.
Here are the main options available to you:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
If the driver who hit you cannot be identified—or if they’re known but don’t have insurance—you can file a claim under your own UM/UIM coverage. This benefit is part of your auto insurance policy, and it applies even if you were walking at the time of the crash.
UM/UIM coverage helps pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages resulting from the accident
Note: Insurers typically require you to report the accident promptly, so do not delay filing a claim. Check your policy for specific deadlines.
California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB)
If the hit-and-run driver is never located, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the California Victim Compensation Board.
CalVCB offers compensation to victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-runs, and may help cover:
- Medical bills
- Mental health treatment
- Income loss
- Funeral and burial expenses (if fatal)
To qualify, you must:
- File a police report
- Cooperate with law enforcement
- Submit an application to CalVCB
- Apply within 3 years of the crime (with some exceptions for minors or delayed discovery)
Other Sources of Compensation
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): If you carry MedPay as part of your auto insurance policy, it can cover a portion of your medical bills—regardless of fault.
Accident Investigation: A pedestrian accident attorney can help you gather surveillance footage, witness statements, and physical evidence to assist in identifying the driver—or other potentially liable parties such as municipalities or property owners who contributed to unsafe conditions.