(Van Nuys, CA) A pedestrian was hospitalized Friday night, January 30, after a vehicle struck them along a busy corridor in a Balboa Boulevard collision.
Los Angeles Police Department officers responded around 8:45 p.m. to the 7300 block of Balboa Boulevard near Sherman Way. When officers arrived, they found a pedestrian who had suffered injuries after being hit in the roadway.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics provided on-scene medical care and transported the pedestrian to a hospital. Officials described the victim’s condition as unknown late Friday night. Authorities did not release the pedestrian’s name, age, or gender.
Police did not identify the vehicle involved or the direction it was traveling at the time of the collision. Investigators also did not say whether the pedestrian used a crosswalk or walking along the roadway when the crash occurred. Officers remained in the area as they gathered information and reviewed the scene.
Overview on the Balboa Boulevard Collision
When a pedestrian is injured on a major surface street, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews often focus on driver attentiveness, pedestrian behavior, and speed in high-traffic areas.
Because the crash occurred along a busy boulevard, investigators may examine the Duty of Care to Pedestrians Law. This law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even when pedestrians are outside of marked crosswalks. Drivers must remain alert and take reasonable action when people are present near the roadway.
Authorities may also review the Pedestrian Crossing Law. This law requires pedestrians crossing outside of marked or unmarked crosswalks to yield the right-of-way to vehicles that are close enough to pose an immediate hazard. Determining where the pedestrian was positioned is often a key part of these investigations.
If speed or reaction time becomes a factor, investigators could consider the Basic Speed Law. This law requires motorists to drive at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. On wide corridors like Balboa Boulevard, higher speeds can reduce reaction time and increase injury severity, which investigators review closely in a Balboa Boulevard collision.
Guidance for the Family
If you are related to the injured pedestrian or are supporting their family, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and obtain the official police report when it becomes available.
You may also consider speaking with a legal professional experienced in pedestrian injury cases to better understand your options. Medical recovery can take time, and emotional support from family members, friends, or counseling resources can be an important part of the healing process.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
