(Los Angeles, CA) A fatal Harvard Boulevard collision left a bicyclist dead Thursday afternoon after a dark green Silverado pickup truck struck him and fled the scene near Koreatown, according to Los Angeles police.
On Thursday, September 25, at about 12:30 p.m., the Harvard Boulevard collision occurred. The bicyclist, described as a man in his late 60s, rode south on the road near 11th Street. Investigators said a pickup truck traveling in the same direction struck him. The impact threw the rider onto the roadway, leaving him critically injured. Paramedics rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors later pronounced him dead. Authorities have not released his name pending notification of his family.
Upon further investigation, authorities learned the driver of the Silverado did not stop. Reports indicate the vehicle continued southbound on Harvard Boulevard. LAPD released images of the suspected vehicle and is asking anyone with information to contact the West Traffic Division. The Harvard Boulevard collision is being investigated as a deadly hit-and-run.
Hit and runs are a serious and delicate situation. The state of California takes these cases very seriously. It’s important for all drivers to know what to do in a hit-and-run.
Legal Opinion on the Harvard Boulevard Collision
This heartbreaking incident raises serious legal issues under California traffic law. The most significant law here is California Vehicle Code 20001, which makes it a felony to leave the scene of a crash involving injury or death. The Silverado driver’s failure to stop, provide aid, or contact authorities directly violates this statute and exposes them to severe criminal consequences.
Because the victim was a bicyclist, California Vehicle Code 21200 also applies. It requires drivers to treat bicycles as legitimate roadway vehicles, giving them the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. Striking a cyclist without yielding or maintaining proper distance can be considered negligence.
Additionally, California Vehicle Code 21760, known as the “Three Feet for Safety Act,” requires drivers to leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist. If the truck driver failed to provide this buffer, liability becomes even clearer. Investigators will also consider California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law, which requires drivers to travel at safe speeds for current conditions. Even without reckless speeding, unsafe maneuvers near a cyclist may support a claim of negligence.
What the Family Can Do
For the family of the man killed in this Harvard Boulevard collision, the pain of losing a loved one in such a senseless way is overwhelming. In addition to the criminal investigation, they may pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This allows recovery for funeral costs, emotional damages, and the financial support the victim would have provided.
A wrongful death attorney can work with LAPD investigators, gather witness statements, and monitor updates on the vehicle search. Even if the driver has not yet been caught, civil claims may be preserved so the family can seek justice once the suspect is identified.
While no lawsuit can erase the family’s grief, taking legal action ensures accountability and helps provide financial stability during this difficult time. The family deserves justice, closure, and support as they mourn their devastating loss.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
