(Los Angeles, CA) A man was killed early Monday morning, January 19, after being struck by a vehicle at a busy Beverly Grove intersection in a La Cienega crash.
The Los Angeles Police Department officers responded around 1:08 a.m. to the intersection of La Cienega Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard, near the Beverly Center. When first responders arrived, they found a man who had been hit by a vehicle while in the street.
Paramedics transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as Leopold Trumpet, 74. Police said the vehicle involved traveled northbound on La Cienega Boulevard when it struck Trumpet. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officers.
Authorities did not announce any arrests and did not say whether speed, impairment, or distraction played a role. Several details about the moments leading up to the collision remain unknown as the investigation continued.
Opinion on the La Cienega Crash
When a fatal pedestrian collision occurs at a major intersection during overnight hours, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews focus on right-of-way, visibility, and driver awareness.
Because the pedestrian was struck in the roadway at an intersection, investigators may examine the Pedestrian Right-of-Way Law. This law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks. Determining whether the pedestrian was within a crosswalk is often central to these cases.
Authorities may also review California Vehicle Code 21950(b). This law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even when pedestrians may not have the right-of-way. Wide intersections like La Cienega and San Vicente can involve multiple lanes, turning movements, and reduced nighttime visibility, which increase risk.
If speed or reaction time becomes a question, investigators could consider the Basic Speed Law. This law requires motorists to drive at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Overnight driving can involve darker conditions and fewer visual cues, making cautious speed choices especially important in pedestrian-heavy areas. Together, these statutes help guide the review of what may have led to the La Cienega crash as evidence is evaluated.
Support for the Family
If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian collision, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and obtain the official police and coroner reports when they become available.
You may also consider speaking with a legal professional experienced in fatal pedestrian cases to better understand your options. Emotional support matters after sudden loss, and leaning on family members, friends, or grief counseling resources can help during a very difficult time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
