(Sherman Oaks, CA) An 80-year-old man and his dog were killed late Tuesday night, January 27, after a hit-and-run crash in a Woodman Avenue collision.
Los Angeles Police Department officers said they dispatched at around 11:35 p.m. to the 4400 block of Woodman Avenue at Moorpark Street. Officers arrived to find an elderly pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle while walking with his dog.
Police said a Maserati traveling northbound on Woodman Avenue struck the man and his dog. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics provided emergency care and transported the man to a hospital. Despite arriving at the hospital, doctors pronounced him dead. The dog died at the scene.
Investigators said the driver did not stop to render aid and fled the area in an unknown direction. Authorities did not release a description of the driver. They also did not release the victim’s name, pending notification of family.
Overview on the Woodman Avenue Collision
When a fatal hit-and-run involves a pedestrian, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews focus on driver conduct, pedestrian safety, and the legal duties that apply after a collision.
Because the driver fled the scene, investigators will closely examine the Hit-and-Run Law. This law requires any driver involved in a collision causing injury or death to stop, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance. Leaving the scene can delay lifesaving care and often leads to more serious criminal consequences once the driver is identified.
Since the crash occurred on a neighborhood street late at night, authorities may also review 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. Reduced nighttime visibility and residential traffic patterns often require heightened caution.
If speed becomes a question, investigators could consider the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to operate at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. On residential corridors like Woodman Avenue, excessive speed can sharply reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of fatal injuries. Together, these statutes help guide the investigation into what may have led to the Woodman Avenue collision as detectives continue their work.
Guidance for the Family
If you are related to the victim or are supporting his loved ones, reach out to the investigators. They can give you updates and provide the official police when they become available.
You may also consider speaking with a legal professional experienced in fatal hit-and-run cases to better understand your options and next steps. Emotional support is important after sudden loss, and leaning on family members, friends, or grief counseling resources can help during an incredibly difficult time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
