Arlen Thomassian died in pedestrian accident on South Fairfax Avenue

Pedestrian was struck by a vehicle near Blackburn Avenue

March 12, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA

A 70-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in Los Angeles. 

Authorities confirmed the tragic incident, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office identifying the victim as Arlen Thomassian.

Arlen Thomassian, 70, died after being struck by a vehicle on South Fairfax Avenue near Blackburn Avenue in Los Angeles.

What Happened in the Crash?

Early accounts reveal that Thomassian was hit while on South Fairfax Avenue near Blackburn Avenue. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to injuries from blunt trauma around 4:24 p.m.

Key details include:

• Victim: Arlen Thomassian, 70 years old
• Location: South Fairfax Avenue near Blackburn Avenue, Los Angeles
• Date: March 12
• Time of Death: Approximately 4:24 p.m.
• Cause: Blunt trauma from vehicle crash
• Driver Information: Not yet released
• Investigation Status: Ongoing by local authorities

No further details about the driver or vehicle were available at the time of reporting.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian fatalities continue to rise across U.S. roadways, often due to factors like distracted driving, poor visibility, and inadequate infrastructure. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), such incidents highlight the need for heightened awareness.

This table underscores the preventable nature of many collisions, emphasizing road safety improvements.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts stress the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian incidents to support affected families.

“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. Bond noted that it’s imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined.”

Key takeaways from analyst insights:

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all times.
• Independent legal reviews can uncover hidden factors like lighting or signage issues.
• Families may pursue claims for losses including income, companionship, and emotional distress.

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” said Formica. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”

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