Pedestrian struck near Malcolm Avenue in Westwood, police said
May 09, 2026 | Westwood, CA
What happened in the crash?
Christine Lane died after a hit-and-run pedestrian crash at Wilshire Boulevard and Malcolm Avenue in Westwood.
- Date: May 9
- Location: Intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Malcolm Avenue, Westwood
- Time: Approximately 10:10 p.m.
- Victim: Christine Lane, a woman in her 70s
- Circumstances: Struck while crossing outside a marked crosswalk
- Outcome: Pronounced dead at an area hospital, the driver fled and remains unidentified
Why do these accidents happen?
California records some of the highest rates of fatal hit-and-run incidents nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the state reported 457 such deaths in 2023, accounting for more than 10 percent of all fatal crashes—nearly double the national average. Urban corridors in Los Angeles experience elevated risks, particularly after dark when visibility and lighting conditions vary.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Fatal hit-and-run deaths in California (2023) |
457 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Percentage of fatal crashes involving fleeing drivers |
Over 10% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Comparison to the national average |
Nearly double |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal, noted the value of prompt, independent review of road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
- Timely examination of physical evidence strengthens case development
- Multiple environmental factors may contribute to crash circumstances
- Civil options remain available for qualifying family members
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, explained that families may pursue wrongful death claims covering funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and related damages when negligence is established.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death. When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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