Man in wheelchair struck by northbound pickup truck
January 26, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
A 60-year-old man in a wheelchair lost his life in a tragic pedestrian accident in downtown Los Angeles. Authorities reported the incident involved a pickup truck striking the victim while he attempted to cross the intersection.
Curtis Hosea, 60, died after a northbound Ford F-150 struck him in a wheelchair as he crossed Hill Street at Fifth Street in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the identity of the deceased as Curtis Hosea.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision took place around 2 a.m. at the intersection of Hill and Fifth streets. A northbound Ford F-150 on Hill Street struck Hosea as he crossed. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
- Date and Time: Jan. 26, approximately 2 a.m.
- Location: Hill and Fifth streets, downtown Los Angeles
- Vehicle Involved: Ford F-150 pickup truck
- Victim Details: Curtis Hosea, 60 years old, using a wheelchair
- Driver's Action: Remained at the scene
- Investigating Agency: Los Angeles Police Department
The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing, with authorities examining factors such as road conditions and visibility.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities remain a significant concern across U.S. roadways, often stemming from driver inattention, poor infrastructure, and heightened vulnerabilities for certain groups.
Wheelchair users face elevated risks due to extended crossing durations and design elements in roadways that fail to adequately protect them from oncoming traffic.
According to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), approximately 2,304 pedestrians were fatally struck by vehicles in the first half of 2024 alone.
Statistic |
Details |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Fatalities (H1 2024) |
2,304 deaths |
GHSA Report |
Vulnerable Groups |
Wheelchair users at higher risk due to crossing time |
Federal Highway Administration |
Preventable Causes |
Driver distraction, inadequate lighting |
CDC Highway Safety Data |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving pedestrian collisions, thorough investigations play a crucial role in establishing accountability.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.
An accident reconstruction team may be essential to reconstruct the crash accurately.
- Key Investigation Elements: Analysis of visibility, road design, and driver behavior.
- Compensation Potential: Monetary recovery for losses, including medical costs and emotional effects.
- Resources Required: Professional teams to prove negligence and support claims.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Families in such situations may pursue wrongful death claims to address losses like income, companionship, and funeral expenses.
- Claim Benefits: Covers pain and suffering, emotional distress, and financial burdens.
- Attorney Role: Guides families compassionately while negotiating fair settlements against insurance pressures.
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. For transparency, our Corrections Policy ensures a 24-hour review guarantee.
Learn more about our Editorial Process and Editorial Policy.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).