62-year-old wheelchair user was struck in marked crosswalk
August 20, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
What happened in the crash?
James Estis, 62, was crossing in a marked crosswalk at Vermont Avenue and West 83rd Street after a northbound vehicle struck him in the Vermont Knolls neighbourhood of South Los Angeles.
- Date and time: Late Thursday, around 10:40 p.m., Aug. 20
- Location: Intersection of Vermont Avenue and West 83rd Street in the Vermont Knolls neighborhood
- Victim: James Estis, 62, identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office
- Details: Estis, who used a wheelchair, was struck while crossing in a marked crosswalk; he died from injuries at a nearby hospital
- Vehicle: Unknown northbound vehicle on Vermont Avenue fled the scene
- Contact: Anyone with information should call 323-421-3577
The investigation remains ongoing. A reward is offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the driver.
Why do these accidents happen?
Hit-and-run crashes continue to pose serious risks on U.S. roadways. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 919,000 police-reported crashes in 2023 involved a fleeing driver, resulting in 242,000 injuries and 2,872 fatalities. These incidents accounted for 15 percent of all crashes that year.
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|
| Police-reported hit-and-runs | 919,000+ | AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
| Injuries | 242,000 | AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
| Fatalities | 2,872 | AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
| Share of all crashes | 15% | AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, having the proper resources helps investigate a pedestrian crash and review contributing factors.
The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.
— Candice bond, national analyst for Newsline
A lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.
— Stefano formica, of counsel with Bond Legal
Key takeaways
- Review of applicable insurance coverage can identify potential avenues for support
- Expert witnesses and witness location can strengthen case evaluation
- Family members may explore options related to loss of companionship and emotional distress
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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).