She was struck while crossing near Laurel Canyon Boulevard, authorities said
July 07, 2026 | Pacoima, CA
What happened in the crash?
Jessica Flores, 37, died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Branford Street near Laurel Canyon Boulevard.
- Date and time: Tuesday night, July 7, at approximately 9 p.m.
- Location: Branford Street near Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Pacoima, California
- Victim: Jessica Flores, 37, a mother of five children
- Incident details: Flores and her boyfriend were crossing the street when struck by an oncoming vehicle
- Outcome: Flores was pronounced deceased at the scene; the 33-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence
- Other party: The boyfriend was uninjured
Flores leaves behind five children, including an infant.
Why do pedestrian accidents happen?
Nearly 7,500 pedestrians died in California between 2009 and 2018, according to the state's Office of Traffic Safety. California’s pedestrian fatality rate remains almost 25% higher than the national average.
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|
| Pedestrian fatalities in California (2009-2018) | Nearly 7,500 | California Office of Traffic Safety |
| U.S. pedestrian fatalities (2019) | 6,590 | Governors Highway Safety Association |
| Comparison to national average | 25% higher in California | California Office of Traffic Safety |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined. An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights.”
The family of Jessica Flores may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for damages covering loss of love and companionship, funeral costs, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
“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.”
Key takeaways
- Victims and families have rights to pursue fair compensation after serious crashes
- Legal guidance helps navigate insurance processes and protect against low settlement offers
- Thorough investigation of crash factors supports stronger claims
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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.
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