Vehicle struck woman near Normandie Avenue in Harbor City
January 12, 2026 | Harbor City, CA
A 70-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by a vehicle in Harbor City. The California Highway Patrol reported the incident occurred in the 1300 block of Sepulveda Boulevard.
June Fukuhara, 70, died after a vehicle struck her in the 1300 block of Sepulveda Boulevard near Normandie Avenue in Harbor City.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the victim as June Fukuhara. Authorities stated she suffered fatal traumatic injuries at the scene.
What Happened in the Crash?
Initial investigations indicate Fukuhara was hit by an unidentified driver around 3 p.m. near Normandie Avenue. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but she could not be saved.
- Date and Time: Jan. 12, approximately 3 p.m.
- Location: 1300 block of Sepulveda Boulevard, Harbor City, CA, near Normandie Avenue
- Victim: June Fukuhara, 70 years old
- Vehicle: Unknown make and model, driver unidentified
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, and victim pronounced dead at the scene
- Agency Involved: California Highway Patrol leading the investigation
The cause of the collision remains under review, with no further details released yet.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety on U.S. roads has deteriorated, driven by larger vehicles, higher speeds, and urban design flaws. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 84% of pedestrian fatalities in 2023 happened in urban settings, compared to 59% in 1975.
Factors contributing to such incidents include:
- Increased presence of SUVs and pickup trucks, which have higher hoods and blind spots
- Road designs prioritizing vehicle speed over walker safety
- Distracted or reckless driving behaviors
Statistic |
1975 |
2023 |
Source |
|---|
Urban Pedestrian Deaths (% of Total) |
59% |
84% |
IIHS |
Total U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities |
About 6,000 |
About 7,500 |
NHTSA |
Crashes Involving Heavy Vehicles |
Not Available |
25% increase |
CDC |
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the rising trend, urging better infrastructure and enforcement.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
National legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough investigations in pedestrian incidents to safeguard families' rights.
“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 at Bond Legal.
Bond stressed the importance of an independent review by a qualified attorney to preserve evidence promptly.
Key takeaways:
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections
- Families may pursue claims for lost income, companionship, and emotional distress
- Quick settlements from insurers often undervalue cases, and legal representation ensures fair compensation
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “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.”
Formica advised against rushed agreements with insurance providers, advocating for strong client representation.
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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).