Authorities said two pedestrians were struck at the intersection with South Oak Street
June 12, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
What happened in the crash?
Kristen Lawson, 27, of Palmdale, died after a vehicle struck two pedestrians at Venice Boulevard and South Oak Street in Los Angeles.
- Date and time: June 12 at approximately 1:20 a.m.
- Location: Intersection of Venice Boulevard and South Oak Street in the Pico-Union neighborhood
- Victims: Two pedestrians struck, one fatality and one critical injury
- Driver status: Remained at the scene and cooperated with officers
- Agency: Los Angeles Police Department responded, investigation ongoing
Key details at a glance
- Kristen Lawson, 27, of Palmdale, was pronounced dead at the scene.
- A second victim was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
- No contributing factors have been released by investigators.
Why do these accidents happen?
Road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting are among the factors examined in pedestrian incidents. In cases such as this, a thorough review of the scene helps determine what occurred.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian 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 those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Legal insights
In cases such as this, families may pursue a wrongful death claim. It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.
“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. 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.”
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Key takeaways
- Document all losses, including income, companionship, and expenses.
- An attorney can guide families through the claims process.
- Early legal guidance helps protect rights against insurance pressures.
Pedestrian crash statistics
| Source | Statistic | Period |
|---|
| Governors Highway Safety Association | 3,304 pedestrians killed on U.S. roads | First half of 2024 |
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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).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Pedestrian Accident, California, Venice Boulevard, South Oak Street, Pico-Union