Driver struck cyclist in crosswalk during right turn onto Vermont Avenue
March 13, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident involving a bicyclist in Koreatown.
The collision occurred on Olympic Boulevard, where a white Dodge Ram pickup truck struck and killed 73-year-old Kum Soon Lee-Kim before fleeing the scene.
Kum Soon Lee-Kim, 73, died after a pickup truck struck a bicyclist in a crosswalk at Olympic Boulevard and Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles.
What Happened in the Crash?
The accident took place around 6:40 a.m. on a Friday.
Key details include:
- Location: Olympic Boulevard and Vermont Avenue crosswalk, Koreatown, Los Angeles
- Victim: Kum Soon Lee-Kim, 73, riding eastbound on a bicycle
- Vehicle Involved: White Dodge Ram pickup truck traveling eastbound, turning right onto Vermont Avenue
- Incident: The truck struck the bicyclist in the marked crosswalk
- Aftermath: The driver fled east on Olympic Boulevard, and paramedics rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries
- Investigation: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) impounded the truck near the scene, but the driver remains at large
Authorities have identified the victim and are seeking public assistance. A reward of up to $50,000 is available for information leading to the driver's identification, arrest, and conviction.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur in Urban Areas Like Los Angeles?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers' attempts to evade responsibility, but they remain a serious crime. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 2,000 hit-and-run crashes result in fatalities annually across the U.S. Factors contributing to such crashes include:
- Distracted driving in busy urban corridors
- Poor visibility during early morning hours
- High traffic volumes on major boulevards like Olympic
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Hit-and-Run Fatalities (U.S.) |
About 2,000 |
NHTSA (2023) |
Hit-and-Run Crashes per Minute |
More than 1 |
NHTSA |
Urban Bicycle-Vehicle Collision Rate |
15% higher than rural |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Pedestrian/Bicyclist Deaths in California |
1,200+ annually |
CDC |
These figures underscore the urgency of thorough investigations to hold perpetrators accountable and improve road safety.
Legal Insights on Hit-and-Run Cases
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, independent investigations play a crucial role in establishing fault and supporting victims' families.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined.”
Key takeaways from legal analysis:
- Prompt attorney involvement protects rights and gathers evidence before it fades
- Hit-and-run drivers face severe charges upon apprehension, including felony evasion
- Families may pursue compensation for losses, ensuring justice is served
Additionally, pending official findings, relatives could file a wrongful death claim to address companionship loss, emotional distress, and related damages.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(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).