Vehicle struck pedestrian just west of 32nd Street West
January 16, 2026 | Lancaster, CA
Lancaster authorities reported a tragic incident where a 23-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the victim as Samuel Dagnino, who was declared deceased at around 8:48 p.m. on Jan. 16.
Samuel Dagnino, 23, died after a vehicle struck him as a pedestrian on Avenue K just west of 32nd Street West in Lancaster.
Emergency responders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff's Department arrived promptly at the scene located just west of 32nd Street West. Details surrounding the cause of the crash are still under review by investigators.
What Happened in the Crash?
Key details from the incident include:
- Victim: Samuel Dagnino, 23 years old
- Location: Avenue K, west of 32nd Street West, Lancaster, CA
- Date and Time: Jan. 16, approximately 8:48 p.m.
- Response Agencies: Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff's Department
- Outcome: Pedestrian pronounced dead at the scene
The collision occurred during evening hours, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in urban areas.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian incidents often stem from factors such as driver inattention, speeding, or failure to yield. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities have increased significantly, rising at a rate nearly seven times the U.S. population growth over the past decade.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths Increase Rate |
Nearly 7x U.S. Population Growth (7%) |
GHSA (Last Decade) |
Common Causes |
Driver Distraction, Speeding, Failure to Yield |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities |
Over 7,000 |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
This table underscores the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian collisions to protect affected families.
“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 of Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives on such cases:
- Drivers must exercise extra caution and yield to vulnerable road users like pedestrians.
- Independent investigations by experienced attorneys can preserve evidence and clarify circumstances.
- Time is critical, and prompt action helps ensure all facts are documented accurately.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.”
Analysts note that insurance companies may push for quick settlements, but legal representation ensures fair compensation and compassionate support during difficult times.
For more on pedestrian safety and legal rights, explore resources from the Federal Highway Administration and CDC.
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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).