Police said a pickup truck struck her near Wyandotte Street
July 11, 2026 | Van Nuys, CA
What happened in the crash?
Shanniece McDowell, 37, died after a pickup truck struck her and fled the scene on Sepulveda Boulevard near Wyandotte Street.
- Date and time: July 11 at approximately 12:50 a.m.
- Location: Sepulveda Boulevard and Wyandotte Street, Van Nuys, CA
- Victim: Shanniece McDowell, 37, pronounced dead at the scene
- Vehicle involved: Pickup truck that fled northbound on Sepulveda Boulevard
- Investigating agency: Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division
Why do these accidents happen?
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run incidents have reached record levels nationwide. In one recent year, AAA documented 900,000 such crashes, resulting in 2,400 injuries and 2,872 fatalities. Common factors include drivers who are impaired, unlicensed, or attempting to avoid arrest.
| Statistic | Number Reported | Source |
|---|
| Hit-and-run incidents | 900,000 per year | AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
| Injuries from incidents | 2,400 | AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
| Fatalities from incidents | 2,872 | AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Legal Insights
Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal, noted that thorough investigations are essential in cases such as this to examine road conditions, signage, and lighting as potential contributing factors.
“Having the proper resources is crucial to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of protecting family rights after such tragedies.
“We understand just what families are forced to 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 best interests are taken care of.”
Key takeaways
- Independent investigations help establish liability in hit-and-run cases
- Families may pursue compensation for loss of companionship and emotional distress
- Prompt legal guidance supports navigation of official investigations
Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8024 or 877-527-3247 after hours. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.
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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, Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys, Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident, Wyandotte Street