Vehicle struck man at West Century Boulevard intersection
January 02, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
A man in his late 70s lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in Los Angeles. Authorities reported the tragic accident, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by pedestrians in urban areas.
Terry Williams, 79, died after a vehicle struck him as a pedestrian at Haas Avenue and West Century Boulevard in Los Angeles.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision took place at the intersection of Haas Avenue and West Century Boulevard. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the victim could not be saved.
- Victim: Terry Williams, 79 years old
- Date: Jan. 2
- Time: Approximately 10:14 p.m.
- Location: Haas Avenue and West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles
- Injuries: Multiple blunt force injuries, pronounced dead at the scene
- Vehicle: Unidentified driver involved
- Investigation Status: Additional details pending from authorities
The Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the identity and cause of death, underscoring the severity of the crash.
Why Do These Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities remain a significant concern across U.S. roadways, often due to factors like driver inattention, poor visibility, and inadequate road conditions. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), such incidents are preventable with greater awareness.
In the first half of 2024, approximately 2,304 pedestrians were killed in vehicle strikes nationwide. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further emphasizes the need for improved safety measures in high-traffic areas.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths (First Half 2024) |
2,304 |
GHSA Report |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities (Average) |
About 7,500 |
CDC/NHTSA |
Common Contributing Factors |
Driver distraction, low visibility, road design |
Federal Highway Administration |
These figures illustrate the urgency for thorough investigations to identify negligence and prevent future tragedies.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving pedestrian collisions, preserving evidence promptly is essential to determine liability. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal, stresses the importance of comprehensive reviews.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Bond. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from such analyses include:
- Prioritizing quick evidence collection to build a strong case
- Examining environmental elements like lighting and signage
- Utilizing experienced teams for accurate reconstructions
- Seeking fair compensation for affected families
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, notes that drivers generally must yield to pedestrians.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Formica. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic accident. An attorney can help guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights.”
Formica also warns against settling hastily with insurers, advocating for vigorous representation to ensure equitable outcomes.
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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).