Los Angeles, CA (October 5, 2025) – Authorities are investigating a double hit-and-run incident that left a woman in critical condition in downtown Los Angeles.
Accident Details: According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the collision occurred around 6 a.m. near Central Avenue and 14th Place. Preliminary reports indicate that a woman was crossing the street when she was struck by a dark-colored SUV, believed to be a Ford Explorer. The initial impact threw her onto the roadway.
Moments later, a second vehicle—possibly a Honda CR-V— struck her while she lay injured in the street.
Both drivers fled the scene without stopping to check on the victim or call for medical assistance, in violation of California’s hit-and-run laws.
Emergency crews responded shortly after the second impact and transported the woman to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Investigation: The investigators’ goal is to locate both hit-and-run drivers. Law enforcement will review physical evidence, including fragments of vehicle parts or paint transfer that could identify the makes and models of the vehicles involved.
They are also reviewing traffic and security camera footage from nearby intersections and businesses to track the movements of both the Ford Explorer and the suspected Honda CR-V. Witness statements and vehicle registration records will likely play a key role in determining ownership and locating the drivers.
In serious hit-and-run cases like this, investigators often consult with forensic collision experts to reconstruct the timing and sequence of events, helping establish which driver struck the victim first and whether either could have avoided the secondary impact.
Modern investigative tools, such as license plate recognition systems and automotive paint forensics, often play a decisive role in tracking down hit-and-run suspects.
Legal Considerations: Under California law, drivers are required to stop, render aid, and contact law enforcement after any collision that results in injury or death. Beyond criminal implications for this violation, civil liability may also arise if the injured pedestrian or her family pursues a claim for damages.
If either driver is located, the injured victim may be able to file a personal injury claim against them. Under this claim, the pedestrian may be able to recover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the crash.
Liability could extend to both drivers, depending on the extent of each driver’s involvement and the findings of the reconstruction analysis.
My thoughts are with the injured pedestrian and her family during this difficult time.
Source: ABC 7