What Are a Family’s Rights After a Fatal Hit-and-Run? South L.A. Seeks Answers After Florence Ave Tragedy

In the early hours of May 16, 2025, a woman was struck and killed while crossing Florence Avenue at Towne Avenue. The car – a dark-colored Dodge sedan – launched her body onto the street and fled the scene westbound, toward the 110 Freeway. The driver never stopped to call for help. 

The LAPD is calling it what it is: a felony hit-and-run. For the woman’s family, the legal terminology means little right now. What matters most is the loss and the silence that followed. 

“The worst part of a hit-and-run isn’t always the impact,” says J&Y Senior Trial Attorney Alex Boris. “It’s what happens after. The silence and unanswered questions as well as the aching feeling that someone out there thinks they can just drive away from a human life.” 

Is fleeing the scene a criminal act?

Absolutely. In California, Vehicle Code 20001 makes it a felony to leave the scene of an accident that causes injury or death. Convictions can lead to: 

• Up to four years in prison 

• Thousands in fines 

• License suspension or permanent revocation 

Criminal charges, while necessary, won’t rebuild a grieving family’s life. That’s where civil law steps in. 

Can the victim’s family still file a lawsuit – even if the driver hasn’t been caught yet?

Yes. Families can pursue a wrongful death claim, even when the at-fault driver is unknown. That includes: 

• Filing against the driver if and when they’re identified 

• Using uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from the victim’s own auto policy 

• Potentially seeking damages through California’s Victim Compensation Board 

The sooner action is taken, the better. Witness statements fade, and surveillance footage may disappear. But the law allows us to preserve evidence – if we move fast. 

“Just because someone ran doesn’t mean they get away with it,” Mr. Boris adds. “We’ve helped families track down hit-and-run drivers through local businesses, license plate readers, and even social media. A case like this is a lot like a jigsaw puzzle, except you’re starting without the box. You don’t know what the full picture looks like yet. But at J&Y, we’ve got the tools to build it. From cutting-edge surveillance access to legal tech that maps out timelines and vehicle patterns, we don’t just investigate. We reconstruct the truth.” 

What if the victim didn’t have insurance or a vehicle?

Uninsured motorist benefits may still apply – through a relative’s policy, a household member, or even a rider’s policy attached to another vehicle they had access to. California’s legal landscape allows flexibility here, but most families don’t know that until it’s too late. 

That’s why immediate legal consultation isn’t just smart – it’s essential. 

What’s the emotional toll on the family?

This isn’t just a financial or legal crisis; it’s an emotional earthquake. Families in hit-and-run cases often feel a unique kind of grief – one compounded by injustice, fear, and the knowledge that someone chose not to help. 

These families don’t just lose a loved one, they lose peace and trust in their own neighborhood. 

“I’ve worked hit-and-run cases where the family kept reliving the moment – not because of what happened, but because of what didn’t,” says Mr. Boris. “No brake lights. No call. Just gone. It eats at you. It’s the silence that haunts them. And I think about my own family every time I take a case like this. That’s why I fight so hard. Because every family we represent could be mine, and they deserve more than just a legal win. They deserve closure, truth, and the peace that comes with knowing someone stood up for their loved one.” 

What happens next for this South L.A. family?

They deserve more than headlines and a police report. They deserve accountability. Under California law, they have the right to demand it. 

That may include: 

• Filing a civil claim for wrongful death 

• Petitioning for restitution if the suspect is caught 

• Securing survivor benefits for minor children or dependents 

• Tapping into state-funded victim services for funeral expenses and counseling 

If someone you love was killed in a hit-and-run crash, don’t wait for justice to come to you. Go get it. We’ll go with you. Call J&Y Law at (877) 721-2694 to speak with our team today. 

Attorney Advertisement. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and must be evaluated individually. Viewing this article or contacting J&Y does not create an attorney-client relationship.