It happened along Harbor (110) Freeway near West Slauson Avenue, officials say
S. LOS ANGELES, CA, (January 20, 2025) - A 32-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed by a motor vehicle in South Los Angeles Sunday evening, according to authorities. The Medical Examiner's Office later identified the victim as Derek Clay.
Derek Clay, 32, was fatally injured as a result of being hit by a car along a South Los Angeles freeway Sunday evening, according to a news release.
Based on initial reports, Clay was hit shortly after 5 p.m. in the express lane of the Harbor (110) Freeway near West Slauson Avenue.
No further details about the deadly collision were available.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
California remained the state with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities, though its numbers had decreased. In 2019, California had 1,020 pedestrian traffic fatalities, increasing to 1,026 in the year 2020 before falling to 958 in 2021.
“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 Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family members of Derek Clay may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you
(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).