EspañolPedestrian Died in Van Nuys Semi-Truck Accident at Jons Fresh Marketplace Grocery Store Parking Lot by North Van Nuys Boulevard near Vanowen Street
VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA (January 16, 2026) – A male pedestrian has tragically died in a Van Nuys semi-truck accident at a grocery store parking lot by North Van Nuys Boulevard near Vanowen Street.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:00 PM on Thursday. A semi-truck was moving through the parking lot when it hit the victim.
The semi-truck had a “Jons Fresh Marketplace” logo on the side of it. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, the victim died due to the severe nature of their injuries. They have only been identified as a 55-year-old male at this time.
A full investigation into the semi-truck accident near Jons Fresh Marketplace remains ongoing.
Liability for Van Nuys Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial license and are expected to operate their vehicles with an abundance of caution to avoid collisions. They must be particularly cautious in parking lots and other areas where pedestrians are known to congregate. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21954, the driver of a vehicle must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. This is true even if a pedestrian is outside of a marked crosswalk. In particular, there are several steps that truck drivers should take to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Blind Spots: Truck drivers should check their blind spots before backing up or making turns at any location.
- Speed: Truck drivers must reduce their speed to what would be safe given the prevailing road conditions.
- Horns: Truck drivers should use their horns as necessary to alert pedestrians of their presence.
- Breaks: Truck drivers should take periodic rest breaks as required by law to ensure that they do not become fatigued.
The vast majority of truck accidents in parking lots are preventable. They tend to involve situations where truck drivers violate safety protocols. If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian in a parking lot, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. The company that the truck driver worked for could also be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers can be vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees who were operating within the scope of their job duties.
Steps to Take After Van Nuys Semi-Truck Accidents
Many pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in car accidents. According to the National Safety Council, “While pedestrians accounted for about 17.9% of traffic deaths in 2023, this percentage varies by age. Pedestrians represent 20% or more of traffic deaths among 35- to 74-year-olds. The largest number of pedestrian deaths occurs among 35- to 44-year-olds (1,328).” Many of these deaths take place in parking lots. Several actions should be taken after any truck accident in a parking lot.
- Medical Records: All medical records related to the accident should be collected and preserved. The nature of a person’s injuries can help reveal how an accident took place.
- Eyewitnesses: Any eyewitnesses to the collision should be interviewed as early as possible while their memories are still fresh.
- Police Report: The police report for the collision should be carefully reviewed. A police report includes an officer’s initial impressions of how an accident took place and who could be liable.
- Legal Review: The family of any person who died in a semi-truck accident should seek the guidance of a truck accident attorney. An attorney can review all of the unique facts of any case and identify all liable parties.
Parking lots are among the most dangerous locations for pedestrians. Cars can come from every angle. Unfortunately, truck drivers often fail to use the caution necessary to remain safe in these locations. It is important that victims of pedestrian accidents understand that they do have legal rights. The family of any person who died in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Van Nuys Semi-Truck Accidents
We at the Carrillo Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian who died in this accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the Los Angeles Police Department. It is our hope that steps are taken to make this parking lot safer. Many questions remain unanswered at this time.
Do you need more information about a Van Nuys semi-truck accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and protecting those rights through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here to support you. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
