Available 
ATHENS, Los Angeles County, Calif., Nov. 13, 2026 — A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Thursday afternoon, November 12, at the intersection of West 120th Street and South Vermont Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP said the collision was reported shortly after 2:10 p.m. near the intersection in the unincorporated Athens area. Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies confirmed the scene before the CHP took over handling of the case.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. We hope everyone involved is okay.
Intersection Safety in California
The pedestrian crash was reported at West 120th Street and South Vermont Avenue in Athens. Readers following crash news in Los Angeles County can find more about intersections across the state on our guide to California intersections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian crashes commonly result from drivers failing to yield at intersections or crosswalks, limited visibility, or pedestrians entering roadways outside marked crossing areas. Investigators typically review all these factors before determining a cause.
Does vehicle speed affect how badly a pedestrian is hurt?
Yes. Higher vehicle speeds generally increase both the likelihood and severity of injury to a pedestrian in a collision, since there is less time to stop and more force involved in any impact.
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
Many pedestrian crashes occur at or near intersections, where vehicle and foot traffic cross paths most frequently, though incidents also happen midblock or in areas without marked crosswalks.
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?
Reduced visibility after dark is a frequently cited factor in pedestrian crashes, making nighttime hours a period of elevated risk compared to daylight conditions.
