Whittier, CA - Zenia West, 39, Killed After Driver Loses Control at Slauson Avenue and Norwalk Boulevard

Whittier, CA (October 5, 2026) - Zenia West, a 39-year-old mother who was days away from her 40th birthday, was struck and killed while walking home from work in Whittier on Monday afternoon, according to police and statements from her family.

West was at the intersection of Slauson Avenue and Norwalk Boulevard at around 2:20 p.m. when a driver lost control of his car and struck her, police said. She was likely waiting to cross the street at the time, according to investigators. Her body was found dozens of feet from the point of impact.

After striking West, the car continued and crashed into a nearby restaurant. A second pedestrian and the driver were also injured in the collision, according to reports.

Dozens of family members and friends gathered Wednesday evening to hold a vigil and release balloons at the intersection where West was killed. Her family said they were not notified of her death until nearly 12 hours after the crash. West leaves behind one child and is described by those who knew her as warm, generous, and deeply loved.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.

Pedestrian Accident Claims in California: Common Questions After a Crash Like This

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 1,099 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in California in 2024, making the state one of the most dangerous in the nation for people on foot. The family of Zenia West and the second pedestrian who was injured in this crash have legal options they should act on quickly.

Who can be held responsible after a driver loses control and strikes a pedestrian?

The driver who lost control may be liable under California negligence law. If the car's condition, a road defect, or another party contributed, they may share responsibility. California's pure comparative fault rule allows recovery at any percentage of fault — there is no threshold.

What should the family do first?

Request and preserve the police report; ask that the car involved not be released or repaired; gather medical records and evidence of West's earnings and the support she provided; avoid public statements or posts about the crash; and speak with an attorney before responding to any insurer.

Can the family file a claim even though the investigation is still open?

Yes. An open investigation does not prevent a civil claim. It may, in fact, support it as additional findings come in. What the family cannot do is wait too long to file.

How long does the family have to file a wrongful death claim in California?

Under CCP § 377.60, the wrongful death filing deadline is two years from the date of death, which is October 5, 2028. The second pedestrian who was injured has the same two-year window from their date of injury under CCP § 335.1.

Does it matter whether Zenia West was in a crosswalk when she was struck?

Not necessarily. California Vehicle Code § 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, and § 21954 addresses pedestrians outside crosswalks, but neither provision determines fault on its own. The fact that the driver lost control and left the roadway is a significant factor that investigators and any civil claim will examine closely.

What Christian Contreras Law Does for Families After a Pedestrian Crash in Whittier

The Law Offices of Christian Contreras has recovered more than $200 million for injury and wrongful death clients throughout Los Angeles County, including families whose loved ones were killed in traffic crashes. We handle every part of the claim — dealing with insurers, gathering evidence, and taking the case to trial when the other side's offer falls short.

We know how quickly physical evidence and camera footage disappear after a pedestrian crash, and we move to preserve both.

What Whittier-area families receive when they work with Christian Contreras Law:

• $200M+ recovered for clients
• More than $30M recovered in 2025 alone
• Takes cases to trial with 7+ jury trials each year
• Bilingual representation in English and Spanish
• Featured by ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and Telemundo
• Perfect 5.0 Star Client Rating

Our office is at 360 E 2nd St, 8th Floor, in downtown Los Angeles. Call (866) 836-6588, visit us, or reach us through our contact form.

Legal Disclaimer

This page is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Incident information is based on publicly available reports and may change as the investigation continues. The Law Offices of Christian Contreras is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any law enforcement or emergency response agency. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and no outcome is promised or implied.