(Long Beach, CA) A man was killed Saturday night, November 8, in a Wardlow Road crash after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street outside a crosswalk, authorities said.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, the collision occurred around 9:05 p.m. near the intersection of Wardlow Road and Norwalk Boulevard. Responding officers found the pedestrian receiving medical attention from Long Beach Fire Department personnel. After being treated on-site, paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Police said the preliminary investigation indicated a white Honda CR-V, driven by a 56-year-old Garden Grove woman, traveled eastbound on Wardlow Road. At some point, she struck the man as he crossed mid-block. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
According to LBPD, neither speed, distracted driving, nor impairment appeared to be factors in the crash. Authorities have not released the identity of the victim pending family notification. Authorities ask anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the LBPD Collision Investigation Detail at 562-570-7355.
Overview on the Wardlow Road Crash
When a pedestrian is struck outside of a marked crosswalk, investigators often look to the Pedestrian Crossing Law. It states that pedestrians crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to vehicles. The law still requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid hitting anyone in the roadway.
The Basic Speed Law may also be reviewed to ensure the driver was traveling at a safe speed for nighttime conditions. Even when a motorist is not speeding, limited visibility can make it harder to detect pedestrians, particularly in dimly lit areas.
Finally, the Duty of Care Law reinforces that drivers must remain alert and ready to act to avoid striking a pedestrian whenever possible. These laws will help the Long Beach Police Department determine the contributing factors in the Wardlow Road crash.
Support for the Family
You should stay in contact with the Long Beach Police Department for updates on the investigation and to request the official collision report once it becomes available. This report can provide clarity about how the crash occurred.
Once you feel ready, consider reaching out to an attorney experienced in pedestrian fatality cases. They can help your family understand your legal rights and assist in navigating any next steps.
Most importantly, take care of yourselves during this time. Lean on family, friends, and grief-support resources in Long Beach to help process this unexpected and tragic loss.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
