(Long Beach, CA) A man died Tuesday night, December 23, in a West Willow Street collision after being struck by a vehicle near Maine Avenue.
Officers responded around 10:35 p.m. and found the pedestrian gravely injured. First responders transported him to a hospital, where he later died. Investigators say the man had been crossing northbound on Willow Street when a westbound 2023 Toyota RAV4 hit him. The driver stayed at the scene and showed no signs of intoxication. Police have not yet determined whether the victim walked inside an unmarked crosswalk.
Overview on the West Willow Street Collision
When a pedestrian is struck while crossing at an intersection, investigators often turn to the Pedestrian Right-of-Way Law. This rule requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, even when a crosswalk is unmarked. In the West Willow Street collision, officers will examine traffic signals, lighting, and the pedestrian’s location to determine how visibility and timing factored into the impact.
Because the victim may have been outside a clearly defined crosswalk, analysts may also review the Pedestrian Roadway Safety Law. This law requires pedestrians crossing outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk to yield to vehicles, but it does not absolve drivers of responsibility. Its application helps clarify the shared duties of both parties in the moments leading up to the crash.
Investigators have already ruled out speeding, but they may still evaluate conditions under the Basic Speed Law to ensure the driver was traveling at a safe and reasonable speed for nighttime roadway conditions. This law provides context for determining whether the driver had sufficient time to react during the West Willow Street collision.
Support for the Family
If your loved one was the victim, you should request the LBPD collision report once it becomes available. It will offer essential details and help guide next steps.
You may also want to reach out to a wrongful death attorney who can explain potential options related to funeral expenses, loss of support, and other compensable impacts.
Lean on family, friends, and local grief resources in Long Beach. Compassionate support can make navigating the coming days a little less overwhelming.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
