(Long Beach, CA) A woman was killed Tuesday morning, January 27, after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing a major roadway in a westbound PCH crash.
Officers with the Long Beach Police Department responded around 5:57 a.m. to Pacific Coast Highway and Gundry Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a woman who had been hit by a pickup truck and suffered from severe injuries.
Police said the driver involved remained at the scene and immediately began rendering medical aid to the woman. When the paramedics arrived, they transported the woman to a hospital, where she later died. Authorities have not released her name, pending notification of next of kin.
Detectives said a preliminary investigation determined that a 2024 Chevy Colorado traveled westbound on Pacific Coast Highway. At the same time, the woman crossed the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk when the Chevy struck her.
Investigators did not determine whether speed, distraction, or impairment played a role in the crash. Police said several factors remain unknown as detectives continue reviewing evidence.
Analysis on the Westbound PCH Crash
When a pedestrian is struck outside of a marked crosswalk, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews focus on driver awareness, pedestrian behavior, and speed on high-volume roadways.
Because the pedestrian was outside a crosswalk, investigators may examine the Pedestrian Crossing Law. This law requires pedestrians crossing outside of marked or unmarked crosswalks to yield the right-of-way to vehicles that are close enough to pose an immediate hazard. Investigators assess whether the pedestrian had sufficient time and distance to cross safely.
Authorities may also review California Vehicle Code 21950(b)). This law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even when pedestrians are not within a crosswalk. Drivers must remain alert and take reasonable steps to prevent a collision when a pedestrian is present in the roadway.
If speed becomes a factor, investigators could consider the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to operate at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. On wide corridors like Pacific Coast Highway, higher speeds can significantly increase stopping distance and injury severity, which is a key consideration near the end of the investigation into the westbound PCH crash.
Support for the Family
If you are related to the victim or are supporting her loved ones, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and obtain the official police and coroner reports when they become available.
You may also consider speaking with a legal professional experienced in fatal pedestrian collision cases to better understand your options. Emotional support is essential after a sudden loss, and leaning on family members, friends, or grief counseling resources can help during a very difficult time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
