(Malibu, CA) A man was killed Monday evening, February 2, after a vehicle struck him along a coastal roadway in a PCH crash.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Malibu/Lost Hills Station responded around 7:30 p.m. to the 27280 block of Pacific Coast Highway. When deputies arrived, they found a male pedestrian who had suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a vehicle.
Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics assessed the pedestrian and pronounced him dead at the scene. Authorities did not release the man’s name, age, or city of residence, pending notification of next of kin.
Deputies said the driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Officials did not report any arrests and did not indicate whether impairment or speed played a role in the crash.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of Pacific Coast Highway were closed for several hours as deputies documented the scene and worked with fire crews. The closure caused significant traffic disruptions along the coast before the roadway later reopened.
Investigators did not release details about where the pedestrian was positioned on the roadway or whether he was using a crosswalk at the time of the collision. Several factors, including lighting conditions and vehicle speed, remained unknown as the investigation continued.
Analysis on the PCH Crash
When a fatal pedestrian collision occurs on a high-speed coastal highway, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews often focus on driver awareness, pedestrian behavior, and speed in low-light conditions.
Because the collision happened at night, investigators may examine the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to operate at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Even when traveling below posted limits, reduced nighttime visibility on Pacific Coast Highway can limit reaction time.
Authorities may also review the Duty of Care to Pedestrians Law. This law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even when pedestrians are outside marked crosswalks. Coastal roadways often lack frequent crossing points, which increases the need for heightened attention.
If pedestrian positioning becomes part of the review, investigators could consider the Pedestrian Crossing Law. This law requires pedestrians crossing outside of crosswalks to yield to vehicles that pose an immediate hazard. These combined considerations help deputies evaluate what may have led to the PCH crash as evidence is reviewed.
Guidance for the Family
If you are related to the victim or are supporting his loved ones, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and obtain the official sheriff’s and coroner’s 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 an extremely difficult time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
