(Long Beach, CA) A man died Wednesday night, February 18, after being struck by a pickup truck in a Seventh Street collision.
Long Beach Police Department officers responded around 10:50 p.m. to the area of Seventh and Dawson streets. When officers arrived, they learned a pedestrian had been struck in the roadway. Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the injured man to a local hospital.
Despite medical efforts, the pedestrian later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, according to police. Authorities did not release the victim’s name, age, or city of residence. That information remained unavailable as officials worked to notify next of kin.
Investigators said a 2007 Toyota Tundra traveled eastbound in the No. 2 lane of Seventh Street when it struck a pedestrian who entered the roadway from between two parked cars. Police reported that the driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Officers stated that speed appeared to have been a factor in the collision.
Authorities did not announce any arrests. Detectives from the Long Beach Police Department Collision Investigation Detail continued reviewing evidence and speaking with potential witnesses. Anyone who may have seen the crash was urged to contact Detective Joseph Johnson at 562-570-7355. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers.
Analysis on the Seventh Street Collision
When a fatal pedestrian crash occurs on a city street lined with parked vehicles, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews often focus on visibility, speed, and driver attentiveness.
Because police said the pedestrian entered the roadway from between parked cars, investigators may examine the Pedestrian Crossing Law. This law requires pedestrians crossing outside a marked crosswalk to yield the right of way to vehicles that pose an immediate hazard. Officers may assess sightlines and the timing of the pedestrian’s entry into the lane of travel.
Since authorities indicated that speed appeared to be a factor, officials may also consider the Basic Speed Law. This law requires motorists to drive at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Even modest increases in speed can significantly reduce reaction time in areas with parked cars and limited visibility.
Investigators could further review the Duty of Drivers Toward Pedestrians Law. This law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even when pedestrians are outside marked crosswalks. These combined statutes help guide the department’s evaluation of the Seventh Street collision as detectives continue analyzing evidence.
Support for the Family
If you are related to the man who died or are supporting his loved ones, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and request official police and coroner reports when they become available.
You may also consider speaking with a qualified legal professional to better understand your options after a fatal pedestrian crash. Emotional support from family members, friends, or grief counseling services can also be important during a sudden and painful loss.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
