(Long Beach, California) on Friday, at approximately 12:35 a.m., a hit-and-run driver striking a man who may have been in a wheelchair on Pacific Coast Highway.
According to Lt. Eric Goltz of LBPD, a white BMW sedan was going southbound on Pacific Coast Highway when it fatally struck the male pedestrian while crossing the street. It is unconfirmed if the male pedestrian was in a wheelchair during the time of the collision, but based on a video covering the collision, there was blood in the wheelchair.
When Long Beach Police officers arrived at the scene, they performed CPR on the pedestrian until Long Beach Fire Department Personnel performed life-saving measures but reviving the pedestrian was impossible and the pedestrian was then pronounced dead at the scene. Another man who may have known the pedestrian were taken to a hospital but was not injured.
The BMW driver was caught momentarily at the intersection of East 2nd Street and Pacific Coast Highway but according to jail records, he was released with a bond on Friday. and PCH and Bellflower Avenue were temporarily closed.
Currently, police find no suspicion of speed, distracted driving, or impairment a factor in the fatal accident.
Perspective Analysis on the Pacific Coast Highway Accident
Since the driver fled the scene, they may face serious charges for violating California Vehicle Code 2001 for not staying at the scene and following what’s required of Sections 20003 and 20004. California Vehicle Code 20003 requires all drivers involved in a vehicle collision that injured or caused a fatal death to report the drivers information, vehicle information and occupants in their vehicle and the injured individual to traffic or police officers.
Based on California Vehicle Code 20004, if traffic or police officers are not at the scene, they are required to report the information that’s required in Sections 20003 to the nearest office of the Department of the California Highway Patrol or the office of duly authorized police authority.
Due to the killing of the pedestrian, the driver may face imprisonment in the state prison for 2-4 years or held in a county jail for at least 90 days to a year. The driver may also be fined $1,000 to $10,000 dollars or face both imprisonment and a fine. These three code laws can help investigators learn what charges should be made against the hit-and-run driver.
Advice to the Family
If the pedestrian was a loved one of yours, it’s important to note that grief looks different for everybody and receiving help from families and friends or receiving counseling may help during this difficult time. If you are planning to file a wrongful death claim against the driver, you can contact a legal attorney, experienced in working with hit-and-run cases, who can help you with your case and any legal questions you may have.
Have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident? call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
