(Long Beach, CA) A pedestrian walking a bike died in a Pacific Place crash in Long Beach.
On Wednesday, August 6, at about 6:07 p.m., the Pacific Place crash occurred. According to the Long Beach authorities, it happened on Pacific Place, near Wardlow Road, outside of a crosswalk.
When police investigated, they learned a man walked along the street with a bicycle on Pacific Place. At some point, a 2012 Toyota Corolla travelling northbound struck the man. Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived shortly after, rendering life-saving measures on the victim. Despite transporting him to a local hospital, hospital staff pronounced him dead.
The vehicle’s driver remained at the Pacific Place crash site and cooperated with the investigation, according to police. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner is working to identify the victim and notify his next of kin.
Legal Analysis of the Pacific Place Crash
This crash on Pacific Place raises significant legal concerns under California traffic and pedestrian safety laws. The collision occurred outside a crosswalk, which is an important detail to note. California Vehicle Code §21954(a) states that pedestrians crossing outside marked or unmarked crosswalks must yield the right-of-way to vehicles. It’s not just pedestrians who have a duty to exercise due care, but also motorists under VEH §21954(b). This means even if the pedestrian was outside a marked crosswalk, the driver was legally required to slow down and take steps to avoid hitting them.
Because the victim was walking on Pacific Place with a bicycle, this situation may also fall under VEH §21200, granting him the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when riding on the roadway. Regardless, the duty of reasonable care still applies. If the investigation shows the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise inattentive, violations of VEH §22350 (Basic Speed Law) or VEH §23123.5 (hands-free device requirements) could apply.
For the family of the deceased, this may be a potential wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60. Even if the victim was partially at fault for not using a crosswalk, California follows a “comparative negligence” system. This means a court can assign fault between both parties, and the family can still recover damages reduced by any percentage of fault assigned to the victim. Damages may include funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of companionship.In practical terms, the victim’s family should preserve all evidence immediately. That includes the police report, witness statements, surveillance video from nearby businesses, and medical records. They should avoid giving recorded statements to the driver’s insurance company without legal counsel. An attorney can send a preservation letter to ensure evidence is not lost.
Given the seriousness of this crash, the family should act quickly. The statute of limitations for wrongful death in California is generally two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery. Even if criminal charges are not filed against the driver, civil liability can still be pursued.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
