(Long Beach, CA) A man riding a scooter died after a vehicle struck him in a Seventh Street crash in Long Beach.
On Monday, September 2, at 3:20 a.m., the Seventh Street crash occurred. According to the Long Beach Police Department, it happened near the intersection of Seventh Street and Federation Drive by Recreation Park.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man with a scooter unconscious in the roadway. Paramedics rushed him to a nearby hospital, but doctors could not save him. Investigators determined he traveled southbound on his scooter outside a marked crosswalk. A 2016 Hyundai Accent, driven by a 28-year-old Laguna Beach resident, traveled eastbound on Seventh Street when it struck him. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers. Authorities said speed, distracted driving, and impairment did not appear to play a role in the Seventh Street crash. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the man’s death.
Legal Opinion on the Seventh Street Crash
The Seventh Street crash raises serious legal issues. Even though police said speed and impairment did not appear to be factors, California law still protects pedestrians and scooter riders. California Vehicle Code 21954 addresses pedestrians who cross outside a crosswalk. It states that pedestrians, or in this case scooter riders, must yield the right of way to vehicles.
Not only do pedestrians have to exercise caution, but drivers must also exercise due care and avoid colliding with them. This means the driver had a duty to watch for the scooter rider, even if he crossed outside the crosswalk. If authorities determine the driver that struck the victim to be speeding, then this violates California Vehicle Code 22350. The Basic Speed Law requires drivers to travel at speeds safe for current conditions. Even if the driver did not exceed the posted limit, investigators may consider whether the driver failed to adjust speed for darkness or low visibility at 3:20 a.m.
If evidence shows the driver could have avoided the Seventh Street crash by taking reasonable precautions, liability may still exist. This could support a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This law allows close relatives to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
What the Family Can Do
The man’s family can take important steps now. They can request the full police report on the Seventh Street crash, including witness statements and collision analysis. They can also check for nearby surveillance or traffic cameras that might show how the collision occurred.
If the investigation shows the driver failed to use due care, the family can pursue a wrongful death claim. This legal action can help recover costs for burial, lost income, and emotional suffering. Even when a driver stays at the scene and cooperates, civil liability may still apply. Taking action quickly helps preserve evidence and protects the family’s right to justice. While no lawsuit can undo the loss, it can provide financial security and a sense of accountability during this painful time.
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.
