California Injury Blog
A man was killed in a Long Beach pedestrian accident. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred when the man crossed the street in an unmarked crosswalk at the intersection of Park Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. Firefighters responded to render aid to the man who later died from his injuries. Based on preliminary investigations, the 66-year-old driver was going east on Pacific Coast Highway when he struck the pedestrian in the roadway. The driver remained at the scene. Officials did not believe the driver was impaired or distracted. Anyone with information about this fatal pedestrian accident is asked to contact Long Beach police at 562-570-7355.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this deceased victim for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your prayers.
Long Beach Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 17 fatalities and 257 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Long Beach in 2016. During the same year, there were 280 deaths and 5,187 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrian was walking in an unmarked crosswalk when he was struck by the vehicle. California law requires motorists to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”
In such cases, it is important to look into whether other factors such as excessive speed or recklessness caused or contributed to the incident. In cases where negligence is involved, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and loss of love, care and companionship. A knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident.
Source: https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/11/22/long-beach-unmarked-crosswalk/