Whether through necessity or just to get some exercise, many people in California, particularly Southern California, walk to get where they are going. While walking offers health benefits and gets people out in the open air, walking along roads and city streets is not without its share of risk. Along with mild weather, the region is also known for immense amounts of vehicle traffic, and any time cars and pedestrians share the same roadways, terrible accidents can result. Unfortunately, one man recently lost his life after being struck by a vehicle.
Accident details
Around 8 a.m. during the morning of March 29, officers from the Long Beach Police Department responded to an emergency call regarding a vehicle-pedestrian accident. The collision occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway near Rose Avenue. An unidentified man was struck by a 2019 Jeep.
Members of the Long Beach Fire Department transported the victim to a local medical center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities say the man was apparently attempting to cross the PCH but was outside of the crosswalk when hit. The driver of the Jeep claimed to be unable to stop in time to avoid the collision, and police do not suspect distracted or reckless driving or impairment on the part of the driver.
Legal recourse for victim’s family
Losing a loved one is a tragedy, but it is more heart-wrenching knowing the death may have been prevented. Although police initially did not consider the Jeep driver to have been acting negligently behind the wheel, new information may come to light following a full investigation into the accident. As they struggle to deal with their loss, the surviving family of the man who was killed can consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in California to gain a full understanding of their rights and options with regard to seeking compensation.
