What is known about the Long Beach pedestrian fatality on October 17, 2025
Available reports indicate that a man was struck by a pickup truck while crossing Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach on Friday morning, October 17, 2025. The collision occurred within Los Angeles County. Initial information shared publicly states that the pedestrian suffered fatal injuries. Specific details such as the exact intersection on Pacific Coast Highway, the make and model of the pickup, lighting and weather conditions, whether a marked crosswalk was present, and the identities of those involved were not included in the brief summaries accessible at the time of writing.
In situations like this, local law enforcement typically conducts an on-scene investigation, documents physical evidence, interviews witnesses, and prepares a collision report. The county medical examiner handles formal identification and the determination of the cause and manner of death. Families often face a painful wait for official reports while also needing to make urgent decisions about arrangements and benefits.
Who to contact for official records and information
Long Beach Police Department
The Long Beach Police Department generally leads traffic collision investigations within city limits. Families and involved parties may request a copy of the traffic collision report once it is available. The city’s official police website provides information about requesting reports, available formats, and any required case numbers or identification. See the City of Long Beach Police Department website at https://www.longbeach.gov/police/.
Requesters are commonly asked to provide the date, approximate time, location, and names of involved persons to help locate the report. Availability can take several days to several weeks depending on the complexity of the investigation.
Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner manages decedent identification, autopsy determinations, and release of remains within the county. Next of kin can seek information about case status and, when ready, request certain records. The department maintains a public-facing portal for case information and general guidance on how to request records. Visit https://me.lacounty.gov/.
Autopsy and toxicology reports may take several weeks or longer depending on testing. The department’s site explains who can request which documents, associated fees, and how to obtain certified copies.
Death Certificates
Certified death certificates are typically obtained through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Information about eligibility, fees, and ordering methods is available at https://lavote.gov/. Funeral homes often assist families with this process.
California Highway Patrol and statewide data
Although the collision appears to have occurred within Long Beach city limits, some statewide crash data and resources are maintained by California agencies. For general traffic safety research and statistics, the California Office of Traffic Safety provides summaries at https://www.ots.ca.gov/.
How pedestrian fatality investigations generally proceed
Traffic collision investigations aim to document what happened and why. In a fatal crash, the process is more extensive and may include:
Scene preservation and evidence mapping such as tire marks, debris fields, final positions, roadway geometry, traffic controls, lighting conditions, and visibility obstructions.
Vehicle inspections looking for impact points, damage patterns, and potential mechanical defects such as lighting or braking issues.
Witness interviews and driver statements to establish the sequence of events, speeds, and behaviors immediately before impact.
Video and electronic data collection from nearby businesses, traffic cameras when available, and sometimes vehicle event data recorders in certain vehicles.
Toxicology and medical examinations by the medical examiner to determine cause and manner of death, with toxicology testing as appropriate.
Collision reconstruction using measurements, physics, and available data to estimate speeds, stopping distances, sight lines, and timing of movements by both driver and pedestrian.
The resulting reports can be central to insurance claims and civil actions. When questions arise about lighting, crosswalks, signal timing, or roadway design, additional engineering analyses may be considered in a civil case to evaluate whether a dangerous condition of public property contributed to the incident.
Key California traffic rules that may be relevant
California law sets duties for both drivers and pedestrians. Which laws apply depends on the specific facts, but several provisions commonly arise in pedestrian crashes. These include:
Pedestrian right of way in crosswalks: Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Pedestrians must also use due care for their safety. See California Vehicle Code section 21950 at the official legislative site: CVC 21950.
Crossing between intersections: When between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic signals, pedestrians must cross in crosswalks and not otherwise. See CVC 21955.
Basic speed law: No person may drive at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, traffic, and the surface and width of the highway. See CVC 22350.
Owner liability for permissive use: A vehicle’s owner may be liable for injuries caused by a permissive user’s negligent driving, subject to statutory limits. See CVC 17150.
California applies comparative fault principles in civil negligence cases, which means a jury can assign percentages of responsibility among those involved. The Judicial Council’s Civil Jury Instructions discuss comparative fault concepts used by courts statewide. See the California Courts’ civil jury instructions resource page at https://www.courts.ca.gov/.
Potential civil liability pathways after a fatal pedestrian crash
Every case turns on facts. In a pedestrian fatality on a state route like Pacific Coast Highway, civil claims could involve several theories depending on evidence:
Driver negligence: Allegations may include failure to yield to a pedestrian, unsafe speed for conditions, inattention or distraction, or inadequate lookout. Violation of a safety statute may support a negligence per se theory if the evidence shows the violation caused the harm.
Vehicle owner responsibility: If the pickup truck was driven with the owner’s permission, California’s permissive-use statute establishes a pathway for owner responsibility within statutory limits. See CVC 17150.
Employer liability: If the driver was acting in the course and scope of employment, an employer may be responsible under vicarious liability rules. Documentation such as work logs and dispatch records can be relevant.
Public entity liability: If a dangerous condition of public property contributed, such as deficient lighting, obscured sight lines, or signal timing issues, claims may be considered under Government Code section 835. These claims require strict advance notice to the public entity. See Gov. Code 835.
Wrongful death and survival claims: Certain family members may pursue wrongful death claims under California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60, and the decedent’s estate may pursue survival claims for certain losses under section 377.30. See CCP 377.60 and CCP 377.30.
Identifying all potentially responsible parties early can be important because evidence such as video, on-vehicle data, and nearby business recordings can be overwritten or lost quickly. Preservation letters and prompt inquiries are often useful in this regard.
Insurance coverage issues that often arise
Tragic pedestrian crashes can involve multiple insurance layers:
At-fault driver liability coverage: Bodily injury liability coverage on the pickup truck driver or owner may be the primary source for claims alleging negligence. Policy limits and exclusions vary by contract and statute.
Employer commercial policies: If the driver was working, commercial auto or umbrella policies may apply. Determining course and scope of employment can be complex and fact-intensive.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or inadequately insured, a pedestrian’s own auto policy may provide UM or UIM benefits. This can be available even though the injured person was walking, subject to policy terms.
Medical payments coverage: Certain auto policies include medical payments benefits that may help with medical or funeral costs regardless of fault, up to the limit.
Public entity risk pools: If a claim alleges a dangerous condition of public property, the city or state may be insured through self-insurance or pooled coverage that has its own notice and claims processes under the Government Claims Act.
Insurance communications often ask for recorded statements and signed authorizations. Statements can affect fault determinations and claim valuation. When planning to make a claim, it is prudent to speak with a qualified attorney for a free consultation before giving statements or signing documents, because what is said to an insurance company can be used against a claimant later.
Practical steps families often take in the days and weeks after
Families suddenly coping with a fatal collision face both grief and urgent logistics. The following actions are commonly undertaken, depending on circumstances and comfort level:
Identify the investigating agency and case number: Confirm whether the Long Beach Police Department is the primary investigating agency and request the report number once available. See Long Beach Police Department.
Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner: Request information about identification status, autopsy timing, and how to obtain an autopsy report and permit for release of remains. See LA County Medical Examiner.
Obtain certified death certificates: These may be needed for insurance, benefits, and estate matters. See LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
Preserve available evidence: Save the decedent’s phone, smartwatch, or other devices; identify potential witnesses; and note nearby businesses along Pacific Coast Highway that may have exterior cameras. Video systems often overwrite in days.
Notify relevant insurers: Policies potentially implicated can include auto, life, accidental death, and employer-provided benefits. Before any formal recorded statements or broad medical authorizations, consider speaking with an attorney because insurer interviews can affect liability assessments.
Evaluate probate or estate needs: Survival claims may require a personal representative or successor in interest. The probate division of the local superior court provides guidance on basic filings and appointments. General court resources are available at California Courts.
Consider roadway context: Document lighting conditions, traffic patterns, and any sight obstructions at the location. If questions exist about signal timing or crosswalk visibility, retaining an engineer to assess those conditions may be useful in a civil claim.
California and national pedestrian safety context
Pedestrian fatalities have been a serious public health concern in recent years. Nationally, federal agencies have documented elevated pedestrian deaths compared with prior decades. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 7,000 pedestrians are killed in traffic crashes in the United States each year in recent data cycles. See NHTSA’s pedestrian safety overview at https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that pedestrians are at increased risk for severe injury because they lack the protective structure of a vehicle, and that risk is influenced by vehicle speed, lighting, and roadway design. See CDC pedestrian safety resources at https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html.
In California, the California Office of Traffic Safety provides statistical summaries and grant-funded program information aimed at reducing pedestrian injuries and fatalities. OTS resources and data dashboards can be found at https://www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/statistics/. While statewide numbers vary year to year, dense urban corridors and multi-lane arterials such as portions of Pacific Coast Highway are frequently identified as areas with higher risk profiles due to speed, traffic volume, and crossing distances.
Time limits and claim deadlines in California
Time limits are critical after a fatal crash. Missing a deadline can jeopardize civil rights. Key timelines include:
Wrongful death statute of limitations: In most cases, an action for wrongful death must be filed within two years of the date of death. See California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 at CCP 335.1.
Government entity claims: If a claim involves a public entity, such as allegations of a dangerous roadway condition, a written claim generally must be presented to the entity within six months of the incident under the Government Claims Act, before a lawsuit may be filed. See Gov. Code 911.2.
Heirs who may file: California specifies who may bring a wrongful death claim, including a surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and certain other dependents or heirs. See CCP 377.60.
Certain circumstances can alter these timeframes, but the default deadlines above apply in many cases. Because calculating deadlines can be complex, it is sensible to obtain a free consultation early to understand what timelines may govern a specific matter.
Talking to insurance companies and protecting your rights
Insurance companies often move quickly after a fatal crash. Adjusters may request recorded statements, medical and employment records, and broad authorizations. Well-intended comments can be misunderstood or taken out of context.
Consult an attorney first: Before providing a recorded statement or signing any authorization, consider speaking with a seasoned and skilled attorney for a free consultation to understand rights and potential consequences. What someone says to an insurance company can be used against them later.
Limit disclosures to what is necessary: Until fully oriented to the claim posture, share only basic identifying and claim information. Avoid speculative statements about fault or speed.
Document communications: Keep copies of letters, emails, and claim notes, and confirm key points in writing.
Review releases carefully: Settlement releases can be final and broad. Ensure any release is understood and that appropriate parties and insurers are included.
Community resources related to this kind of incident
Different agencies and resources may help families navigate next steps:
Long Beach Police Department: For traffic collision report requests, victim services referrals, and investigative updates when available. https://www.longbeach.gov/police/
Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner: For case status, autopsy and toxicology timelines, and records requests. https://me.lacounty.gov/
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: For certified death certificates. https://lavote.gov/
California Courts: General information on probate, wrongful death, and court processes. https://www.courts.ca.gov/
California Office of Traffic Safety: Statewide statistics and safety program information. https://www.ots.ca.gov/
Why timely action matters after a serious pedestrian crash
There are concrete reasons to act promptly after a fatal pedestrian collision on a corridor like Pacific Coast Highway:
Evidence is time sensitive: Nearby businesses and traffic systems may overwrite video in a matter of days. Vehicle data can be lost if a car is repaired or salvaged. Early preservation can make the difference between uncertain and clear liability findings.
Deadlines are short in some claims: Government claims can require written notice within six months. Missing that step can limit access to important recovery pathways.
Insurance positions form quickly: Insurers begin evaluating fault and damages early. Unrepresented claimants may unknowingly make statements or concessions that narrow or undermine their claims.
Family logistics need documentation: Death certificates, medical examiner reports, and employer documents may be needed for benefits, insurance, and estate matters. Beginning requests early helps reduce administrative delays.
Safety learnings can be implemented: When hazards are identified, timely reporting to roadway authorities can help prompt review of lighting, signage, or signal timing, potentially improving safety for others.
Acting early helps preserve rights, clarify facts, and reduce the risk of preventable setbacks later in the process.
Commentary from Gosuits Long Beach, CA Personal Injury Attorney
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fatal collision on Pacific Coast Highway. Losing a loved one in a traffic incident is a life-altering event, and the grief is often compounded by unanswered questions about how and why it happened. This article is intended for educational purposes and general information to help the community understand the process and options that may be available.
From a civil injury perspective, pedestrian crashes on high-speed, multi-lane roadways raise recurring issues about speed for conditions, visibility, crosswalk placement, and driver attention. Where the evidence supports it, a claim may focus on driver negligence, vehicle owner responsibility, and in some instances whether roadway conditions contributed. Each collision is unique, and careful evaluation of scene evidence, video, witness accounts, and official reports helps determine what legal avenues are appropriate.
Insurance companies and large corporate interests are skilled at managing claims to their advantage. They may request recorded statements early, emphasize uncertainty about fault, or move quickly to resolve claims before the full impact is understood. Without guidance, people can feel pressured to accept an insurer’s narrative or sign broad authorizations and releases that are not in their best interest. Taking time to understand rights and the full scope of losses is essential.
A free consultation with a seasoned and skilled attorney can provide clarity about timelines, evidence preservation, and potential sources of recovery, including insurance policies that are not immediately obvious. It also offers a safe space to discuss communications with insurers. What is said to an insurance company can be used later, so it is sensible to get informed before making statements or signing documents. While no article can cover every scenario, informed next steps can bring a measure of stability during a very difficult time.
This article is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such, particularly by individuals affected by the incident discussed. Reading this article does not create, nor is it intended to create, an attorney–client relationship.
An attorney–client relationship with our firm can only be established through the execution of a written contingency fee agreement signed by both the client and the law firm. If you are a victim of this incident, you should not interpret the information herein as legal advice. Instead, we strongly encourage you to contact an attorney of your choice to obtain a proper consultation tailored to your specific situation.
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