Fatal Crosswalk Collision on Pacific Coast Highway

Woman Fatally Struck in Marked Crosswalk on Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach; Police Investigation Ongoing

Overview of the Long Beach Collision

A woman was struck and killed by a vehicle at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Cedar Avenue in Long Beach on Saturday night, December 27, 2025. According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers were dispatched around 8:45 p.m. to reports of an injury traffic collision. Initial information indicates a 2013 Ford Fusion traveling eastbound on Pacific Coast Highway in the number one lane struck the woman as she was walking southbound through a marked crosswalk. Paramedics transported her to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Authorities reported that the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The investigation remains ongoing.

While law enforcement continues its review, families and community members often seek clarity about how these incidents are examined, what laws may apply, and what steps can help preserve important information. The following overview provides general context about pedestrian crashes in California, the investigative process, and practical guidance for those navigating the aftermath of a fatal collision.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way and Driver Duties in California

California law requires drivers to exercise due care and yield to pedestrians within marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. At the same time, pedestrians are expected to use reasonable care for their own safety, including obeying pedestrian signals and avoiding suddenly stepping off a curb into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop safely. Both drivers and pedestrians share responsibility for safety, and investigators evaluate conduct on all sides when reconstructing events.

On heavily traveled corridors like Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1), the interaction between pedestrian activity, vehicle speeds, signal timing, and roadway design is an area of particular focus. Even at lawful speeds, nighttime conditions can reduce visibility and reaction time. Crosswalk placement, lane widths, lighting, and the presence of traffic control devices can affect how drivers and pedestrians perceive each other and make decisions in the seconds before a collision.

The sudden loss of a loved one in a traffic collision is overwhelming—especially when it occurs in a place where pedestrians expect to be safe. While investigators work to determine exactly what happened, families are often left with questions about their rights and next steps.

At Avian Law Group, we guide families through wrongful death matters with compassion, clarity, and respect. If you need help understanding your options after this tragic Long Beach pedestrian crash, our team is here to support you every step of the way.