Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Long Beach's Cambodia Town

Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Long Beach’s Cambodia Town

A woman was tragically killed after being struck by a pickup truck while attempting to cross the street in the Cambodia Town area of Long Beach on Wednesday night, November 12, 2025. The collision occurred at approximately 10:25 p.m. at the intersection of East Anaheim Street and Alamitos Avenue, according to preliminary information released by the Long Beach Police Department. Authorities reported that a 1997 Chevrolet Sierra traveling westbound on Anaheim Street struck the pedestrian who was in the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk. She died at the scene. Her identity has not yet been released pending notification of her family.

Investigators stated that speed, distracted driving, and impairment were not believed to be contributing factors at this time. The investigation remains ongoing.

What Police Have Reported So Far

- Location: East Anaheim Street and Alamitos Avenue, a dense commercial and residential corridor known for heavy traffic, pedestrian activity, and multiple signalized intersections.
- Vehicle: 1997 Chevrolet Sierra pickup truck heading westbound on Anaheim Street.
- Circumstances: The pedestrian was in the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk at the time of the collision.
- Initial Findings: No immediate indications of speeding, distracted driving, or impairment by the driver, per police statements.
- Status: The investigation is ongoing. Additional information, including potential witnesses, roadway conditions, traffic signal timing, and surveillance video, may be reviewed by authorities.

Nighttime Visibility and Intersection Risks

Nighttime conditions can increase risk for both drivers and pedestrians. Reduced visibility, glare from headlights or nearby businesses, and complex signal phases can make it more difficult to judge vehicle distance and speed. At multi-lane corridors such as Anaheim Street, vehicles in adjacent lanes can obstruct sightlines, while the higher ride height and mass of pickup trucks may lead to more severe injuries in a pedestrian impact.

Even when a pedestrian is outside a marked crosswalk, drivers still have a general duty to use due care and to exercise caution to avoid collisions when possible. Conversely, pedestrians have a duty to avoid suddenly leaving a curb or a place of safety into the path of a vehicle that is close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. These shared responsibilities often become central to how fault is evaluated.

Key Questions Investigators Typically Examine

In a case like this, investigators and experts often focus on:

- Lighting and visibility: Were streetlights functioning? What were the ambient lighting conditions? Could the driver reasonably perceive the pedestrian in time to react?
- Traffic control devices: What phase were traffic signals in at the time? Were there pedestrian crossing signals or signage nearby?
- Vehicle speed and distance: Even if speeding is not suspected, reconstruction experts may estimate speed and stopping distances using skid marks, onboard vehicle data, or roadway evidence.
- Driver behavior: Was the driver fatigued, momentarily inattentive, or facing glare? Were there any mechanical issues with the vehicle?
- Pedestrian path and timing: Where did the pedestrian enter the roadway? How far from an intersection or crosswalk were they? Were there obstructions that might have influenced their path?
- Environmental and roadway design factors: Lane widths, median design, signal timing for pedestrian phases, and whether traffic calming or improved crossings could have reduced risk.

California Laws That May Apply

California’s vehicle and pedestrian laws impose duties on both drivers and pedestrians:

- Duty of due care: Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and must sound a horn when necessary. This duty applies even where a pedestrian may be outside a marked crosswalk.
- Crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks: In California, intersections typically have unmarked crosswalks across each leg unless explicitly closed. However, preliminary reports here indicate the pedestrian was outside of a crosswalk.
- Comparative negligence: California follows pure comparative negligence. Fault can be apportioned among parties, and a claimant’s recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault, but not barred entirely.
- Wrongful death and survival actions: Families may bring claims for wrongful death and, where applicable, survival actions for damages such as funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other harms recognized by law.
- Time limits: In most cases, wrongful death claims in California must be filed within two years of the date of death. If a government entity may be implicated due to roadway design or maintenance, a government claim typically must be filed within six months, making early legal evaluation especially important.

Potential Claims After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash

Depending on the facts, potential claims may include:

- Wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver and their insurer.
- Claims related to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if household policies apply.
- Potential roadway design or maintenance claims if lighting, signal timing, or other infrastructure issues contributed, subject to strict procedures and shorter deadlines.
- Claims for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, and more, as allowed by California law.

This tragic crash in Long Beach, which claimed the life of a pedestrian, underscores the severe consequences that can occur when drivers fail to remain attentive and exercise proper caution. Pedestrians have little protection in traffic collisions, and a single moment of negligence can lead to irreversible loss for families and communities. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident, the victim’s loved ones are now faced with unimaginable grief and the difficult process of seeking answers.

At Avian Law Group, we understand the profound impact a fatal pedestrian crash has on those left behind. Our team is committed to pursuing justice on behalf of grieving families, identifying all responsible parties, and ensuring that victims’ rights are fully protected. Through thorough investigation and dedicated advocacy, we strive to provide families with the clarity, accountability, and compensation they deserve under California law.

If your family has been affected by a fatal pedestrian collision, Avian Law Group is here to offer experienced legal guidance, compassionate support, and unwavering representation during this incredibly difficult time.