Pedestrian Crash on PCH in Malibu Causes Severe Injuries

A pedestrian suffered severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) near Carbon Canyon in Malibu on Friday night, September 26, 2025. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lost Hills/Malibu Station, the collision occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Both directions of PCH were closed for several hours to accommodate emergency response and investigative work, with the roadway reportedly reopening around 2:00 a.m. An investigation is ongoing to determine the factors that led to the crash.

While details remain limited, nighttime collisions on PCH often involve a complex mix of visibility issues, traffic speed, and limited pedestrian infrastructure. As investigators review evidence such as roadway markings, vehicle condition, lighting, and potential witness statements, they will seek to determine whether speed, distraction, roadway design, impairment, or failure to yield contributed to the incident.

Road Closure and Ongoing Investigation

In the immediate aftermath of serious crashes, law enforcement may close traffic lanes to protect first responders, preserve evidence, and conduct scene mapping. In Malibu, closures on PCH can quickly affect traffic for miles. Reopening the highway typically occurs only after officers document skid marks, vehicle positions, debris fields, and other scene elements that can be critical in reconstructing the event. Authorities also commonly review dashcam footage, nearby surveillance video, and 911 calls to corroborate timelines and identify potential witnesses.

If you were in the area and observed anything relevant, providing information to law enforcement can be valuable. Official reports will ultimately guide determinations of fault and inform insurance claims and potential civil actions.

Why Pedestrian Crashes Happen on PCH

Pacific Coast Highway is a scenic but challenging corridor. Several factors frequently contribute to pedestrian risk along PCH in Malibu:

- Nighttime visibility: Reduced light after sunset makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, especially if there is limited street lighting or if pedestrians are wearing dark clothing.
- Speed limits and traffic flow: Sections of PCH have relatively high speed limits and fast-moving traffic. Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of injuries when collisions occur.
- Limited safe crossing points: Long stretches without signalized crosswalks or pedestrian islands may prompt mid-block crossings.
- Driver distraction: Even a momentary glance at a phone or in-vehicle screen can have serious consequences.
- Impairment: Alcohol or drug impairment can affect drivers and pedestrians, reducing judgment and reaction times.
- Roadway design and environment: Curves, glare from oncoming headlights, and parked vehicles near the shoulder can complicate visibility.

Understanding these factors helps illuminate both prevention and legal analysis when evaluating how and why a collision occurred.