Anaheim Street at Junipero Avenue: a man walking in a marked crosswalk was struck by an eastbound Toyota Prius and later died at a hospital
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (October 6, 2026): A man died after a Long Beach crosswalk crash early Tuesday, October 6, when an eastbound 2010 Toyota Prius struck him as he walked across Anaheim Street at Junipero Avenue in the Zaferia neighborhood, according to the Long Beach Police Department, as reported by the Long Beach Post and the Long Beach Watchdog. The collision happened at about 5:38 a.m.
Police said the man was walking southbound on Junipero Avenue and crossing Anaheim Street inside a marked crosswalk when the Prius, traveling east on Anaheim Street, hit him. The Long Beach Post reported that the car was in the far left lane. Long Beach Fire Department crews treated the man and took him to a hospital, where he died.
His name and age have not been released while the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner notifies his next of kin. The driver of the Prius, described by the Long Beach Post as a man in his 70s, stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers. Police said they do not believe speed, distraction or impairment were factors, and no arrest has been made.
The LBPD Collision Investigation Detail is handling the case. Anyone who saw the crash or has information can contact Detective Pineda at 562-570-5520.
Liability for the Long Beach Crosswalk Crash
California Vehicle Code § 21950 requires drivers to yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing within a marked or unmarked crosswalk, and to reduce speed or take other action needed to keep that person safe. Civil Code § 1714 makes every driver responsible for harm caused by a lack of ordinary care, and Vehicle Code § 22350 bars speeds that are unsafe for the conditions, including the lighting at that hour. Even though police have said they do not suspect speed, distraction or impairment, the questions that typically follow a crash like this include:
- The marked crosswalk: Police said the man was inside a marked crosswalk. Under California law, a driver generally must yield to a pedestrian in that position and take the care needed to avoid a collision.
- Visibility before sunrise: The crash happened at about 5:38 a.m. Street lighting at the intersection, the man’s visibility and the Prius’s headlights are usually part of the review.
- The far left lane: The Long Beach Post reported the Prius was in the far left lane. Investigators typically look at what the driver could see across the lanes as the man crossed.
- Crosswalk design: If lighting, signals or markings at Anaheim Street and Junipero Avenue are found to have played a role, the public agency that maintains them may share responsibility under Government Code § 835.
The man’s family may be able to bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. A civil claim is separate from any criminal decision, so the fact that no arrest was made does not by itself decide whether a civil claim exists. The driver’s auto liability insurance is generally the first place such a claim is directed.
Steps to Take After a Long Beach Crosswalk Crash
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most pedestrian deaths in the United States occur in dark conditions rather than in daylight. Families can protect important information by acting during the first weeks after a crash.
- Contact the investigators: Ask the LBPD Collision Investigation Detail for the report number and, once it is complete, the traffic collision report and diagram.
- Look for video: Businesses and homes along Anaheim Street may have cameras facing the crosswalk. Ask for footage in writing quickly, before it is recorded over.
- Request Medical Examiner records: After the identification is complete, the family can ask the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner for the autopsy report and related records.
- Review insurance: The driver’s liability policy and the family’s own auto policies, including medical payments or uninsured motorist coverage, may both be relevant.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If the crosswalk’s lighting, signals or design maintained by the City of Long Beach are examined, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Long Beach Crosswalk Crash
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man who lost his life at Anaheim Street and Junipero Avenue. Important questions remain: What could the driver see of the marked crosswalk at 5:38 a.m., before sunrise? And what will the Collision Investigation Detail find about the lighting and visibility at that intersection?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 8, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 6, 2026.
