West Pacific Coast Highway near Canal Avenue: a 68-year-old bicyclist died after a collision with a semi-truck whose driver left the scene
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (September 4, 2026): Kevin Moran, 68, of Long Beach, died after a hit-and-run collision with a semi-truck near West Pacific Coast Highway and Canal Avenue on the night of Friday, September 4, according to the Long Beach Police Department, as reported by Patch, the Long Beach Post and KTLA. On Thursday, October 8, the department issued an updated appeal with surveillance images of the driver and the truck, asking the public to help identify them.
According to investigators, a semi-truck pulling a trailer was leaving a restaurant parking lot and turning right onto West Pacific Coast Highway to head east when Moran, who was riding his bicycle westbound, collided with the truck at about 11:03 p.m. Police said the driver did not stop. Long Beach firefighters first responded to a report of a man who had fallen from his bicycle and took Moran to a hospital, where he died the next day, September 5.
Detectives learned of his death on September 10, after the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that his injuries were consistent with a traffic collision. Police later established that a semi-truck was involved and said speed is being examined as a possible factor. No arrest has been announced.
Police described the driver as a man wearing a yellow reflective safety vest, a black shirt, jeans, a black hat and black shoes. The truck was described as a white tractor pulling a blue trailer with an orange container. Anyone who recognizes the driver or the truck, or who has dashcam or surveillance video from the area, can contact LBPD Collision Investigation Detail Detective Paredes at 562-570-7358. Anonymous tips can go to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Liability for the Long Beach Semi-Truck Hit-and-Run
California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires any driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone to stop, render aid and provide identification. Vehicle Code § 21804 generally requires a driver entering a highway from a driveway or private property to yield to approaching traffic that is close enough to be a hazard, and Vehicle Code § 21200 gives a person riding a bicycle generally the same rights as the driver of a vehicle. Civil Code § 1714 makes every driver responsible for harm caused by a lack of ordinary care. Based on what Long Beach police have released, the questions include:
- Leaving the scene: Police said the truck driver did not stop. Fleeing a crash that causes a death is a felony in California and generally weighs heavily in any civil claim.
- The turn out of the parking lot: The truck was turning right onto Pacific Coast Highway from a restaurant lot. Whether the driver yielded to westbound traffic, including a person on a bicycle, is a central question.
- Speed and visibility at night: Police said speed is being examined. At 11 p.m., lighting, the truck’s markings and the bicycle’s lights are also likely to be reviewed.
- The motor carrier: A semi-truck is usually operated for a business. Under respondeat superior, an employer is generally responsible for a driver acting within the scope of the job, and its safety practices can also be examined.
Moran’s family may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 once the responsible parties are identified. Commercial trucks usually carry higher insurance limits than passenger cars. If the truck is never identified, uninsured motorist coverage on a household auto policy may still provide a path to recovery, even for a person who was riding a bicycle. Any civil claim is separate from the criminal investigation.
Steps to Take After a Long Beach Semi-Truck Hit-and-Run
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bicyclists have almost no protection in a collision with a large truck. When a driver leaves and a death is confirmed days later, the most important evidence is often video that businesses keep only for a limited time.
- Stay in contact with detectives: Ask the LBPD Collision Investigation Detail for the case number and updates on the search for the truck.
- Share the police images: Families can help by sharing the images through official channels so that anyone who recognizes the truck calls the detective or Crime Stoppers.
- Keep medical and coroner records: Request hospital records and, when available, the Medical Examiner’s report that linked the injuries to a traffic collision.
- Notify the insurer: California auto policies generally require a prompt police report to use uninsured motorist coverage after a hit-and-run. Confirm that the report is on file.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If the design or lighting of the driveway or the highway maintained by a public agency is 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 Semi-Truck Hit-and-Run
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kevin Moran. Important questions remain: Who was driving the white tractor with the blue trailer that turned out of the restaurant lot on Pacific Coast Highway? And will the images released by police lead detectives to that driver and the company behind the truck?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck, bicycle or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our truck accident 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 9, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on September 4, 2026.
