Investigation Underway After Deadly Big Rig Truck Hit-and-Run Collision in Long Beach by Oregon Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (August 22, 2025) – A pedestrian has tragically died in a Long Beach semi-truck accident near the intersection of Oregon Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. A semi-truck was turning southbound onto Oregon Avenue from the PHC when they ran over the victim on the sidewalk.
Authorities have not described the crash as a hit-and-run, but the truck driver did keep going southbound after running over the victim. The truck driver apparently allowed his rear tires to roll over the sidewalk and hit the victim, who may have been homeless and sleeping.
Paramedics were called to the scene to help the man. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Sadly, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. A full investigation into the Long Beach truck accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Long Beach Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck drivers are required to get a commercial license. They must operate with an abundance of caution to avoid accidents. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code §22107, “No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.” If a truck driver allows their vehicle to drift onto a sidewalk and strike a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many reasons that truck drivers are involved in accidents.
- Inexperience: Driving a truck can be extremely difficult in the best of circumstances. These vehicles have a wide turning radius that must be taken into consideration. Younger drivers with less experience are statistically more likely to be involved in collisions.
- Driver Distraction: Driving a truck requires intense focus for long periods of time. It is possible that truck drivers may become bored and distracted by their phones or many different objects.
- Speed: A large portion of truck accidents involve a speeding driver. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 lbs. These vehicles take substantially longer to stop at all speeds.
- Driver Intoxication: A number of truck accidents involve drivers that are impaired by some substance. What many truck drivers don’t realize is that a variety of substances could hinder their ability to drive safely, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a crash, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers in California can be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees operating within the course and scope of their job duties. This could include instances where a truck was transporting goods from one location to another. However, truck companies often hire their drivers as “independent contractors” to limit their legal exposure for accidents.
Important Evidence After Any Truck Accident
Ensuring that evidence is properly preserved after any collision is very important. At the end of the day, evidence will help establish what happened and what parties may ultimately be liable. What follows are a few of the pieces of evidence that will be very important after any truck accident.
- Surveillance Footage: Many traffic intersections are covered by surveillance cameras. It is also possible that surveillance cameras from a nearby business may have captured what happened.
- Medical Records: The physical injuries that a person sustains can help reveal what happened. For example, trauma to a person’s body can help reveal if they were hit from the side or front.
- Photos: Another important piece of evidence is the photographs taken after a crash. A lack of skid marks in the road can help reveal that one driver didn’t even attempt to brake before a collision.
- Police Reports: A police report represents an officer’s best account of what happened. These reports aren’t always totally accurate, but they can be used as leverage in civil claims.
The vast majority of truck accidents are completely preventable. They tend to involve situations where truck drivers are violating one or more traffic regulations. If these drivers are involved in a crash, they will rarely admit fault. This is why it is so important that accident victims seek experienced legal counsel. The family of any person who died in a Long Beach truck accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Los Angeles County Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian killed in this Long Beach hit-and-run truck accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Long Beach truck accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here for you. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held accountable for their negligent actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we can help. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.
