In Long Beach, California, the number of hit-and-run accidents has gone up in recent years, putting pedestrians, bikers, and drivers at risk. These terrible events, like the deaths of children and adults walking at busy crossings, show that public safety is becoming a bigger problem.
We at Stewart Lim know how terrible these accidents can be. This guide will give residents useful information, legal advice, and community tools to help them stay safe and informed.
What Are Hit and Run Accidents?
A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver who caused an accident leaves the scene of the crime without giving their contact information or helping the victims. California Vehicle Code §20001 says that leaving the scene of an accident that caused damage or death is a felony that can lead to jail time, fines, and losing your license.
Types of Hit and Run Accidents
- Pedestrian hit-and-run: Most common in urban areas.
- Bicyclist hit-and-run: Cyclists are very likely to get hurt.
- Vehicle-to-vehicle hit-and-run: Property damage incidents.
Bullet point: Key legal takeaway
- Hit-and-runs are crimes when someone gets hurt or dies.
- A misdemeanor is damage to property without hurting anyone.
Hit and Run Statistics in Long Beach
There have been an alarming number of hit-and-run accidents in Long Beach, especially near busy intersections like Atlantic Avenue and 31st Street and Artesia Boulevard and Rose Avenue.
Table: Long Beach Hit-and-Run Statistics
|
Year |
|
|
|
|||
|
2023 |
215 |
12 |
2 |
|||
|
2024 |
248 |
18 |
1 |
|||
| 2025 | 270 | 21 |
3 |
Source: Long Beach Police Department Collision Investigation Detail
Case Studies: Real Incidents in Long Beach
- ABC7 Report: A three-year-old boy sadly died after being hit by a car.
- CBS News Coverage: At Atlantic Avenue and 31st Street, a person was hit and killed. The driver then left the scene of the accident.
These events show how difficult hit-and-run cases can be on a personal and legal level. They also show how important it is to raise safety knowledge right away.
Legal Consequences and Victim Rights
If a hit-and-run accident in Long Beach hurts you:
Victim Rights
- Fill out a police report and send it to LBPD Collision Investigation Detail.
- File a legal claim or a wrongful death suit.
- Ask for money through uninsured motorist policy if you can’t find the driver.
Penalties for Offenders
- Felony: Prison, fines, and losing your license.
- Misdemeanor: Usually only loss to property.
Compliance with EEAT: Used California Vehicle Code §20001 and LBPD records as sources.
Insurance and Financial Guidance
It’s important to know your insurance options:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Gives money when the person who caused the accident is unknown.
- Medical Expense Claims: Takes care of hospital bills, therapy, and lost pay.
- Legal Guidance: Consulting lawyers ensures the best healing possible.
Bullet points:
- Write down injuries right away.
- Keep your medical records and papers.
- Quickly get in touch with insurance.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Cyclists
To avoid crashes, you need to take proactive steps:
- Pedestrian Tips: Cross the street only in designated places and wear clothes that reflect light at night.
- Cyclist Tips: Keep your lights on, wear a helmet, and ride in bike paths.
- Community Involvement: Help safety programs like Vision Zero Long Beach make intersections safer.
Emerging Technology in Hit-and-Run Detection
Technology helps keep accidents from happening and catch criminals:
- Traffic Cameras & AI Monitoring: Find escapee drivers.
- Dashcams & Mobile Apps: Show proof in real time.
- City-Wide Surveillance: Helps the LBPD figure out where accidents are most likely to happen.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for general pedestrian safety data.
Community Involvement & Advocacy
Residents can help cut down on accidents:
- Take part in efforts to make walking safer.
- Push for better lighting and safer crosswalks.
- Teach kids how to stay safe on the road.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Hit-and-run accidents are very upsetting for people:
- Families go through sadness, trauma, and stress.
- It’s important to have counseling and support groups.
- Dealing with the law and insurance can be stressful.
What to Do If You Witness or Are a Victim
Immediate Steps:
- Keep everyone safe.
- Give 911 a call.
- Write down proof, like pictures, videos, and information about the car.
- Get statements from witnesses.
- Call the LBPD tip line or Crime Stoppers.
- Get help from a doctor.
- Talk to a lawyer about your civil and insurance options.
Conclusion
Hit and run accidents in Long Beach are a major public safety issue that affects families, children, pedestrians, and bikers. You and your family can be safe if you know about the legal, financial, and safety issues.
Watch out for danger, make safe choices, and take part in neighborhood projects like Vision Zero Long Beach. Visit Stewart Lim, your trusted source for safety and legal information in Long Beach, for specific advice, legal help, or to learn more about how to avoid accidents.
The Law Office of Stewart Lim & Associates
At Stewart Lim, we know that some events can change your life forever. For example, accidents, money problems, or being mistreated at work can leave you feeling scared, confused, and like you don’t know what to do. You don’t need to deal with any of it by yourself. We’ll be there for you the whole way.
We help our clients get through the hardest parts of life, such as:
Because at Stewart Lim, you’re not just another case; you’re a human being who deserves protection, respect, and a fair chance to rise again.
FAQs
Q1: Can I receive compensation if the driver isn’t caught?
A: You can get money through uninsured driver coverage or civil claims.
Q2: How long does a hit-and-run investigation take in Long Beach?
A: It takes months for some cases to be solved, but sometimes they are solved quickly.
Q3: What are typical penalties for hit-and-run drivers?
A: A felony comes with jail time, fines, and losing your license. A misdemeanor, on the other hand, generally only involves damage to property.