Pedestrian struck at Willow Street and Long Beach Boulevard; investigation underway
SOUTH GATE, CA, (July 20, 2025) - A pedestrian was struck and killed early Sunday morning in South Gate, authorities said. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner later identified the victim as 48-year-old Carlos Reyes.
Carlos Reyes, 48, was struck and killed by a vehicle early Sunday morning in South Gate, authorities said.
The collision occurred around 1:36 a.m. at Willow Place and Long Beach Boulevard. Initial reports indicate Reyes was hit by an unknown vehicle and died from blunt traumatic injuries.
Information about the driver has not yet been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Each year, thousands of pedestrians are killed on U.S. roads—a crisis driven by factors such as reckless driver behavior, inadequate infrastructure, and roads designed primarily for cars. Between 2009 and 2023, pedestrian deaths rose a staggering 80%, while all other traffic fatalities increased 13%, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that it’s imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
“Blind spots, inexperienced drivers, and distracted motorists often cause these types of collisions. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time while ensuring that a driver is held accountable if they do not obey traffic laws.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. The family of Carlos Reyes may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” Bond explained.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure families into quick settlements for far less than the case is worth,” she added. “An attorney will fight to ensure the family is treated with dignity and receives fair compensation.”
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).