Pedestrian struck by Hyundai Tucson near Locust Avenue
March 27, 2026 | Long Beach, CA
A 65-year-old pedestrian lost his life after being hit by a vehicle in Long Beach on a Friday evening. Authorities identified the victim as Francisco Fuentes through the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Francisco Fuentes, 65, died after being struck by a Hyundai Tucson on Del Amo Boulevard near Locust Avenue in Long Beach.
The incident took place around 8 p.m. close to the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Locust Avenue. Long Beach police reported that a westbound 2023 Hyundai Tucson struck Fuentes, who later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The vehicle's driver stayed at the scene, and officials stated that impairment from alcohol or drugs does not appear to be involved. The case remains under active investigation by authorities.
What Happened in the Crash?
Key details from the Long Beach police include:
- Date and Time: Friday, March 27, at approximately 8 p.m.
- Location: Near Del Amo Boulevard and Locust Avenue, Long Beach, California
- Vehicle Involved: 2023 Hyundai Tucson traveling westbound
- Victim: Francisco Fuentes, age 65
- Outcome: Fatal injuries leading to death at a nearby hospital
- Driver Status: Cooperated with investigators; no signs of impairment
This tragic event underscores the vulnerabilities pedestrians face on urban roads.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian fatalities continue to rise across the United States, fueled by speeding, distracted driving, and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths surged 80% from 2009 to 2023, far outpacing the 13% increase in other traffic deaths.
Factors contributing to such incidents often include:
- Reckless driving behaviors
- Poor road design prioritizing vehicles
- Inadequate lighting and signage
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths Increase (2009-2023) |
80% |
GHSA |
Overall Traffic Fatalities Increase (2009-2023) |
13% |
GHSA |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities |
~7,500 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
These numbers highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in high-traffic areas like Long Beach intersections.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian collisions to support affected families.
“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, managing partner of Bond Legal.
Bond stressed the value of an independent review by a qualified attorney in cases such as this to safeguard family rights. Elements like road conditions, visibility of signs, and lighting must be scrutinized to pursue justice.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica explained that families may pursue wrongful death claims covering lost income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress. He cautioned against hasty settlements pushed by insurers, advocating for strong legal representation to secure fair compensation.
Key takeaways:
- Pedestrians generally have priority at crossings.
- Comprehensive probes reveal hidden factors like infrastructure flaws.
- Legal action can address financial and emotional impacts.
- Experienced counsel counters insurance tactics for equitable outcomes.
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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).