Suv jumped curb and struck family on front steps near Fourth Street
March 02, 2026 | Long Beach, CA
A 1-year-old girl lost her life, and two family members suffered serious injuries when an SUV reversed into pedestrians on the front steps of a building in Long Beach.
Myrah Hunter, 1, died after an SUV backed onto the front steps of a building and struck three pedestrians in the 400 block of Maine Avenue in Long Beach.
- Date and Time: March 2, around 11:30 a.m.
- Location: 400 block of Maine Avenue, near Fourth Street
- Vehicle Involved: SUV driven by a 55-year-old man
- Victims: Myrah Hunter, 1, deceased, and her mother and young cousin, hospitalized, stable condition
- Incident Details: The driver was backing up, possibly to turn around, when the vehicle jumped the curb and struck the three pedestrians.
- Arrest: The driver was booked on a felony charge with $300,000 bail.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed Myrah Hunter as the victim who succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
What Happened in the Crash?
Police reports indicate the SUV driver failed to notice the family seated on the steps, leading to the tragic collision. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured to a nearby hospital, where the mother and cousin received treatment for serious but stable injuries.
This incident underscores the dangers of reversing vehicles in pedestrian-heavy areas, prompting an ongoing investigation by Long Beach authorities.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Backing-up crashes often result from driver distraction, poor visibility, or misjudgment of surroundings. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), such incidents account for a significant portion of pedestrian injuries annually.
- Common causes include blind spots in larger vehicles like SUVs.
- Failure to check mirrors or use backup cameras effectively.
- High-traffic residential zones increase vulnerability for families and children.
Pedestrian Crash Statistics
Organization |
Statistic |
Source Year |
Key Insight |
|---|
Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) |
Pedestrian deaths rose nearly 7 times faster than U.S. population growth over the last decade |
2023 |
Emphasizes the need for driver caution around vulnerable road users |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Over 7,000 pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. annually |
2022 |
Intersection and non-intersection crashes both contribute significantly |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Backing crashes involve 15,000 pedestrian injuries yearly |
2021 |
Residential areas see higher rates due to reversing maneuvers |
Data highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures, such as improved vehicle technology and stricter enforcement.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian collision cases to protect 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 at Bond Legal.
- Investigation Priority: An independent review by a seasoned attorney ensures evidence preservation and rights protection, especially when time is critical.
- Driver Responsibility: Motorists must yield to pedestrians, exercising extra caution in areas with potential foot traffic.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.”
- Wrongful Death Claims: Attorneys can guide families through legal processes, advocating against lowball insurance settlements.
- Fair Compensation: Professional representation helps secure respectful and 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).