Man crosses outside crosswalk and vehicle strikes him at Maine Avenue
February 18, 2026 | Long Beach, CA
Ramon Maldonado, a 39-year-old resident of Hacienda Heights, lost his life in a pedestrian accident in Long Beach.
Authorities reported that he was struck by a vehicle at a busy intersection, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in urban areas.
Ramon Maldonado, 39, died after he was struck by a Chevrolet Trailblazer at Pacific Coast Highway and Maine Avenue in Long Beach.
What Happened in the Long Beach Pedestrian Crash?
Police responded to the scene where Maldonado was hit around 9:30 p.m. The incident occurred at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Maine Avenue. Emergency personnel pronounced him deceased at the location. Investigators from local law enforcement are actively reviewing the circumstances of the collision.
- Victim: Ramon Maldonado, 39, from Hacienda Heights
- Location: Pacific Coast Highway and Maine Avenue, Long Beach, CA
- Date and Time: Feb. 18, approximately 9:30 p.m.
- Vehicle Involved: 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, and the victim died at the scene
- Status: Investigation ongoing by Long Beach police
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur in California?
Pedestrian fatalities remain a significant issue across the state, often stemming from multiple contributing factors. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, California's pedestrian death rate exceeds the national average by nearly 25%. Over a recent 10-year span, approximately 7,500 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic incidents.
Common causes of such accidents include:
- Speeding by drivers
- Driver distraction, such as phone use
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Poor visibility from inadequate lighting or signage
- Road design flaws
To illustrate the scope of pedestrian safety challenges, the following table summarizes key statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Statistic |
California Data |
National Comparison |
|---|
Pedestrian Fatality Rate |
25% higher than U.S. average |
Baseline national rate |
10-Year Pedestrian Deaths |
About 7,500 |
Over 60,000 nationwide |
Top Contributing Factors |
Speeding (30%), Distraction (25%), Impairment (20%) |
Similar patterns observed |
Urban Intersection Crashes |
40% of incidents |
Higher in populated areas |
These figures underscore the need for enhanced safety measures, including better infrastructure and stricter enforcement.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Accident Investigations
In cases such as this, conducting a thorough independent investigation is crucial for clarifying responsibilities and supporting affected parties. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal, emphasizes the importance of detailed examinations.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Independent Investigations: Essential for uncovering hidden factors like environmental conditions.
- Negligence Proof: Requires professional analysis of vehicle dynamics and witness statements.
- Compensation Focus: Aims to address losses including medical costs, emotional distress, and future earnings.
- Victim Rights Protection: Ensures families are informed and represented throughout the process.
Potential Wrongful Death Claims Following the Incident
Family members of Ramon Maldonado may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek remedies for their loss. Such claims can cover damages related to companionship, suffering, and emotional effects from catastrophic crashes like this pedestrian collision.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, notes the challenges families face in these situations.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Formica. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
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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).