Tesla struck a Volkswagen near Bellflower Boulevard
August 22, 2026 | Long Beach, CA
What happened in the crash?
Robert Fairbanks, 44, was killed after a Tesla traveling westbound on Pacific Coast Highway struck a Volkswagen near Bellflower Boulevard in Long Beach.
- Date and time: Aug. 22 at approximately 10:30 p.m.
- Location: 5700 block of Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, near Bellflower Boulevard in the Alamitos Heights area
- Vehicles involved: Westbound Tesla and Volkswagen exiting a shopping center
- Victim: Robert Fairbanks, 44, pronounced deceased at the scene
- Other parties: Volkswagen driver, 48, and passenger, 43, transported to hospitals with conditions unknown
A speeding Tesla struck the Volkswagen, then jumped the curb, hit a cinder block wall, and damaged several parked vehicles. The Volkswagen collided with a sign. Investigators determined speed and impaired driving as contributing factors; the case remains under active review.
Why do these accidents happen?
Impaired driving combined with excessive speed significantly raises the risk of fatal outcomes. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows alcohol and other impairing substances factor into roughly 40 percent of all deadly traffic crashes annually.
Legal Insights
National analysts at Newsline review patterns in motor vehicle incidents to help families understand available options.
In cases such as this, family members may pursue civil claims separate from any criminal proceedings to seek accountability and potential compensation for losses including companionship and emotional distress.
- Review of police reports and investigation findings can clarify liability
- Timely consultation with counsel helps preserve rights and evidence
- Civil actions focus on holding responsible parties accountable for reckless conduct
When a loved one is lost due to negligence, speaking with a wrongful death attorney provides guidance on pursuing the justice deserved.
Key Statistics on Impaired Driving
| Source | Statistic | Context |
|---|
| National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | ~40% | Share of fatal crashes involving alcohol or impairing drugs |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Daily average | 37 people die in drunk-driving crashes nationwide |
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
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Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Long Beach, Fatal Accident, Pacific Coast Highway, Bellflower Boulevard