Published: August 3, 2026
By: Yaghmai Law Firm, APC
(Long Beach, CA) – A pedestrian died two days after being struck by a Long Beach Transit bus last week, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
The collision was reported at about 1:05 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, when officers responded to the 400 block of Golden Shore for a crash involving a bus and a person on foot, police said.
When officers reached the scene, they located an adult male pedestrian lying in the roadway with injuries to his upper body, according to a department release. The release stated that bystanders provided first aid until Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived to take over care.
The pedestrian died two days later from his injuries, police said.
Know Your Rights After a Crash
After a serious crash, California law gives injured people and families limited time to act. Evidence like vehicle data, camera footage, and witness memories fades quickly. A free, no-obligation case review can help you understand your options. Call or text (888) 800-6731, or start a free case review online. Asistencia en español disponible.
Analysis of the Long Beach Transit Bus Collision
The following is a general discussion of the legal framework that can apply to a fatal pedestrian collision in California. It is not a statement about fault in this incident, which remains under official review.
Under California Civil Code section 1714, every person must use ordinary care to avoid injuring others, and this general duty applies to bus operators and pedestrians alike. When a pedestrian is struck, investigators often examine where the person was crossing. California Vehicle Code section 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks while also imposing a duty of care on pedestrians, and California Vehicle Code section 21954 addresses situations where a pedestrian crosses outside a crosswalk. Which framework applies depends on facts that only a completed investigation can establish.
Because a Long Beach Transit bus was involved, any claim could implicate a public entity. California law sets special procedural rules for such claims: Government Code section 911.2 generally requires a written claim to be presented to the public entity within six months of the incident, and Government Code section 945.4 bars a lawsuit against a public entity until that claim has been presented and rejected. These deadlines are much shorter than the two-year personal injury limitations period in Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, which makes early legal review important.
Where a death results, California recognizes both a survival action under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.30 and a wrongful death action under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60, which allows certain surviving family members to pursue a claim. If evidence were to show a statutory violation that proximately caused the harm, Evidence Code section 669 can give rise to a presumption of negligence. The measure of any recoverable damages would be governed by Civil Code section 3333, and any comparative fault would be allocated under Civil Code section 1431.2.
What Families Can Do
Families facing a loss like this can take practical steps to protect their rights. Obtaining the official police report, identifying any transit or surveillance video, and preserving witness contact information can be valuable, as can prompt attention to the strict claim deadlines that apply when a public agency is involved. Because the timelines for claims against a public entity are unusually short, speaking with a qualified attorney early can help preserve options. Were you, or someone you love, involved in this crash? A Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer at Yaghmai Law Firm can explain your options and deal with the insurance companies for you. Call or text (888) 800-6731 or request a free case review.
About the Author
Houtan Yaghmai, Esq., President & Managing Attorney of Yaghmai Law Firm, APC. California State Bar No. 298487. Speaks English, French, and Persian. The firm represents personal injury clients throughout Southern California – consultations by phone, text, or video, no office visits required.
This post was assembled with AI assistance from publicly reported news sources cited below. All California Vehicle Code references were verified against leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Facts were re-checked via additional web searches before publication. This post is based on initial news reports and may be updated as new facts develop. Nothing in this article is legal advice. Yaghmai Law Firm, APC is not associated with the investigating agencies and does not represent any party named in this post unless explicitly stated.
Sources:
1. GNEWS_CA_PED – Pedestrian Dies Two Days After Being Struck By Long Beach Transit Bus: https://patch.com/california/longbeach-ca/pedestrian-dies-two-days-after-being-struck-long-beach-transit-bus
