[01-20-2025] Los Angeles County, CA – 80-Year-Old Bicyclist Killed In Long Beach Hit-And-Run, Search Continues

An 80-year-old bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run collision in Long Beach on Monday afternoon, January 20, 2025.

According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers responded to the Pleasant Street and Atlantic Avenue intersection around 12:15 p.m. following reports of a traffic crash between a vehicle and a bicyclist.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the cyclist, identified as E. Barajas, was northbound on Atlantic Avenue. He merged into the number one lane from the bike lane when he was sideswiped by a white SUV traveling in the same direction in the number two lane.

The driver fled the scene without stopping. Barajas was transported to a hospital in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Authorities seek the public’s help in locating the responsible driver. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call 562-570-7355. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

Talk To Our Compassionate Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In Long Beach

Nothing is more tragic than having your loved one killed in an accident while the at-fault party escapes responsibility. If you or someone you care about was injured or killed in a hit-and-run crash, you can seek legal advice from our personal injury attorneys to recover damages.

Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and his award-winning team of hit-and-run accident victim attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate the merits of your case. During this consultation that does not require you to sign, we will review your case, explain your rights and the claims process, and examine the factors that could influence the compensation you may receive.

Our top-rated Long Beach hit-and-run accident lawyers at Arash Law provide legal guidance in insurance claims and even court representation. As one of California’s top and biggest personal injury law firms, we have won over $750 million for accident victims and their families.

Talk to our attorneys today. Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After A Hit-And-Run Accident In Long Beach, CA

In case you’re still able to do so after a hit-and-run, you must protect your well-being and rights to compensation by taking the following steps. Doing so can also assist authorities in finding the at-fault driver:

• Gather Information — If you can, write down the make, model, color, and license plate number of the car that hit you. Take pictures of the vehicle and the accident scene if possible. This information can help identify the driver.
• Inform The Authorities — Get in touch with the police immediately. They will make an official record of the crash, which can bolster your claim later on. You can ask the California DMV or the police agency for the report later on.
• Obtain Witness Information — Get the names and contact details of any witnesses, if any. Their testimonies can verify your version of the incident.
• Seek Medical Care Right Away — See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not show up straight away. Medical records are also crucial in proving your injuries when filing a legal claim.
• Inform Your Insurance Provider — Report the crash to your insurer, but don’t take responsibility for the accident. Refrain from accepting any settlement offers, signing anything, or giving a recorded statement without legal counsel.
• Talk To Our Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys — Call (888) 488-1391 to speak with our knowledgeable attorneys in a free initial consultation. We will examine your case, deal with insurance providers, and assist you in submitting a personal injury claim. We are available to help you at every stage of the legal process.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics

A report from ValuePenguin shows a sharp increase in deadly hit-and-run crashes between 2012 and 2021, vastly outpacing the overall rise in fatal crashes during that same period.

In 2021, 2,783 fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs were reported—an 89.4% increase from the 1,469 incidents recorded in 2012. In contrast, the total number of fatal crashes of all types only rose by 27.4% over the same span.

California has the highest percentage of fatal hit-and-runs nationwide, with 10.1% of its fatal accidents involving hit-and-runs. Pedestrians are most often the victims, accounting for more than 60% of these cases. From 2012 to 2021, 62.8% of fatal hit-and-run crashes involved pedestrians, and pedestrian deaths increased by 53.7% during this period.

Hit-and-runs were more likely to occur at night, with 9.5% of fatal nighttime crashes between 2012 and 2021 involving hit-and-runs, compared to just 2.7% during the daytime. Over this period, 77.3% of all deadly hit-and-runs occurred at night.