Pedestrian crashes rarely happen by chance. In Long Beach and throughout Los Angeles County, a disproportionate number of serious pedestrian injuries occur at intersections, especially when vehicles are making left turns.
These collisions are not random. They are the result of traffic design, human behavior, and predictable driver errors that place people on foot directly in harm’s way.
Why Left Turns Are So Dangerous
Left turns require drivers to process multiple hazards simultaneously. They must judge oncoming traffic, obey traffic signals, watch for other turning vehicles, and look for pedestrians crossing the street.
When drivers feel pressure to beat an oncoming car or make the light, their attention shifts away from crosswalks. Even careful drivers can miss a pedestrian when their focus is divided between traffic lanes.
How Crosswalks Become Collision Zones
Pedestrians are lawfully allowed to cross when the walk signal is active. But at many intersections, the same green light that permits a left turn will also enable pedestrians to enter the crosswalk.
This creates a conflict point where:
- Drivers are focused on oncoming cars.
- Pedestrians are focused on safely crossing.
- Neither party can clearly predict the other’s movement.
The result is a high-risk situation that leads to devastating injuries.
Why Drivers Often Fail to See Pedestrians
Even when a pedestrian is directly in front of a turning vehicle, drivers may not register them. This is known as the “looked-but-did-not-see” error, and it is common at busy intersections.
Factors that increase this risk include:
- Wide intersections with multiple lanes.
- Poor lighting or glare.
- Vehicles blocking sightlines.
- High-speed traffic is approaching from the opposite direction.
In these moments, pedestrians become invisible until it is too late.
Long Beach’s Busy Intersections Create Added Danger
Long Beach experiences heavy commuter, tourist, and commercial vehicle traffic. Many of the city’s busiest intersections combine multiple lanes, turn arrows, and complex signal timing.
This complexity increases the likelihood that a driver will misjudge a gap or fail to notice a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Why These Crashes Often Cause Severe Injuries
Left-turn pedestrian crashes frequently involve the front or side of a vehicle striking someone at full speed. Victims may be thrown onto the hood, windshield, or pavement.
Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries.
- Broken bones.
- Spinal trauma.
- Internal organ damage.
- Permanent mobility impairments.
These are life-altering events, not minor accidents.
How Fault is Determined in Left-Turn Collisions
Under California law, drivers turning left must yield to pedestrians who are lawfully in the crosswalk. Even if a pedestrian is not seen, the legal duty remains.
Our attorneys examine:
- Signal timing and traffic light phases.
- Intersection design and sightlines.
- Vehicle speed and braking.
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage.
- Witness statements and police reports.
These details are critical to proving how the collision happened and who is responsible.
How Our Attorneys Help Injured Pedestrians
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto pedestrians, claiming distraction or poor visibility. Our attorneys focus on evidence demonstrating how these crashes occur and why drivers are responsible when they fail to yield.
At the Law Offices of Asher Hoffman, we work to ensure injured pedestrians are not blamed for dangerous traffic design or driver error.
If you or a loved one was struck while crossing at a Long Beach intersection, our attorneys are here to help. Call 877-792-4529 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn how we can protect your rights.
