Elderly Pedestrian Killed in Long Beach Car Accident Identified

Los Angeles County Coroner’s office identified an elderly pedestrian who was killed by an automobile on Wednesday as Michael Handebeaux of Long Beach.

Authorities say the 71-year-old was hit near the intersection of Redondo Avenue and 11th Street in Long Beach. Long Beach police patrol officers arrived at the scene at around 10 a.m. They discovered a black 2006 Lincoln Mercury near the intersection and Handebeaux stopped on the middle of the roadway.

A team of the Long Beach Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and rushed the victim to a local hospital for treatment. But by 3 p.m. Handebeaux was pronounced dead.

Reports say that the driver, an 89-year-old, who was identified as a Huntington Beach resident was released at the scene without further pending charges.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the Lincoln was heading southbound on Redondo Avenue while the pedestrian attempted to cross at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time and was struck and thrown onto the road by the vehicle.

When the car accident happened, the driver stopped his vehicle to help the fallen pedestrian. Meanwhile, a witness dialed emergency services.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the accident. Anyone who has further information is being asked to contact the Long Beach Police.

Pedestrian accidents in the United States amount to approximately 5,000 deaths and more than 85,000 people injured each year. Over the last decade alone there have been more than 63,000 pedestrian deaths according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Experts often debate that pedestrian death rates and injuries can be reduced nationwide. If pedestrians and motorists practiced safer public road awareness, these numbers can slowly diminish.

Sometimes, the solutions are as simple as waiting a few seconds to assess the road conditions and traffic prior to driving or walking through a throughway. There are several way to asses road conditions, the first is visual, do you see anything coming your way or do you see any blind spots where a potential road hazard may pop out from? If you do, make sure to proceed with caution. Second, listen. Pay attention to road sounds, although electric vehicle motors are nearly silent compared to gas or diesel engines, you may be able to hear the sound of the tires going through gravel, or a blaring sound system. When you cross, do so at a steady pace and aware of possible dangers.

Pedestrian road injuries and auto accidents can devastate families financially and emotionally. If you or your loved one were injured, contact a Long Beach car accident lawyer. You may be able to collect compensation to pay for medical bills, physical damage or other expenses.

You won’t find out what you may qualify for unless you call for a free consultation. So call today and get the compensation you deserve!

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