Long Beach, CA (January 20, 2025) – Tragedy struck in Long Beach on Monday, January 20, 2025, when an 80-year-old bicyclist, Enrique Barajas, was fatally sideswiped by a hit-and-run driver.
Accident Details: The incident occurred around 12:15 PM on Atlantic Avenue near Pleasant Street, north of Del Amo Boulevard. Barajas was riding northbound on Atlantic Avenue. He was about to merge from the bicycle lane into the No. 1 lane when a white SUV traveling in the No. 2 lane sideswiped him. The driver of the SUV failed to stop and fled the scene, leaving Barajas with critical injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. The Long Beach Police Department actively seeks the public’s help in identifying and locating the hit-and-run driver.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Leaving the scene of an accident is against the law. In addition to possible criminal charges, if caught, the driver of the white SUV may face civil liability.
Every driver has a legal duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care and to remain at the scene of an accident they are involved in. Leaving the scene, as the driver of the SUV did, is a breach of this fundamental duty, demonstrating a disregard for human life and denying the victim crucial medical attention.
Barajas’ family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim if the at-fault driver is identified. This claim seeks to compensate the family for their losses, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Enrique Barajas during this heartbreaking time.
Source: Long Beach Post