Signal Hill, CA (June 18, 2024) – In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Raider Magallanes, an 18-year-old recent graduate of Long Beach Poly High School, lost his life in a bicycle accident on June 18 in Signal Hill.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 7:35 p.m. as Magallanes was cycling westbound down the steep slope of Skyline Drive. According to the Signal Hill Police Department, he ran a red light at the intersection of Cherry Avenue and Skyline Drive, leading to a collision with a moving vehicle. Magallanes was killed. The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Investigation: Velina Velasquez, Magallanes’ aunt and legal guardian, disputes the police’s version of events. She has spent several days at the accident site, gathering witness testimonies that contradict the police report. Velasquez asserts that multiple witnesses have told her Magallanes had a green light and the right of way. She also criticized the police’s reliance on video footage from a grocery store that did not capture the traffic lights at the intersection.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find several aspects warrant further consideration in this case, such as the following:
- Traffic Light Evidence: The timing of the traffic lights is critical in this case. The police claim Magallanes ran a red light, but witnesses and the victim’s family argue otherwise. It will be crucial to gather and analyze any available traffic light data to ascertain the true sequence of events.
- Intersection Safety: Velasquez observed a hit-and-run and several near misses at the same intersection, which points to potential safety concerns. This incident may prompt a broader review of the intersection’s safety measures, possibly implicating the local municipality for failing to keep the intersection safe.
- Driver Conduct and Liability: While the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the police, it is important to investigate whether any actions taken by the driver could have contributed to the accident. Assessing the driver’s speed, reaction time, and adherence to traffic laws will be key to determining any potential liability.
If negligence is found, Magallanes may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
My sincerest condolences to Raider Magallanes’s family and friends during this tragic time. His family has set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral expenses. Please contribute if you can.
Source: Long Beach Post