7/28 Laguna Niguel, CA – Hit-and-Run Collision with Serious Injuries on Crown Valley Pkwy

Laguna Beach, CA – Pedestrian Xueyuan Zhang Killed in Accident on S Coast Hwy

Laguna Beach, CA (January 29, 2022) – On Saturday morning, January 28, an accident was reported in Laguna Beach that tragically resulted in a pedestrian’s death.

According to reports from the California Highway Patrol, the accident occurred early in the morning, a little before 3 a.m., when a vehicle was traveling on the South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach when the driver of the vehicle struck a male pedestrian near the 700 block of the highway, near Orangethorpe Avenue. The pedestrian was violently thrown onto the roadway and sustained severe injuries as a result of the collision.

Officials received calls about a man lying in the street. When emergency personnel responded, they found a man suffering injuries consistent with being hit by a car. Paramedics assessed the pedestrian’s injuries and provided medical care. The pedestrian sustained very severe injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts, the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries and died. The pedestrian was later identified as Xueyuan Zhang.

Police are still investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash. Officers closed the area for a time as the victim was treated, police conducted their investigation, and crews cleared the accident. It is unclear at this time if the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene of the accident.

We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased victim’s family at this time. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.

Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in California

Pedestrian accidents frequently happen in the Golden State. In 2018, California reported almost 900 deaths from pedestrians being hit by vehicles. Pedestrians often suffer greatly when they are involved in a vehicle accident because they have no way of protecting themselves from a sudden impact. Being hit by a car is a devastating experience and can impact your life greatly, leaving you with very serious injuries or even causing death.

The law in California imposes upon drivers a high standard for operating their vehicles, which is called a duty of care. The law puts this standard in place because of the realization that vehicles can inflict great bodily harm on others if not carefully operated. The driver’s duty of care extends to pedestrians also, which means that drivers must watch for pedestrians and safely operate their vehicles to maintain control and avoid causing harm to a pedestrian on the sidewalk, crosswalk, road, or wherever else they come in contact with a pedestrian. This duty of care is likely breached when a pedestrian is hit by a car.

If someone you love was killed in a pedestrian accident, a wrongful death suit may be filed on their behalf to seek compensation for damages that have been incurred. Such damages may include medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost future income and benefits, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. While no monetary value can replace your loved one’s life, a wrongful death suit can bring closure and ease the stress of financial burdens caused by your loved one’s death. Insurance companies have strict filing deadlines, so you will want to speak to an attorney soon.

If you have lost somebody you love in a pedestrian car accident, speak with a legal advocate that you can trust. Please do not hesitate to contact a Laguna Beach wrongful death attorney by calling (888) 539-3154 to see how we can help you.

Note: This post was created through the use of secondary sources such as state and local news sources, police accident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious injury accidents that take place in Orange County. The facts surrounding this accident have not been independently verified, therefore, if any information is incorrect, please contact Russell & Lazarus APC, Personal Injury Lawyer, so we can update the post with the most accurate information available. We will remove this post upon request. 

Disclaimer: This is not a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post is intended to be medical or legal advice. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.

Receive A Complimentary Case Evaluation

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.