LONG BEACH, CA (July 27,2022) – Gabriel Garate, 7 years old, of Long Beach, was crossing a Long Beach street with his father when he was hit by a pickup and killed. The Riverside County man driving the vehicle was arrested, police said today.
Garate died at the scene of his injury, which occurred at about 5:25 p.m. Tuesday at Lakewood Boulevard and 23rd Street, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office and the Long Beach Police Department.
James Barnes, 57, of Desert Hot Springs was booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, police said. Barnes was released early Wednesday morning on $50,000 bond, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported.
“The preliminary investigation revealed a 2005 Dodge Ram pickup truck was traveling westbound 23rd Street and making a left turn to southbound Lakewood Boulevard,” police said in a statement.
“A father and juvenile were crossing Lakewood Boulevard eastbound on 23rd Street when the Dodge pickup truck failed to yield to them in the marked south crosswalk,” police said.
“The father and juvenile were in the crosswalk with the right-of-way pedestrian signal when the incident occurred.”
Barnes remained at the scene and was arrested, police said.
“Alcohol, drugs, and distracted driving were not believed to be a factor in this collision,” police said.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Detective Joseph Johnson or Detective Kevin Johansen at 562-570-7355. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS, or via the website www.lacrimestoppers.org.
[via City News Service]
Liability In Long Beach Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Gabriel Garate’s Pedestrian Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of 7-year-old Gabriel Garate. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.