Newport Beach, CA (June 25, 2026) – A pedestrian died on Wednesday afternoon, June 24, after being struck by a vehicle on East Coast Highway near Newport Coast Drive, according to information provided by the Newport Beach Police Department.
The collision happened just after 12:45 p.m. in the westbound lanes of Coast Highway, west of the intersection. Witnesses at the scene attempted life-saving measures before emergency units arrived.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead by the Newport Beach Fire Department personnel. The victim’s identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Southbound lanes of East Coast Highway at Pelican Point and all northbound lanes at Newport Coast Drive were closed for several hours, and reopened by approximately 6:30 p.m.
The NBPD’s Major Accident Investigation Team has taken over examining how the crash occurred.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family during this difficult time.
How Long Do Newport Beach, CA Pedestrian Death Cases Take to Investigate Before a Claim Can Move Forward?
A pedestrian fatality investigation in California doesn’t have to fully conclude before a wrongful death claim can begin, though many families wait for preliminary findings before filing.
California law gives surviving family members up to two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, though gathering evidence early, including witness statements and any available traffic camera footage, often strengthens a case well before that deadline approaches. Pedestrian deaths frequently involve disputes over right-of-way, vehicle speed, and visibility, all of which can shift depending on findings from a dedicated accident reconstruction team.
Because California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, a family’s recovery can still move forward even if the pedestrian is found partially at fault, with damages adjusted rather than barred entirely.
Sorting through fault percentages and insurance disputes is commonly where a personal injury attorney becomes useful, particularly when the at-fault driver’s insurer attempts to assign blame to the pedestrian to reduce its own exposure.
At Saleh Law Group we are aware that losing a family member in a pedestrian crash leaves behind questions that don’t always have immediate answers. We work with families across California to help them walk through the legal aftermath of a fatal accident.
We can evaluate the details of your situations and explain what steps could make sense based on your case. Reach out to Saleh Law Group at (949) 431-6371 to talk directly with our team.











