It’s every parent’s nightmare — the moment a call comes from the school nurse or police. A child was crossing the street outside school and was hit by a car. It’s the kind of accident that stops everything. Unfortunately, it’s not rare. In Long Beach, where dozens of schools are bordered by high-traffic roads like Atlantic Avenue, Anaheim Street, and Bellflower Boulevard, school zone crashes involving children are a serious concern. In these moments, the guidance of a car accident attorney Long Beach can be critical.
Why School Zones Are Risky — Even When Speed Limits Are Lower
Long Beach Unified serves over 70,000 students, many of whom walk or bike to school daily. Despite designated crosswalks and flashing lights, drivers regularly speed or fail to yield. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian injuries in school zones have been rising — especially between 7–9 AM and 2–4 PM.Crashes in these zones often involve younger children who are shorter, less visible, and may dart into the street without warning. When a driver is distracted — checking a phone or adjusting the radio — the result can be devastating. And when a car accident lawyer investigates these cases, liability often rests on the driver’s failure to follow posted school zone rules.
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What Parents Need to Know About Liability
California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. In a school zone, the law goes further: the speed limit drops to 25 mph (or lower if posted) when children are present. If a child is hit, drivers are often presumed liable — but that doesn’t make compensation automatic.
Insurance companies are known to downplay injuries, especially in children, arguing the injuries “look minor” or “they’ll bounce back.” That’s where a car accident lawyer in Long Beach makes the difference. They document the full extent of harm, including future medical needs, therapy, and emotional trauma.
Maryam Parman and her team at Avrek Law have handled hundreds of similar cases across California. With Over $2 Billion recovered for victims, they know how to push back when insurers offer low settlements or delay responsibility.
A Tragic Reminder: The Importance of Vigilance Near School Zones
In March 2024, a heartbreaking incident occurred in Long Beach when a 4-year-old girl was fatally struck by a Ford F-150 while crossing 55th Way near Paramount Boulevard. The child was crossing outside of a designated crosswalk around 7:00 p.m. The 25-year-old driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Authorities determined that speed, distracted driving, and impairment were not factors in the collision.
This tragedy underscores the critical need for enhanced safety measures in areas frequented by children. It highlights the importance of driver vigilance, especially in residential neighborhoods and near schools, where children may unexpectedly enter the roadway.
In the aftermath of such incidents, families often seek legal guidance to navigate the complexities of liability and compensation. Consulting with a car accident attorney Long Beach can provide clarity and support during these challenging times.
What to Do Immediately After a Crash
It’s hard to think clearly in a crisis, but certain steps matter more than others. If your child is hit by a car near a school zone:
- Call 911 and insist on a full police report
A formal report creates a record of what happened and may include preliminary fault assessments or witness statements. - Take photos of the scene, including signs, paint markings, and traffic signals
Visual evidence helps document road conditions, visibility issues, and driver behavior that might otherwise be disputed later. - Get contact info from witnesses, school staff, and nearby drivers
Independent accounts can support your child’s version of events and confirm whether school safety measures were followed. - Ask for a full medical evaluation, even if the child says “I’m okay”
Children may underreport pain or feel fine due to adrenaline. Early documentation of injuries protects both their health and future claims.
A Long Beach car accident lawyer can use that early information to build a stronger case — often before the insurance company even responds.
Common Injuries and Long-Term Consequences
Injuries from school zone crashes vary, but the most common include:
- Broken bones (especially in legs and arms)
- Head injuries or concussions
- Spinal trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Emotional distress or PTSD
Many of these are classified as delayed-onset injuries, meaning symptoms may not appear until days or weeks later. That’s one reason why parents often underestimate the importance of speaking to a car accident attorney Long Beach early.
How Compensation Works in Child Injury Cases
Unlike adult injury claims, child settlements must be approved by the court in California. Long Beach car accident lawyers make sure that all medical costs, long-term care, therapy, educational disruptions, and emotional suffering are included.
This compensation may come from:
- The driver’s liability insurance
- Umbrella policies
- School district negligence (if applicable)
- UM/UIM coverage (if the driver fled or lacked insurance)
Avrek Law works with families to uncover every possible source of recovery. Their focus is on building real support for victims — not just taking the first offer that comes through.
When the Driver Has No Insurance — Or Leaves the Scene
Sadly, hit-and-run cases in school zones are increasing. In some Long Beach neighborhoods, drivers panic, flee, and leave families to deal with medical bills and unanswered questions.
In these cases, an auto accident lawyer in Long Beach can help families file under their own uninsured motorist (UM) policy, even if the child wasn’t in a car. California law allows pedestrian claims under UM coverage, and Avrek attorneys understand how to activate those benefits.
Don’t Let an Insurance Company Minimize a Child’s Injury
Insurance companies are skilled at downplaying trauma. They may offer to cover the emergency room bill and call it “resolved.” But kids may need:
- Physical therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Academic support or tutors
- Scar revision or follow-up surgery
A skilled car accident lawyer makes sure nothing gets overlooked. They coordinate with pediatricians, school psychologists, and occupational therapists to build a case based on real impact — not what an adjuster decides.
Why Long Beach Families Choose Avrek
With more than 50 years of combined experience, the legal team at Avrek Law focuses entirely on injury claims — especially those involving pedestrians and children. Their results speak for themselves: millions recovered for victims, including school zone crashes just like yours.
This is what Avrek does every day. Their attorneys understand local school layouts, Long Beach traffic enforcement issues, and how insurers delay, deny, and underpay.
When a parent calls, Avrek acts — fast.
24/7 Help for Long Beach Families
Whether your child was hit outside a school, in a neighborhood crosswalk, or during after-school pickup, a car accident attorney Long Beach can provide the guidance you need right now. Call 866-598-5548, start a live chat, or submit a form for a free consultation. There’s no obligation and no fees unless your case is successful. Protecting your child’s future after a crash means having the right team in place — Avrek Law is here to help you move forward with answers, options, and action.