On Wednesday, November 19th, a woman was tragically struck and killed by a trash truck near Shelton and Bishop Streets in Santa Ana.
The woman, Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga, was crossing the street in a residential neighborhood just before 8 a.m., when the trash truck struck her while making a right turn at a roundabout. She was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The City of Santa Ana released a statement:
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman who died in today’s tragic accident.
We are aware of the tragic accident involving a trash truck that fatally struck a woman early this morning, November 19, in a residential neighborhood near Shelton and Bishop streets. We extend our deepest condolences to the woman’s family, friends, and those impacted by this loss.
The accident occurred near Pio Pico Elementary School when families and children were in the area. The City has contacted the Santa Ana Unified School District’s Superintendent and trustee to offer any assistance the City can provide. The school district has activated a crisis team and is ready to provide any and all support for school site leaders and students. Again, we offer our condolences to all those affected by this tragic accident.”
The city also indicated that they have begun an investigation into the incident. While the situation is evolving and the investigation is ongoing, situations such as this one are entirely preventable and should not happen.
At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi, our Los Angeles truck accident attorneys have significant experience helping families who have lost loved ones in collisions involving municipal or commercial vehicles. We understand how difficult the immediate aftermath of these tragedies is and can help families fight for justice and find a path forward.
Representative Cases Involving Truck Crashes or Government Liability
Dominguez v. San Francisco – $27.4 million verdict
Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP represented the family of a 4-year-old girl who was killed by a negligent Municipal Railway worker. The city of San Francisco was ordered to pay $27.4 million to two families who were struck by a city municipal truck.
Nelsen v Hillyard Inc., et al – $21 million verdict
Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP represented a 29-year-old Iraq War veteran after he was seriously hurt in a collision with a speeding Hillyard, Inc. van. A judge ordered the company to pay over $21 million in damages.
Does v. Trucking Company – Two separate settlements of $39.5 million and $35 million
In two different trucking collision cases, Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP secured settlements in excess of $30 million.
Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP has helped thousands of clients who have been through terrible tragedies. In total, our injury lawyers in Los Angeles have recovered billions of dollars on behalf of our clients and have more personal injury verdicts and settlements in excess of $10,000,000 than any law firm in California history.
Who is responsible for this tragic incident?
When a garbage truck strikes a pedestrian, there are many potentially liable parties depending on the circumstances. In this case, liability may fall to the city of Santa Ana, the company that operated the truck, a truck maintenance contractor, or even vthe ehicle or manufacturers. While the operator of the trash truck involved in this case has not been identified, the City of Santa Ana has an exclusive contract with Republic Services for trash and recycling services.
Until an investigation has been completed and all the facts are gathered, it is too early to say exactly who may be legally responsible in this case.
Legal Help for Victims and Their Families
If you lost your loved one in this tragic incident, or one like it, you deserve answers to your questions and justice for your loved one. While no one can bring your beloved family member back, you may be able to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Call the wrongful death accident lawyers at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP today for a free and confidential case evaluation.