Santa Ana, California – A 69-year-old woman, identified by authorities as Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga of Santa Ana, was struck and killed Wednesday morning by a trash truck while attempting to cross a street near Shelton and Bishop streets.
Santa Ana police officers responded to several 911 calls at approximately 7:56 a.m. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics also arrived at the scene and pronounced Rubalcava de Ruesga dead shortly after their arrival.
According to the Santa Ana Police Department, a preliminary investigation found that the trash truck had been traveling eastbound on Bishop Street when the driver made a right turn onto South Shelton Street at a roundabout. During the turn, the vehicle struck Rubalcava de Ruesga as she was crossing the roadway.
The truck driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with detectives throughout the investigation.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Detective K. Catlin at 714-245-8224 or the Santa Ana Police Department Traffic Division at 714-245-8200.
How to File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Trash Truck Crash
When a fatal collision involves a trash truck, families often face an overwhelming and complex legal process. To protect your rights, it’s important to work with a proven car accident law firm and an experienced wrongful death attorney California familiar with the complexities of commercial vehicle collisions. These cases often require deep investigation, expert testimony, and a detailed review of company or municipal waste-management procedures.
1. Report the Crash and Gather All Official Documents
Start by securing the police report, witness accounts, any available video footage, and documentation related to the trash truck and its operator. This evidence forms the foundation of your wrongful death claim.
2. Identify Every Liable Party
Trash truck crashes can involve multiple defendants: the driver, their employer, maintenance contractors, or even the city. A skilled truck accident attorney in California can help pinpoint all responsible parties so your family pursues the maximum compensation available.
3. Document All Damages and Calculate Compensation
Recoverable damages may include funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and more. An experienced legal team can help you understand the full value of your claim.
4. File the Wrongful Death Claim Before the Deadline
California imposes strict timelines for filing wrongful death actions, and the deadlines can be even shorter if a government-operated trash truck is involved. Consulting with a knowledgeable car accident attorney Orange County CA ensures all filings are submitted correctly and on time.
5. Hire an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney Immediately
Wrongful death cases involving trash trucks require fast action to preserve evidence and protect your family’s rights. Megeredchian Law has extensive experience handling fatal commercial vehicle cases and is committed to pursuing justice on your behalf.For immediate help after a fatal trash truck crash, contact Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 to schedule a free consultation.