Santa Fe Springs, California – County authorities have identified the pedestrian killed in a crash Sunday evening on the southbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway as 64-year-old Louie Haro.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 7:12 p.m. just south of Valley View Avenue. A witness reported that a vehicle struck a pedestrian who was already down in the lanes of traffic and then failed to stop, as required by law.
Following the incident, CHP officers stopped traffic at Carmenita Road and asked Caltrans to shut down the carpool lane along with lanes 1 and 2 while investigators examined the scene.
The circumstances leading up to Haro being in the roadway remain under investigation.
How Is Liability Determined When a Pedestrian Is Struck on the Freeway?
Liability in a freeway pedestrian accident is rarely straightforward. Although drivers must exercise reasonable care at all times, pedestrians are generally prohibited from walking on freeways in California. Because of this, investigators look closely at why the pedestrian was in the roadway, how the collision occurred, and whether the driver failed to take necessary precautions. Each case requires a detailed review of evidence—and this is where a top car accident law firm becomes essential.
Key Factors That Influence Liability
- Pedestrian Conduct: Authorities evaluate whether the pedestrian was unlawfully in the roadway or attempting to cross active freeway lanes. Even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still recover damages under California’s comparative negligence laws.
- Driver Negligence: Investigators examine whether the motorist was speeding, distracted, impaired, or failed to avoid a visible hazard. If the driver violated traffic laws, they may be held fully or partially responsible.
- Hit-and-Run Situations: When a driver flees the scene—as often happens in freeway crashes—hit and run accident attorneys can help victims pursue claims through the driver’s insurance (once identified) or through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Wrongful Death Considerations: When a pedestrian is killed, their family may still pursue a civil claim even if the victim contributed to the accident. A wrongful death attorney california evaluates the evidence, establishes liability, and works to secure compensation for the survivors.
- Expert Evaluation & Evidence Gathering: A pedestrian accident lawyer california will analyze collision reports, roadway conditions, lighting, vehicle damage, and witness accounts to determine fault percentages and maximize the victim’s recovery.
- Local Legal Support for Victims: For crashes occurring in Los Angeles County, victims often rely on a los angeles car accident attorney to navigate the complexities of freeway-related liability.
Get Legal Help Immediately
If you or a loved one were struck as a pedestrian on a California freeway, Megeredchian Law can help determine liability and pursue maximum compensation. Call (866) 359-0807 for a free consultation with aggressive, experienced attorneys ready to protect your rights.