Car struck after Infiniti driver ran red light on busy Anaheim street
February 24, 2026 | Anaheim, CA
Anaheim authorities reported a tragic multi-vehicle crash early Tuesday that claimed two lives and left three people in critical condition.
The incident unfolded when a speeding silver Infiniti sedan evaded police and ran a red light, colliding with multiple vehicles at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Anaheim Boulevard.
Andrew Joseph Sanchez, 14, died after a reckless driver ran a red light and caused a multi-vehicle crash at Lincoln Avenue and Anaheim Boulevard in Anaheim.
What Happened in the Anaheim Crash?
Police attempted to stop the Infiniti near Cypress Street around 12:45 a.m. after observing erratic driving and high speeds. The driver turned off the vehicle's lights, accelerated, and fled without pursuit from officers. Moments later, the 19-year-old driver disregarded a red light, causing a collision involving at least four vehicles.
Key details include:
- Date and Time: Feb. 24, around 12:45 a.m.
- Location: Lincoln Avenue and Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, CA
- Vehicles Involved: Silver Infiniti sedan, red Toyota Camry, and at least two others
- Fatalities: Andrew Joseph Sanchez, 14-year-old Anaheim High School student and passenger in the Infiniti; a 70-year-old man driving the Toyota Camry
- Injuries: The Infiniti driver (19 years old) and two teenage girls in the back seat, all hospitalized in critical condition
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, with authorities examining factors like speeding and traffic signal violations.
Why Do Red-Light Running Accidents Happen?
Red-light running contributes significantly to traffic fatalities across the U.S. Driver behaviors such as speeding, impairment from alcohol or drugs, and distractions from cellphones play major roles in these preventable incidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,086 people died in red-light running crashes in 2023. Broader trends show a rise in traffic deaths, with 8,055 lives lost in motor vehicle collisions during the first quarter of 2025.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Red-Light Running Fatalities (2023) |
1,086 deaths |
NHTSA |
U.S. Traffic Deaths (Q1 2025) |
8,055 lives lost |
NHTSA |
Annual Red-Light Violations Impact |
Hundreds of deaths, tens of thousands injured |
Federal Highway Administration |
These figures underscore the urgent need for safer driving practices and stricter enforcement.
Legal Insights on Motor Vehicle Crashes
In cases such as this, conducting a thorough investigation is crucial to determine liability and support affected families. National analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasizes the value of independent reviews.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this one, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
Key takeaways:
- Independent attorneys can uncover critical evidence beyond police reports.
- Prompt action preserves vital records like surveillance footage and communications.
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for companionship loss, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, highlights the dual emotional and economic impacts of such losses.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Formica. “If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve. Insurance companies may try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge of the law and offer a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. An attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.”
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).