Fatal pedestrian accident reported at State Street and Illinois Avenue
SOUTH GATE, CA, (September 03, 2025) - Authorities reported a fatal pedestrian accident in South Gate on Sept. 3 involving 88-year-old Antonio Casanova Loira. Loira was struck by a vehicle shortly after 1 a.m. at State Street and Illinois Avenue.
Antonio Casanova Loira, 88, was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle in South Gate early Wednesday morning.
He was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Details about Loira’s residence have not been released. While California has seen a decrease in pedestrian deaths recently, fatalities have risen more than 25% over the last ten years.
The incident is still under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Each year, thousands of pedestrians are killed on U.S. roads—a crisis driven by factors such as reckless driver behavior, inadequate infrastructure, and roads designed primarily for cars. Between 2009 and 2023, pedestrian deaths rose a staggering 80%, while all other traffic fatalities increased 13%, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that it’s imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. The family of Antonio Casanova Loira may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident,” said Bond.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims into accepting a quick payout far below what the case is worth,” Bond added. “An attorney will advocate vigorously for the family to ensure they are treated with respect and fairly compensated.”
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).