Passenger vehicle hits big rig near Indiana Street in Boyle Heights
November 17, 2025 | Boyle Heights, CA
Authorities with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) attended a tragic collision involving a semi-truck and a passenger sedan on the northbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway in Boyle Heights.
The incident, which unfolded near Indiana Street, claimed the life of a local driver.
Cesar Biteranta, 71, died at the scene after his sedan struck a fully loaded semi-truck on the northbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway near Indiana Street in Boyle Heights.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred around midday, leading to immediate emergency response from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
Key details include:
- Date and Time: Nov. 17, 2025, approximately 12:50 p.m.
- Location: Northbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway near Indiana Street, Boyle Heights, California.
- Vehicles Involved: A fully loaded semi-truck and a passenger sedan.
- Victim: 71-year-old Cesar Biteranta, who was driving the sedan and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
- Injuries: No other injuries reported among the involved parties.
The exact circumstances leading to the crash are still under active investigation by CHP officials.
Why Do Semi-Truck Accidents Like This Occur?
Semi-truck collisions often stem from multiple contributing factors, highlighting the need for vigilant road safety measures. Common causes, according to data from the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), include:
- Tire blowouts or mechanical failures.
- Improper maneuvering or lane drifting by drivers.
- Excessive speed or driver fatigue.
- Sudden loss of control due to environmental conditions.
To illustrate the broader impact, consider these statistics from the NSC:
Statistic |
Details |
Source |
|---|
Annual Injuries |
Approximately 150,000 people injured in large truck accidents each year. |
National Safety Council (NSC) |
Annual Fatalities |
Around 4,900 lives lost in semi-truck crashes annually. |
National Safety Council (NSC) |
Vehicle Weight Impact |
Fully loaded semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, amplifying crash severity. |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
These figures underscore the devastating potential of such incidents and the importance of thorough investigations.
Legal Insights on Commercial Vehicle Crashes
Newsline's national legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on handling complex accidents involving commercial vehicles. In cases such as this, prompt and independent action is crucial.
"Commercial vehicle crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents," noted Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "A skilled attorney can protect victims from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver."
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Hire experianced witnesses and conduct driver background checks to build a strong case.
- Locate eyewitnesses and review insurance coverage meticulously.
- Navigate the legal process carefully to ensure victims' rights are upheld against powerful entities.
Can Families Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim After Such a Tragedy?
Following a fatal accident like this, surviving family members may explore options for a wrongful death claim. These claims can address losses such as companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
"The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. "We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected."
Analysts emphasize that legal representation can counter large insurance companies effectively, advocating vigorously for affected families.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience in commercial trucking accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you need legal support.
(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).