Food delivery driver was struck near Eighth Street and pushed into a pole
August 28, 2026 | Koreatown, CA
Koreatown, CA — A 33-year-old mother of two died after an SUV traveling at excessive speed struck her vehicle at a local intersection early Friday morning.
What happened in the crash?
Ittai Rodriguez, 33, was killed while making a food delivery after an SUV struck her vehicle near Eighth Street and Ardmore Avenue in Koreatown.
- Date and time: Early Friday, around 12:35 a.m. on Aug. 28
- Location: Intersection of Eighth Street and Ardmore Avenue, Koreatown
- Victim: Ittai Rodriguez, 33, recent culinary school graduate making a food delivery
- Vehicles: Delivery car struck by speeding SUV; delivery car pushed onto sidewalk and into a pole
- Outcome: Rodriguez died from traumatic injuries; SUV driver found impaired
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed the cause of death.
Why do these accidents happen?
Speeding remains a leading factor in fatal crashes nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports speeding as the top cause, followed by impairment, lane departure, failure to yield, and distraction.
| Rank | Primary Cause | Source |
|---|
| 1 | Speeding | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| 2 | Alcohol, drugs, or medication | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| 3 | Failure to stay in lane | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| 4 | Failure to yield right of way | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| 5 | Distracted driving | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Legal Insights
“As attorneys, our job is to provide both legal information and advice to the families of those who have been killed in an accident. We can help protect your rights and prevent your statements to the police and insurance companies from being used against you.”
Candice Bond, managing partner at bond legal
- Prompt independent investigation helps preserve evidence
- Review of contributing factors and insurance coverage
- Access to expert resources and witness location
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death. When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
Stefano Formica, of counsel with bond legal
What should families know next?
Pending investigation results, the family of Ittai Rodriguez may have options to pursue a wrongful death claim covering medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional trauma.
Newsline is a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc. The outlet maintains an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence, with all stories subject to a 24-hour review under its Corrections Policy.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).