Truck struck the pedestrian while turning at a roundabout near Shelton Street in Santa Ana
November 19, 2025 | Santa Ana, CA
Authorities report that a 69-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by a garbage truck in Santa Ana.
What Happened in the Crash?
Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga, 69, of Santa Ana died after a garbage truck struck her while turning from Bishop Street onto Shelton Street.
Police indicate that Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga was involved in the collision around 7:56 p.m. as the garbage truck navigated a right turn at a nearby roundabout. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but she was declared deceased at the location. The Santa Ana Police Department continues to probe the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
- Date and Time: Nov. 19, 2025, approximately 7:56 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of Shelton and Bishop streets, Santa Ana, California.
- Victim: Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga, age 69.
- Vehicle Involved: Garbage truck.
- Outcome: Fatal pedestrian injury; driver status undisclosed.
Why Do Garbage Truck Accidents Occur?
Garbage truck incidents often stem from various factors, including operational challenges unique to these large vehicles. Federal regulations mandate strict safety protocols for commercial fleets, yet compliance can vary.
Common contributing elements:
- Driver fatigue or inattention.
- Improper maneuvering in tight spaces like roundabouts.
- Mechanical issues or inadequate vehicle maintenance.
- Environmental factors such as reduced visibility during evening hours.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides critical data on these occurrences. Below is a summary table of annual statistics:
Category |
Statistic |
Source |
|---|
Garbage Truck Injuries |
Approximately 1,400 |
FMCSA |
Garbage Truck Fatalities |
107 |
FMCSA |
Victims (Motorists, Pedestrians, Cyclists) |
75% of total cases |
FMCSA |
These figures underscore the need for thorough investigations to identify root causes and prevent future tragedies.
Legal Insights
In the wake of such incidents, independent reviews play a vital role in uncovering details that support affected families. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline, stresses the urgency of prompt action.
“Time is critical in situations like this one, where families need to act swiftly to preserve vital evidence,” Bond noted. “Beyond official inquiries, legal representation can involve analysis, background verifications, witness interviews, and insurance evaluations to build a comprehensive case. This approach not only safeguards rights but also offers compassionate support through challenging periods.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Engaging professionals early helps secure eyewitness accounts and technical data.
- Background checks on operators can reveal patterns of negligence.
- Coverage reviews ensure all potential claims are addressed.
- Support extends to navigating emotional and financial aftermaths.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, highlights options for families.
“Navigating the loss from catastrophic events requires dedicated advocacy,” Formica explained. “Relatives deserve updates on probes and assistance in pursuing compensation for companionship loss, suffering, and distress. This process upholds their entitlements following devastating occurrences.”
Newsline, as a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our reports draw from verified sources, and we invite feedback via our Corrections Policy, ensuring a 24-hour review for accuracy.
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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).