Orosco was hit by a car along the northbound lanes in South Los Angeles
October 23, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA
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A 38-year-old man lost his life early Thursday morning after a vehicle struck him on the northbound Harbor Freeway in South Los Angeles. The California Highway Patrol reports the incident happened around 5:53 a.m. near Manchester Avenue, where Rafael Orosco of Los Angeles was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rafael Orosco, 38, of South Los Angeles, died in a pedestrian crash on the northbound Harbor Freeway near Manchester Avenue in Los Angeles County.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office identified Orosco as the victim later that day. Authorities have not released the driver's name or confirmed if that person stayed after the collision. CHP officers continue to look into what caused the crash.
What Happened in the Rafael Orosco Crash?
The collision took place during rush hour on a busy stretch of the freeway. Orosco ended up in the path of an oncoming vehicle for reasons still under review.
- Victim: Rafael Orosco, 38
- Date: Oct. 23, 2025
- Location: Northbound Harbor, 110, Freeway at Manchester Avenue, South Los Angeles
- Time: About 5:53 a.m.
- Vehicle: One vehicle involved; driver not identified
- Result: Orosco died at the scene; no other injuries reported
Investigators aim to piece together details like vehicle speed and road conditions.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur on Freeways?
Such crashes on high-speed roads often involve low light, fast traffic and few spots for people on foot to cross safely. Drivers may not expect someone in the roadway at dawn.
Factors that play a role:
- Drivers not paying full attention or slow to react
- Limited light in early hours
- No walkways designed for freeways
- People entering the road without warning
Better rules, lights and education could cut down on these losses.
Alarming Pedestrian Safety Statistics
Traffic deaths for people walking remain a top concern across the U.S., with numbers climbing since before the pandemic. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows the trend in the table below.
Year |
Pedestrian Deaths |
Year-Over-Year Change |
Key Notes |
|---|
2019 |
6,418 |
Baseline |
Pre-pandemic level |
2022 |
7,599 |
Up 18% from 2019 |
Highest recent total |
2023 |
7,314 |
Down 3.7% from 2022 |
Still 14% above 2019 |
These numbers call for action on city roads like the Harbor Freeway.
Expert Insights on Pedestrian Crash Investigations
National legal analysts share views on handling cases like this, with a focus on full reviews and support for those left behind.
"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."
-- Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Points from Bond:
- Lawyers with experience should lead separate reviews to show fault
- Tools to check facts help build strong cases
- Quick talks with experts guard family options
"The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident."
-- Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Formica adds:
- Keep track of police work to match updates
- Focus on healing and money needs with help
- Look into claims to cover losses like guidance and support
These points draw from wide knowledge of vehicle crashes and stress the need for pros in matters like this.
Potential Legal Recourse for Families
Those facing such grief may seek wrongful death claims to address losses in care and bonds. Experts advise reaching out to local lawyers for steps that fit each case.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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).