Vehicle struck the man in the 1400 block
January 24, 2026 | Ontario, CA
An 86-year-old man lost his life in a pedestrian collision on South Euclid Avenue.
Rogelio Velasquez, 86, died after a vehicle struck him as a pedestrian in the 1400 block of South Euclid Avenue in Ontario.
Police reported that Rogelio Velasquez was struck around 9:56 a.m. on Jan. 24 in the 1400 block. He was rushed to Kaiser Foundation Hospital Ontario but succumbed to his injuries there. Authorities continue to investigate the incident for further details.
What Happened in the Crash?
Key elements of the Ontario pedestrian accident include:
- Victim: Rogelio Velasquez, 86 years old
- Location: 1400 block of South Euclid Avenue, Ontario, CA
- Time: Approximately 9:56 a.m.
- Date: Jan. 24
- Outcome: Fatal injuries leading to death at Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Ontario
- Status: Active investigation by local police
This tragic crash underscores the vulnerabilities pedestrians face in urban areas like Ontario.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian incidents in California remain a pressing issue, with high fatality rates drawing national attention. Factors such as driver behavior and environmental conditions often play a role.
Common contributors to pedestrian crashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), include:
- Speeding vehicles exceeding posted limits
- Distracted driving, like phone use
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Poor visibility from inadequate lighting or signage
In 2022, California recorded 1,158 pedestrian deaths, representing 26% of the state's total motor vehicle fatalities, per FHWA data.
Factor |
Contribution to Pedestrian Fatalities |
Source |
|---|
Speeding |
Up to 30% of cases |
FHWA |
Distracted Driving |
Approximately 25% |
CDC |
Impaired Driving |
Around 20% |
NHTSA |
Road Conditions |
15-20% |
FHWA |
These statistics highlight the need for enhanced safety measures on roadways.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crash Investigations
National legal analysts emphasize the value of thorough examinations in pedestrian cases to support affected families.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the family of a victim’s rights,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline. “Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Independent investigations can uncover hidden factors like road hazards
- Proving negligence requires a detailed analysis of accident scenes
- Families benefit from legal guidance to secure rightful compensation
Potential Wrongful Death Claims
The relatives of Rogelio Velasquez could pursue a wrongful death claim to address losses from this devastating crash. Such claims allow for compensation covering companionship, emotional distress, and suffering.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
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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).