Young man killed on I-5 while attempting to move disabled truck
SACRAMENTO, CA, (September 13, 2025) - Victor Manuel Castaneda, 21, of Sacramento, died Saturday morning after being hit by a semi-truck on northbound Interstate 5 while attempting to move his broken-down pickup.
Authorities reported that 21-year-old Victor Manuel Castaneda was fatally struck Saturday morning while attempting to move his disabled truck off a Sacramento highway.
According to the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, Castaneda’s truck stalled north of Sutterville Road as he was heading to work. While trying to push the vehicle to the off-ramp, he was struck by the 18-wheeler, which caused the truck to catch fire. Castaneda was pronounced dead at the scene.
The semi-truck driver sustained minor injuries. Authorities continue to investigate the crash. Castaneda’s sister, Viviana, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
When fully loaded, a commercial vehicle can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds, and even a sideswipe or low-speed impact with a vulnerable road user like a pedestrian can result in serious, life-altering injuries—or worse. In 2023, 4,354 people died in crashes involving large trucks. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 65% were passenger vehicle occupants, and 17% were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
“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,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Victor Manuel Castaneda may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, said, “The grief and stress following the loss of a loved one in an accident can be overwhelming. Families need support to navigate this difficult time while ensuring their rights are protected.”
“A wrongful death attorney can stay informed on the official investigation and advocate for the family’s legal rights and best interests, helping them pursue the justice and compensation they deserve,” Bond added.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).