(Mission Hills, CA) Ruby Ortiz, 33, was identified as the pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run on the westbound Ronald Reagan Freeway.
On Friday, November 6, at about 6:06 a.m., the crash occurred just west of the Interstate 5 interchange, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities described the fatal collision as a hit-and-run.
Following the crash, a Sigalert was issued at 6:40 a.m. for the closure of the far-left westbound lane. Traffic backed up from San Fernando Road and affected the connector from Interstate 5.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office subsequently identified Ortiz and determined that she died from blunt force trauma. The circumstances that brought her onto the freeway remains unknown.
Legal Guidance on the 118 Freeway Accident
California law requires drivers to stop after a collision and take specific steps to identify themselves.
California Vehicle Code 20001 requires an involved driver to stop immediately at the scene when another person is injured or killed. That obligation applies regardless of who caused the collision.
Stopping also carries responsibilities under California Vehicle Code 20003, including providing identifying information and reasonable assistance. When medical treatment is apparently necessary, reasonable assistance includes arranging transportation for care.
Locating the driver can help establish the collision sequence. The medical examiner’s classification of the death as accidental addresses a different question from compliance with the hit-and-run laws.
Support for the Family
For the 118 Freeway accident, you can give CHP any information about Ortiz’s movements before the collision separately from eyewitness accounts of the impact. Clearly distinguishing firsthand observations from information relayed by others can help investigators build an accurate timeline while your family seeks answers.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 888-888-9285 to speak with a lawyer.
