(Agoura Hills, CA) A pedestrian was killed early Monday morning, February 23, after being struck by a big rig in an eastbound Ventura Freeway collision.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was reported at approximately 5:57 a.m. on the eastbound 101 Freeway just west of Lost Hills Road. Officers and Los Angeles County Fire Department crews responded to the scene and located a pedestrian in the roadway following a collision involving a big-rig truck.
Despite emergency response efforts, the pedestrian could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities did not release the victim’s name, age, or city of residence. That information remained unavailable as officials worked to notify next of kin.
Investigators did not clarify why the pedestrian was on the freeway or how long the person had been in the lanes prior to the crash. Details about lighting conditions, traffic flow, and the truck driver’s actions immediately before the collision were not released. The investigation remained ongoing as CHP officers gathered evidence and spoke with witnesses.
All eastbound lanes of the Ventura Freeway were initially closed as officers documented the scene. At approximately 6:45 a.m., one lane reopened to traffic. The closure caused congestion that backed up to Chesebro Road as the morning commute began.
Analysis on the Eastbound Ventura Freeway Collision
When a fatal crash involves a pedestrian on a controlled-access freeway, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews often focus on pedestrian access restrictions, driver attentiveness, and speed under early morning conditions.
Because pedestrians are generally prohibited from walking on freeways, investigators may examine the Pedestrian Prohibition on Freeways Law. This law restricts pedestrian access to controlled-access highways except in limited circumstances. Officers may assess how and why the individual entered the freeway environment.
Authorities may also review the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to travel at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Even during early morning hours, limited visibility can affect reaction time when an unexpected hazard appears in freeway lanes.
Investigators could further consider the Following Too Closely Law if spacing between vehicles becomes relevant. This law requires drivers to maintain sufficient distance to stop safely. These combined statutes help guide CHP’s evaluation of the eastbound Ventura Freeway collision as evidence continues to be analyzed.
Support for the Family
If you are related to the person who died or are supporting their loved ones, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and request official CHP and coroner reports when they become available.
You may also consider speaking with a qualified legal professional to better understand your options following a fatal freeway crash. Emotional support from family members, friends, or grief counseling services can be important during a sudden and painful loss.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
