(Santa Fe Springs, CA) A 64-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed Sunday evening, December 7, in a Santa Ana Freeway accident on the southbound 5 just south of Valley View Avenue.
Officials said the collision occurred around 7:12 p.m. A witness reported that a vehicle ran over a pedestrian already down in the roadway. The driver did not stop as required and drove off. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Louie Haro.
CHP officers stopped traffic at Carmenita Road and requested that Caltrans shut down the HOV lane along with lanes 1 and 2 during the investigation. Details about the vehicle that fled and the reason the pedestrian was in the roadway remain unknown.
Perspective on the Santa Ana Freeway Accident
Because this was a pedestrian fatality on a high-speed interstate, investigators review several traffic safety laws to understand what may have contributed. When a driver fails to stop after striking someone, officers look to the Hit and Run Statute. This law requires any driver involved in an injury or fatal collision to remain at the scene. A reported failure to stop becomes a central point in evaluating criminal liability.
If visibility or reaction time played a role, officials will also consider the Basic Speed Law. This law prohibits driving faster than is reasonable for conditions. Even if a driver remains within the posted speed limit, nighttime freeway conditions can limit a motorist’s ability to see a person in the roadway. Investigators examine whether a safe speed would have allowed the driver to avoid or reduce the severity of the impact.
Because a pedestrian was in freeway lanes, an additional comparison is often drawn to the Pedestrian Crossing Law, sometimes called the Outside Crosswalk Safety Law. This statute reminds pedestrians that when they enter a roadway outside a marked crosswalk, they must yield to vehicles. While this does not absolve drivers of their duty to exercise caution, it helps investigators piece together how a Santa Ana Freeway accident may have developed in a complex traffic environment.
Support for Haro’s Family
If you are a family member of Louie Haro, you should request the full CHP collision report. This document can answer lingering questions and support any insurance or victim-compensation claims.
You may also want to speak with a wrongful death attorney who can review your options and help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Finally, take time to lean on family, friends, and community grief resources. Navigating the aftermath of a sudden loss is overwhelming, and support can make the path forward more manageable.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
