Las Lomas, CA (January 17, 2025) – On Friday, January 17, 2025, 40-year-old Rogelio Hernandez Huerta of Royal Oaks was tragically killed in a pedestrian accident at the intersection of Hall Road and Las Lomas Drive in Las Lomas.
Accident Details: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the incident occurred at approximately 5:29 a.m. According to investigators, Huerta ran across Hall Road from the north to the south shoulder when he struck the driver’s side of an eastbound white Toyota pickup truck. After falling into the eastbound lane, he was hit by a gray Ford sedan that could not avoid him. Both drivers remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. Neither driver sustained injuries in the crash.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that this tragic accident raises several legal questions regarding potential liability and negligence:
- Driver Responsibility: The Toyota and Ford drivers were obligated to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicles. Key considerations include whether the drivers were distracted or speeding or why they were unable to respond to the pedestrian’s sudden presence.
- Pedestrian Duty of Care: Pedestrians must follow traffic rules and avoid creating unsafe conditions. In this case, Huerta’s decision to run across the road may play a role in determining liability, especially if it was dangerous or unexpected.
- Roadway Conditions: Poor lighting, lack of crosswalks, or other unsafe road conditions could contribute to the incident. If such factors are identified, liability could extend to a government agency responsible for maintaining the roadway.
Rogelio Hernandez Huerta’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim if another’s negligence caused the accident. Compensation in such cases can help cover funeral expenses, loss of support, and emotional suffering. Even if he is found partially at fault for the accident because he ran across the street, Hernandez Huerta’s family may still be able to recover compensation reduced by his portion of fault based on California’s comparative negligence laws.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Rogelio Hernandez Huerta during this time of unimaginable loss.
Source: KSBW Action News 8