Los Angeles, CA (November 17, 2025) – Authorities identified the man killed in a northbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway collision in Boyle Heights on Monday afternoon as 71-year-old Cesar Biteranta.
The crash happened just before 1 p.m. on the northbound 5 Freeway near Indiana Street. Authorities say a passenger vehicle and a big rig collided on the right side of the freeway. Cesar Biteranta was pronounced dead at the scene. No additional injuries were reported.
Investigation: Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fatal collision. Their analysis may involve reviewing physical evidence at the scene, such as tire marks, debris distribution, and the final resting positions of the vehicles. These details can provide insight into vehicle speeds, braking behavior, and impact angles.
Investigators may also examine whether visibility, lane positioning, or sudden traffic changes contributed to the crash. As part of standard procedure in a truck-involved collision, authorities may inspect the big rig for mechanical issues, including brake function and steering systems, and review its maintenance and inspection records for compliance with state and federal regulations.
Officers may also check onboard data recorders, if present, for truck speed and driver inputs before the crash. Witness accounts and any freeway video may help establish the sequence leading to the impact.
After the investigation, findings will clarify what caused the crash and if driver error, mechanical failure, or roadway conditions were factors.
Legal Considerations: In fatal traffic collisions, determining who is at fault is essential for understanding the cause of the accident. If evidence shows that a party acted negligently and this contributed to the crash, California law allows the victim’s surviving family members to bring a wrongful death claim. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, which results in harm to another person.
A wrongful death action is a legal process available when someone dies as a result of another party’s carelessness or wrongful conduct. Depending on investigative outcomes, family members who qualify may seek compensation for specific losses. These may include funeral expenses, the loss of financial support, and the emotional effects of the loss.
Accident reconstruction is often used to analyze vehicle movements, forces, and roadway conditions, enabling investigators to understand how the crash occurred and whether negligence was involved.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Cesar Biteranta during this difficult time.
Source: My News LA