Santa Ana, CA (November 19, 2025) – Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga, 69, was struck and killed by a trash truck on Wednesday morning while crossing the street in her neighborhood.
Accident Details: The fatal crash occurred shortly before 8 a.m. in a residential area near Shelton and Bishop Streets. Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga was crossing the roadway when she was struck by a trash truck traveling through the neighborhood. The impact was severe, and she suffered fatal injuries at the scene.
The driver of the trash truck remained at the scene and cooperated with the authorities. No additional injuries were reported.
Investigation: The Santa Ana Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision. As part of their process, investigators will examine:
- Pedestrian right-of-way. Authorities will determine where Maria was positioned in the roadway and whether the crossing was marked.
- Driver visibility. Investigators will evaluate any visual obstructions in the residential area that may have prevented the driver from seeing a pedestrian.
- Vehicle maneuvering. Trash trucks have large blind spots and take wide turns. Officials will assess how the truck was moving at the time of impact and whether speed or truck positioning contributed.
- Scene evidence. Officers will document skid marks, vehicle pathing, and the collision point to reconstruct the sequence of events.
- Operational practices. Inspectors may review whether the truck was operating under standard waste collection protocols, including horn use, speed limits, and mandated safety checks.
- Driver statements and witness accounts. Interviews with the driver and residents will provide additional context and help clarify how the situation unfolded.
Accident reconstruction is frequently used in pedestrian fatalities involving heavy vehicles, as it helps determine how movement, timing, and visibility all factored into the crash.
Legal Considerations: Trash truck drivers, like all motorists, have a duty to exercise reasonable care when operating their vehicles. This includes scanning for pedestrians and being aware of those who may be crossing the street.
If investigators determine that the driver failed to yield, was traveling too fast for the conditions, or did not maintain a proper lookout, those actions could be considered negligent. In fatal pedestrian collisions, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can help recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and other financial impacts.
I extend my deepest condolences to Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga’s family and friends.
Source: ABC 7