[11-19-2025] Orange County, CA – 69-Year-Old Woman Killed in Collision Near Shelton and Bishop Streets in Santa Ana

A 69-year-old woman was struck and killed by a trash truck while attempting to cross a street in Santa Ana on Wednesday morning, November 19, 2025.

According to the Santa Ana Police Department, officers responded around 7:56 a.m. to multiple reports of a collision near Shelton and Bishop streets. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics also responded and pronounced the woman dead at the scene. She was identified as Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga of Santa Ana.

Police reported that a primary investigation found the trash truck was traveling east on Bishop Street and made a right turn onto South Shelton Street at a roundabout, where it struck Rubalcava de Ruesga as she was crossing the street. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with detectives.

Authorities continue to investigate the collision.

Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Santa Ana, CA

Pedestrian accidents involving large commercial vehicles can have a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Understanding your legal rights after such an incident can help you take the appropriate steps toward clarity and accountability. Legal guidance can assist you in reviewing police reports, investigating the circumstances of the collision, and exploring available options.

Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Santa Ana can explain how California law applies to pedestrian collisions involving service or commercial trucks and provide guidance on the next steps to take.

If your loved one was involved in a fatal pedestrian accident, contact us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident

A fatal collision involving a large vehicle can be overwhelming for families seeking answers. Taking specific steps may help preserve essential information and protect your rights.

1. Call 911 And Report The Incident
   Notify authorities and emergency services promptly. First responders will evaluate the scene, provide necessary medical care, and create an official report that could support any subsequent investigation.
2. Preserve Evidence And Document The Scene
   If it is safe, take photos of the scene, including the roadway, crosswalk, vehicle positions, and any visible details. These images can help clarify how the crash happened and support future claims.
3. Collect Witness Information
   If anyone witnessed the incident, record their names and contact details. Their statements may provide valuable insights into how the accident occurred.
4. Consult With Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
   An attorney can help explain your legal options, work with investigators, and review key evidence. Legal guidance can also assist you in pursuing compensation for funeral costs and other related losses.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

About 7,314 lost their lives in traffic accidents across the United States, comprising about 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. Since reaching its lowest point in 2009, pedestrian fatalities have risen by nearly 78 percent.

Hit-and-run crashes remain a significant concern for pedestrian safety. In 2023, one in every four pedestrian deaths involved a hit-and-run. From 2014 to 2019, these incidents made up about 20 percent of pedestrian fatalities, rising to 24 percent in 2020, and reaching 25 percent in recent years.

Looking at long-term trends, most age groups have seen improvements in pedestrian safety. The fatality rate for children under 13 dropped by 93 percent between 1975 and 2023. Teenagers aged 13 to 19 saw a 71 percent decrease, and adults aged 70 and older experienced a 73 percent reduction. However, adults aged 20 to 44 were the only group to see an increase in fatalities, with a 6 percent rise.

Since 2009, fatality rates for adult pedestrians over 20 have continued to climb, while rates for children and teens have steadily declined, highlighting the ongoing disparities in pedestrian safety among different age groups.