Santa Ana, CA (June 3, 2026) – A vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian on Bristol Street and Wilshire Avenue intersection on Monday, June 1. Santa Ana Police identified the pedestrian as Alberto Benitez Garcia, 37, of Santa Ana.
Police were called to the scene around 4:15 a.m. and found Garcia lying in the road with critical injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
A preliminary investigation indicated Garcia was crossing the street when the oncoming vehicle struck him. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
Investigators said the driver did not appear to be impaired at the time of the crash. The circumstances that led to the collision remain under review.
The investigation is ongoing as police work to establish a full account of what occurred.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased victim.
Can a Pedestrian’s Family File a Wrongful Death Claim in Santa Ana, CA?
Yes, when a pedestrian is killed in a crash in Santa Ana, CA surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. Eligible claimants typically include a spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased. In some cases, other dependents may also qualify.
A successful claim can seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship and care the deceased would have provided.
Bristol Street is one of Santa Ana’s most heavily traveled north-south corridors, and it runs through densely populated neighborhoods and commercial zones across Orange County. Low visibility in the early morning hours adds to the risk for people that cross multi-lane roads in this part of the city.
Families who lose someone in a pedestrian crash often face immediate financial strain alongside their grief. Medical bills from life-saving efforts, funeral costs, and the sudden loss of a household income can create serious hardship. California law allows wrongful death claims to address both economic and non-economic losses, though the specifics depend on the circumstances of each case.
A personal injury attorney can help families identify who may be liable, gather evidence before it disappears, and handle communications with insurance companies. California’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. Legal representation can also ensure that all filing deadlines are met and that the full scope of available compensation is pursued.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash in California and have doubts about what to do next, do not hesitate to reach out to our legal team. At Saleh Law Group, we can review your case and walk you through the process of a wrongful death claim.
To speak with our team about your situation, we invite you to contact Saleh Law Group at (949) 431-6371.
