71-Year-Old Dies in Boyle Heights Big Rig Crash

Fatal Big Rig Collision on 5 Freeway in Boyle Heights Leaves 71-Year-Old Man Dead

Overview of the Crash

A 71-year-old man was tragically killed in a collision involving a passenger vehicle and a big rig on the northbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway in Boyle Heights on Monday afternoon, November 17, 2025. The crash was reported at approximately 12:50 p.m. near the Indiana Street area, on the right side of the northbound lanes. According to initial reports, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased. No additional injuries were reported.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating the circumstances of the collision. While the full cause has not yet been determined, incidents in the right lanes of major freeways often raise questions about lane changes, truck blind spots, merging traffic, and potential sudden slowdowns. Firefighters assisted with recovery at the scene, and authorities have not indicated the involvement of alcohol or drugs at this time. Additional details may come to light as the investigation progresses.

What We Know and What Investigators Typically Review

Early CHP logs indicate the crash occurred on the right side of the northbound lanes. In freeway environments, collisions on the right shoulder or right lanes can stem from a number of contributing factors, including:

- Large truck blind spots (especially along the right side of a trailer)
- Lane changes or merges near on-ramps and off-ramps
- Sudden braking due to congestion or debris
- Inadequate following distance
- Speed differentials between trucks and passenger vehicles
- Mechanical issues or tire failures
- Distracted driving or driver fatigue

In cases involving big rigs, investigators typically review a wide range of evidence sources to reconstruct what happened:

- Dashcam or surveillance footage from nearby vehicles or freeway cameras
- Event data recorders and engine control module (ECM) downloads
- Electronic logging device (ELD) records reflecting driving hours
- Driver qualification files and training history
- Bills of lading, dispatch communications, and route planning documents
- Truck inspection and maintenance records
- Physical evidence at the scene, including skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage
- Witness statements and 911 recordings

Understanding the Risks of Big Rig Collisions

Large trucks are essential to the economy but present heightened risks due to their weight, stopping distances, and limited maneuverability. Stopping distances for fully loaded big rigs can be significantly longer than those for passenger cars, especially at freeway speeds or on worn or wet pavement. Trucks also have “no-zones”—blind spots along the sides and rear—where passenger vehicles can be difficult for truck drivers to see. On heavily traveled corridors like the 5 Freeway, these factors can compound during lane changes, congestion waves, or sudden slowdowns.

According to national data, there were 5,375 fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2023, an 8.4-percent decrease from 2022. Despite this short-term decline, fatal large-truck crashes have risen approximately 43 percent over the past decade, underscoring the ongoing safety challenges associated with heavy commercial vehicles.

Key Legal Considerations After a Fatal Truck Crash in California

When a fatal collision occurs, families are often left searching for answers while dealing with shock and grief. California law provides avenues to pursue accountability and compensation, though each case turns on its specific facts and evidence.

The loss of a 71-year-old man in this tragic big-rig collision underscores the devastating consequences that can arise when massive commercial vehicles share the road with everyday drivers. Crashes involving semi-trucks often leave families facing unimaginable grief, complex questions, and a long fight for answers. While investigators continue to determine what led to this fatal incident, one truth remains clear: families impacted by these tragedies deserve justice, accountability, and support.

At Avian Law Group, we are dedicated to standing with victims and their loved ones through the most difficult moments. Our team understands the unique challenges of big-rig and commercial vehicle cases, from navigating federal trucking regulations to uncovering the full scope of responsibility. No family should have to confront this process alone.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a commercial truck accident, our attorneys are here to provide guidance, experience, and compassionate representation every step of the way. Contact Avian Law Group to protect your rights and pursue the justice your family deserves.