Investigation Underway After Cesar Biteranta, 71, Died in Collision With Big Rig Truck on The Santa Ana (5) Freeway in Boyle Heights
BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (January 1, 2026) – A 71-year-old man identified as Cesar Biteranta has tragically died in a Boyle Heights semi-truck accident on the 5 Freeway.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 12:50 PM on Monday. A semi-truck was traveling on the northbound side of the freeway when it was involved in the collision with a passenger vehicle transporting Cesar Biteranta.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Emergency responders were eventually able to extricate the victim from his vehicle.
Despite life-saving measures, Cesar Biteranta died due to the severe nature of his injuries. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Los Angeles Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial license. They must operate their vehicle at a safe speed at all times. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.” Truck drivers should take many actions to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should maintain a safe following distance with all vehicles ahead of them.
- Truck drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the roadway.
- Truck drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for hazards.
- Truck drivers should comply with all hours-of-service regulations.
If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a collision could extend beyond any truck driver deemed to be at fault. In particular, the company that any truck driver worked for could be vicariously liable for the wrongful actions for that worker. As a general rule, employers can be vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their workers who are operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
Steps to Take After Los Angeles Truck Accidents
Far too many people are seriously injured or killed every year in accidents with commercial trucks. According to the IIHS, “Most deaths in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants. The main problem is the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles. Trucks often weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars and are taller with greater ground clearance, which can result in smaller vehicles underriding trucks in crashes.” Any person impacted by a truck accident should take certain actions to protect their rights.
- Victims should seek medical guidance as early as possible.
- All of the medical records related to injuries should be carefully collected.
- Any person that may have witnessed the collision should be interviewed.
- Victims should seek the guidance of experienced legal counsel.
Truck companies and their insurance providers will often do everything in their power to deny liability for any collision. They will likely blame the victim or other third parties. But the fact of the matter is that many truck accidents involved some amount of negligence. In particular, truck drivers are routinely pushed to complete the routes on unrealistic time schedules. The family of any person who died due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death action.
Investigating Los Angeles Truck Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cesar Biteranta. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents along this stretch of road. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. What was the speed of the truck involved in the collision? What is the safety record of the company that owned the truck?
Do you need more information about a Boyle Heights truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are protected through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
