Ricardo Castellano Jr, 37, of Seattle, Washington, Died In Hit-and-Run Truck Accident Along Interstate 5 by County Road 8 In Dunnigan
DUNNIGAN, CALIFORNIA (October 28, 2025) – A pedestrian from Seattle identified as Ricardo Castellano Jr has tragically died in a Yolo County semi-truck accident on Interstate 5.
Yolo County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Ricardo Castellano Jr was walking when he was hit by a tractor-trailer truck in the southbound lanes of the Interstate.
The truck driver involved in the crash did not stop at the scene of the collision. Paramedics were called to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Ricardo Castellano Jr died due to the severe nature of his injuries.
Yolo County authorities are saying that the suspect vehicle is an all-white tractor-trailer combination with a cattle guard. There is possible damage to the left front headlight assembly on the vehicle.
A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Yolo County Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck drivers must have obtained a commercial license and are expected to operate their vehicles with all of the skill and care necessary to avoid accidents. This requires that they maintain a safe speed at all times. According 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.” Multiple other factors could contribute to a pedestrian collision.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers are asked to work at all times of the day and night. They can naturally become fatigued. Even staying awake for only 17 hours can dramatically reduce a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Scanning: Truck drivers must continuously scan the road ahead of them for potential hazards. They need to take into consideration that pedestrians can act in many ways that are unpredictable. Slowing down when pedestrians are nearby can help prevent many collisions.
- Driver Intoxication: Many truck accidents involve an intoxicated truck driver. What many truck drivers do not realize is that a variety of substances besides alcohol can impair them.
It is a felony to flee the scene of any injury collision. Drivers that kill pedestrians in accidents and keep going may face criminal as well as civil liability for their actions. Liability for any truck accident could extend beyond the truck driver deemed to be at fault. The employer that the truck driver worked for could also face legal responsibility for the accident. This is particularly true if the truck driver was hired as an employee. Employers can be vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their workers who were operating within the course of their job duties.
Steps to Take After Yolo County Semi-Truck Accidents
Far too many pedestrians are killed in hit-and-run collisions each year. According to the IIHS, “Twenty-five percent of pedestrian deaths in 2023 occurred in hit-and-run crashes. Between 2014 and 2019, hit-and-run crashes accounted for about 20% of pedestrian fatalities. This number jumped to 24% in 2020, and it has inched up to 25% since then.” It is important that certain measures are taken after any hit-and-run collision.
- Police: The police should be called to the scene as early as possible so that they can begin investigating.
- Fragments: Any possible fragments of the fling vehicle should be sought. Even a small piece of the vehicle that fled the scene can help establish the make and model of the car or truck involved.
- Surveillance Footage: Many hit-and-run collisions are captured by surveillance footage. This could be from traffic intersections or local businesses.
- Independent Review: The surviving family members of a hit-and-run collision should consider seeking an independent accident review from a legal team with experience in tort claims.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any hit-and-run collision. Many hit-and-run drivers will never come forward. They must be tracked down after a long investigation. Accident victims and surviving family members should understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a California wrongful death claim.
Investigating Yolo County Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ricardo Castellano Jr. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. There are so many questions that still need to be answered. The truck driver involved should do the right thing and come forward. It is never too late to do the right thing.
Do you need more information about a Yolo County semi-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 hit-and-run drivers are located and held fully accountable for their illegal conduct. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
