There was apparently a fatal accident this morning involving a Republic Services trash truck that struck 69-year-old Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga of Santa Ana.
The incident happened at Shelton and Bishop.
The SAPD closed off the streets around the accident as they are conducting an investigation.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, the trash truck was traveling eastbound on Bishop St. when it made a right turn onto southbound Shelton St. at the roundabout,” an SAPD release said. “The truck subsequently struck Rubalcava as she was crossing the street.”
KABC7 News has reported that the woman was crossing the street and was decapitated by the trash truck.
The City of Santa Ana posted this reaction to the accident in their social media accounts:
We are aware of the tragic accident involving a trash truck that fatally struck a woman early this morning, November 19, in a residential neighborhood near Shelton and Bishop streets. We extend our deepest condolences to the woman’s family, friends and those impacted by this loss.
The accident occurred near Pio Pico Elementary School when families and children were in the area. The City has contacted Santa Ana Unified School District’s Superintendent and trustee to offer any assistance the City can provide. The school district has activated a crisis team and is ready to provide any and all support for school site leaders and students.
Again, we offer our condolences to all those affected by this tragic accident.
Possible Liability faced by the Republic Services Driver
1. Criminal Liability
- In California, if a garbage truck driver acted negligently (e.g., failed to check mirrors, ignored safety protocols while backing up), they can face vehicular manslaughter charges under Penal Code §192(c).
- Gross negligence → Felony (up to 6 years in prison).
- Ordinary negligence → Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in county jail).
- If the driver was impaired (alcohol/drugs) or violated major traffic laws, penalties increase significantly.
2. Civil Liability
- The victim’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit against:
- The driver.
- Republic Services (employer), under vicarious liability.
- Past cases against Republic Services have resulted in multi-million-dollar verdicts when negligence was proven (e.g., $38.8M verdict in Nevada for a similar garbage truck fatality).
3. Regulatory & Safety Investigations
- Cal/OSHA and local authorities will investigate because the victim was engaged in scavenging cans, which may have placed her in a hazardous zone. However Cal/OSHA only has jurisdiction over the driver, not the victim.
- Garbage trucks have special exemptions under California law (they can stop and back up in ways other vehicles cannot), but these do not excuse negligence.
Key Factors That Determine Penalties
- Was the truck’s backup alarm functioning?
- Did the driver follow Republic Services’ safety protocols (spotter, mirrors, cameras)?
- Was the victim in a blind spot or an area where pedestrians are prohibited?