FULLERTON, CA — A tragic incident occurred in Fullerton on the evening of April 15, 2024, resulting in the death of a local mother. According to authorities, a high-speed collision involving an SUV and a white BMW claimed the life of 62-year-old Irma Pedraza, and left her son, Christian, injured.
The crash happened near Orangethorpe Avenue and Harbor Boulevard, close to B&B Donuts, where the mother and son had been heading for a late-night snack. Details about the BMW driver’s impending charges have not been disclosed by officials.
Investigators are looking into the cause of the accident, with early reports indicating that high speed played a significant role in the fatal event. Approximately 36,000 fatalities occur each year on U.S. roads, with an estimated 16.7 percent attributed to speeding, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
An ongoing investigation is expected to consider all contributing factors, such as road conditions, visibility, and lighting, to determine the sequence of events leading to the collision.
While the investigation proceeds, the family of Irma Pedraza may be eligible for a wrongful death claim, which could include compensation for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress in the wake of the catastrophic accident.