Rey Flores Killed in E-Bike Crash at Chestnut & Cypress Aves
The 51-year-old man died days after the collision at Chestnut Avenue and Cypress Avenue
Rey Flores, 51, of Santa Ana, was killed in an e-scooter accident at Chestnut Avenue and Cypress Avenue in Santa Ana, California, on May 23, according to the police department.
The westbound e-scooter and a southbound vehicle collided in the intersection at approximately 9:35 p.m. The driver of the vehicle stopped immediately and cooperated with investigators.
Paramedics with the Orange County Fire Authority found the rider, Flores, in the road with critical injuries. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died on May 26.
Officers said the driver of the vehicle showed no signs of impairment. Detectives are investigating whether impairment by the rider played a role in the collision.
No charges have been filed. The department's Collision Investigation Unit is handling the case.
The loss of a loved one in an intersection collision leaves families devastated and searching for answers. While the cause of a crash remains under investigation, legal professionals note that establishing right-of-way is a critical step in determining liability.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Right‑of‑way questions are central to many e‑bike crash cases. Intersections highlight the problem, with drivers and riders often disagreeing about who could legally move ahead. Understanding those events requires more than witness input; it takes careful reconstruction of the scene."
An attorney can secure traffic-camera footage, dash-camera recordings, and GPS ride data to establish an objective timeline of movement before impact. Building that evidentiary foundation helps surviving families pursue accountability grounded in documented facts, added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
Why are intersection collisions so dangerous for e-scooter riders?
E-scooter riders face extreme vulnerability in urban traffic environments because they lack physical protection. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, micromobility-related injuries increased nearly 21% in 2022, with fractures and head trauma being the most common injuries.
How will investigators determine fault on Chestnut Avenue?
Detectives will review traffic controls, vehicle speeds, and potential impairment to understand the sequence of events.
"In addition to the official investigation, an attorney may gather witness information, analyze surveillance recordings, and review cellphone activity to better understand collision circumstances and protect important evidence," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.
California wrongful death statute
Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. California applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering.