A tragic 60 Freeway crash in Jurupa Valley early Monday morning left a man and woman dead after their car veered off the roadway, ejecting one occupant onto the freeway and causing catastrophic head injuries, authorities said.
The crash was reported around 4:50 a.m. on the eastbound 60 Freeway near Country Village Road. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a black Honda Civic lost control, struck the freeway barrier, and careened into an industrial lot off Wabash Drive.
CHP spokesperson Officer Javier Navarro explained that the male passenger, who was in his 40s, was ejected onto the freeway lanes and suffered fatal head trauma. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The female driver, also in her 40s, continued off the roadway before crashing into a parked box truck in a business parking lot. She sustained fatal injuries, including likely head trauma from the violent collision, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A SigAlert was issued as officers conducted a fatal traffic investigation. All lanes were reopened by 7:30 a.m. The victims’ names have not yet been released.
Legal Context: Fatal Head Injuries & Passenger Rights in California
Crashes involving ejection almost always result in severe or fatal traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to the violent impact on the head and skull. In California, several legal doctrines apply when head trauma contributes to a fatality:
Driver Negligence (California Civil Code §1714 & California Vehicle Code §22350)
Drivers must operate their vehicles safely and at speeds appropriate for conditions. If investigators determine that speeding, distraction, impairment, or unsafe driving caused the loss of control, the passenger’s family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful Death (CCP §377.60)
Surviving family members may recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Emotional and psychological suffering
Product Liability
If seatbelt failure or vehicle defects contributed to the passenger’s ejection or head injury, manufacturers may be held accountable.
Government Liability (Gov. Code §835)
If poor road design, inadequate lighting, or lack of barrier protection contributed to the crash, claims may extend to public entities.
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been affected by a tragedy like the 60 Freeway crash in Jurupa Valley, and especially if a traumatic head injury was involved, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys provide:
- Free Consultations: Learn your rights at no cost.
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- Comprehensive Support: From investigating crash causes to pursuing maximum compensation, we stand by you every step of the way.
Medical Treatment You Need, Money You Deserve
➡️ Take the First Step Toward Justice
Families should never face the aftermath of a fatal crash without help. If you lost a loved one to head trauma from a freeway accident, contact the Brain Injury Help Center today for a free consultation.
