Wrong-way box truck on eastbound SR-91 near University Avenue in Riverside triggered a multi-vehicle crash, major injuries and at least one fatality.
Car Accident on SR-91 eastbound near University Avenue in Riverside
On the morning of September 6, 2026, a wrong-way driver in a box truck was reported traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of State Route 91 near University Avenue in Riverside. According to incident logs, witnesses saw a tan or gray box truck driving at high speed in the eastbound high-occupancy vehicle lane and center divider. A gray sedan, red sedan, gray van, black pickup truck, a Ford Flex, a Toyota Corolla and a Honda Civic were all reported as involved at various points. Officials reported that multiple vehicles were disabled and blocking all eastbound lanes, with at least one gray sedan left sideways in a lane. A three-vehicle collision was confirmed, and one vehicle was described as having "flew up in the air," though it was unclear if that vehicle was the wrong-way driver. Authorities said one woman suffered serious injuries and that a vehicle was leaking fuel. At least one person was reported trapped in a vehicle, and another was found on the ground with major injuries. Fire crews began CPR on at least one patient at the scene. Logs indicated that the driver of a Ford Flex was suspected of being under the influence after a beer bottle was found next to the vehicle. All eastbound lanes of SR-91 were closed, and a SigAlert was requested for about two hours, later extended by another 90 minutes. Police assisted with closing on-ramps at 14th Street and Central and diverting traffic off the freeway at University and 14th Street. Transportation crews were called to help manage the closure and clean up engine fluid that had spilled on the roadway. Lanes were expected to reopen after the roadway was swept and the hazard was mitigated.
Incident Details
What California law says after a car accident
Who may bring a wrongful death claim in California
When a collision results in death, California law allows specific family members to bring a wrongful death claim. The categories are defined by statute and generally include a surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and, where there is no surviving spouse or issue, others who would be entitled to the property of the person who died. Certain dependents, including a putative spouse, stepchildren, or parents who were financially dependent, may also qualify.
A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their own losses, including financial support, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of the companionship, guidance, and society the person provided.
A separate claim, called a survival action, covers losses the person themselves sustained before death, such as medical expenses and lost earnings. California law changed here. For survival actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, damages for the decedent’s own pain, suffering, or disfigurement are no longer recoverable. Cases filed before that date are not affected, and different rules can apply in elder abuse matters.
Eligibility depends on family circumstances, filing deadlines are strict, and the damages available depend in part on when a case is filed.
Reporting requirements after a California collision
California imposes reporting duties on drivers that are separate from any insurance claim.
A report must be filed with the DMV on form SR-1 within ten days of a collision that caused any injury, any death, or more than one thousand dollars in property damage to any one person. This duty applies regardless of fault, applies even when police responded and wrote their own report, and is not satisfied by notifying an insurance company. With current repair costs, most collisions that involve a body shop meet the damage threshold.
A separate rule covers collisions causing injury or death. The driver must make a written report to the California Highway Patrol, or to the city police department where the collision happened in a city, within twenty four hours. The statute states this duty for every injury or fatal collision. In practice, where officers responded and completed a report at the scene, that report generally satisfies the agency’s need, but a driver who assumes this without confirming it is relying on practice rather than on the text of the law.
Missing the DMV deadline can lead to suspension of driving privileges, an outcome unrelated to who caused the collision.
Information for Families After a Fatal Collision
Losing a family member in a collision raises urgent legal questions, often long before anyone feels ready to ask them. These guides set out the basics, with no obligation attached.
- California wrongful death attorney: who may file, the deadlines that apply, and what a claim covers
- Los Angeles car accident lawyer: fault, insurance offers, and what a claim is worth
- All practice areas
Injured in This Accident? Get Trusted Legal Guidance
After an accident, the right information can make a meaningful difference. If you or a loved one was hurt, The Law Offices of Burg and Brock, Inc. can help you understand your rights and options.
Speak with our legal team today before making important decisions.