Last updated: October 27, 2026
Three people died in a wrong-way, head-on collision on westbound Interstate 10 near Blythe early Sunday, August 2, 2026. The California Highway Patrol says the wrong-way driver was a 36-year-old Phoenix woman driving eastbound in the westbound lanes, and alcohol is suspected as a factor. Here is what happened, what investigators have found so far, and what legal rights the surviving families have under California law.
Three people were killed before sunrise on Sunday, August 2, 2026, when a wrong-way driver traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 10 near Blythe crashed head-on into a pickup truck. The California Highway Patrol identified the wrong-way driver as 36-year-old Maria Dolores Romero Davila of Phoenix, Arizona, and the two men in the pickup as 44-year-old Jose Luis Lomeli Jr. and 38-year-old Fernando Lomeli, both of Riverside. CHP officials say alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash, though toxicology results have not been released and the investigation remains active. Families affected by wrong-way collisions have legal rights under California law, and this article explains what happened, what the investigation means, and how those rights work.
As a personal injury lawyer california families trust during their darkest hours, we examine the details of this crash, the research on wrong-way driving, and how you can protect your legal rights if tragedy strikes your family.
What Happened on Interstate 10 Near Blythe?
The fatal collision occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, west of Ford Dry Lake Road near mile marker 124, west of Blythe. According to the California Highway Patrol, as reported by MyNewsLA, a 2017 Mercedes C300 was being driven eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-10 when it collided head-on with a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado traveling in the correct direction. The Mercedes came to rest on the freeway, while the Chevrolet stopped on the north dirt shoulder.
The impact was catastrophic. The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau identified the three individuals who lost their lives:
- Maria Dolores Romero Davila, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona — the wrong-way driver of the Mercedes, pronounced dead at the scene
- Jose Luis Lomeli Jr., 44, of Riverside — the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, pronounced dead at the scene
- Fernando Lomeli, 38, of Riverside — a front-right passenger in the Silverado, pronounced dead en route to a hospital
A second passenger inside the Chevrolet was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs with major injuries. During the investigation, authorities issued a SigAlert near mile marker 129, diverting morning traffic off the freeway until all lanes were finally reopened at approximately 10:40 a.m. Sunday. Our thoughts are with the Lomeli family, the surviving passenger, and everyone grieving this preventable loss.
Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Keep Happening on California Freeways?
The California Highway Patrol immediately launched an intensive investigation into how and why the wrong-way driver entered the freeway lanes, and officials say alcohol is suspected as a factor in the collision. No toxicology results have been released, and no criminal charges have been announced. Establishing liability in wrong-way collisions requires forensic reconstruction, toxicology reports, cell phone records, and an examination of roadway lighting and signage.
The Blythe crash fits a disturbing national pattern. A March 2026 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety analysis of federal data found 4,164 fatal wrong-way crashes on U.S. divided highways between 2014 and 2023, killing 5,730 people — and the annual number of these crashes roughly doubled over that decade, rising from 278 in 2014 to 520 in 2023. Nearly 70% of wrong-way drivers had a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08 g/dL, the per se legal limit in California, and drivers above that limit had dramatically higher odds of driving the wrong way than sober drivers. California recorded 532 wrong-way deaths on divided highways over the same ten years, according to the AAA Foundation's state data.
Wrong-way driving is illegal under California Vehicle Code § 21651, and if impairment is confirmed, driving under the influence violates Vehicle Code § 23152 — grounds for a civil negligence claim regardless of any criminal outcome.
What Legal Rights Do Families Have After a Fatal Wrong-Way Crash in California?
Facing the sudden loss of a loved one creates unbearable emotional and financial pressure. Medical bills, funeral expenses, and the sudden loss of financial support overwhelm grieving families. California law provides a path forward through wrongful death and personal injury claims.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the surviving spouses, domestic partners, children, and certain other relatives of Jose Luis Lomeli Jr. and Fernando Lomeli may pursue a wrongful death claim. Even though the wrong-way driver also died in the crash, her death does not erase the harm she caused: the claim can proceed against her estate and her auto liability insurance policy. A wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit must generally be filed within two years of the date of death under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, but critical evidence such as vehicle data, scene photographs, and witness memories fades quickly, so families should act well before that deadline.
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How Can You Protect Yourself From a Wrong-Way Driver?
You cannot control who enters a freeway the wrong way, but a few habits reduce your risk on California highways:
- Stay alert and watch for headlights facing you in your lanes. If you see a vehicle coming toward you, slow down and steer toward the right shoulder, away from the wrong-way driver.
- Be extra cautious at night and in the early morning hours. The AAA Foundation found nearly 81% of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways occurred in darkness, and most wrong-way drivers were driving alone.
- Report a wrong-way driver to 911 immediately. Your call can alert the California Highway Patrol and stop the driver before a crash.
- Never follow a vehicle the wrong way to turn around. Stop, pull over as far right as possible, and reverse or wait until it is safe.
- Wear a seatbelt on every trip and keep passengers buckled. In this crash, one Silverado passenger survived with major injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After the I-10 Blythe Crash?
Under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and other entitled relatives of each person killed may file a wrongful death claim. Because the two Lomeli men were in the same vehicle, the families of both may pursue recovery from the wrong-way driver's estate and insurance.
How Long Do Families Have to File a Claim?
California law generally allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Waiting the full two years risks lost evidence and a weakened claim, so families should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Does a Suspected DUI Affect the Civil Case?
A criminal case, if one is ever filed, proceeds separately from any civil claim. A civil wrongful death claim requires proof by a preponderance of the evidence, not a criminal conviction, and any suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a criminal court.
What if the At-Fault Driver Also Died in the Crash?
The wrong-way driver's death does not eliminate liability. A claim may proceed against her estate and her liability insurance carrier, which is why identifying all available insurance coverage early in the case matters.
What Should You Do to Protect Your Claim?
When dealing with the aftermath of a severe traffic collision, taking prompt action preserves critical evidence. Follow this checklist to protect your rights:
- Contact the California Highway Patrol to request a copy of the official accident report.
- Preserve all medical records, hospital bills, and death certificates.
- Document all funeral and memorial expenses with itemized receipts.
- Avoid speaking directly with insurance adjusters or signing any settlement releases without legal counsel.
- Schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with Fairmont Law Firm immediately.
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- Zero Fee Until We Win: You pay absolutely nothing out of pocket. We only get paid when we recover money for you.
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Speak With a California Wrong-Way Crash Lawyer
Justice cannot wait. If your family has suffered a devastating loss due to a reckless wrong-way driver or highway accident anywhere in California, contact Fairmont Law Firm right now. Let us fight for the accountability and financial recovery you deserve.
Contact us today for your Free Case Evaluation or call our 24/7 hotline to speak directly with an experienced attorney.
By Ben Marmont, Fairmont Law Firm
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The CHP investigation into the I-10 Blythe crash remains active, alcohol is only suspected as a factor, and no criminal charges have been filed; any suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Facts may change as authorities release more information. If you or a loved one were injured or lost in a California crash, consult a licensed California attorney about your specific situation.