Daniel Romo Jr., 59, of Moreno Valley: a Sunday morning collision near University Avenue that injured two other drivers
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (September 6, 2026): A 59-year-old Moreno Valley man died and two other drivers were hurt in a wrong-way crash on the eastbound Riverside Freeway, State Route 91, near University Avenue at about 9:30 a.m. Sunday, according to the California Highway Patrol. The CHP said a brown Ford Flex traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes collided head-on with a Honda Civic, redirecting it into the center divider, as reported by MyNewsLA and Patch. The Ford then continued into the No. 2 lane and struck a Toyota Corolla head-on, about 240 feet west of University Avenue.
The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s office identified the Ford Flex driver as Daniel Romo Jr., 59, of Moreno Valley. Patch reported he was pronounced dead at Riverside Community Hospital at 10:14 a.m. The drivers of the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla sustained injuries ranging from minor to major and were taken to a hospital by ambulance, according to the CHP. The CHP said whether alcohol or drugs were factors remained under investigation, and its Riverside area Accident Investigation Unit is handling the case. No arrests have been reported.
Liability for Riverside County Wrong-Way Freeway Crashes
California Vehicle Code § 21658 (lane maintenance) requires drivers to keep to a single marked lane in the proper direction, and California Vehicle Code § 22350 (basic speed law) governs speed for conditions. The CHP is still investigating whether alcohol or drugs played a role, and California Vehicle Code § 23152 (driving under the influence) would apply only if that is established, which it has not been. For the injured drivers, a negligence claim would ordinarily be brought against the deceased driver’s estate and any liability policy covering the Ford Flex. If ramp configuration, signage or wrong-way detection near University Avenue allowed a vehicle to enter against traffic, Government Code § 835 (dangerous condition of public property) may bring Caltrans into the analysis, and California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 (wrongful death) governs the standing of Mr. Romo’s family.
- Where the vehicle entered: The CHP must determine where the Ford Flex entered the eastbound lanes and how far it traveled before the first impact.
- Signage and ramp design: Wrong-way arrows, do not enter signs, ramp geometry and detection systems are examined in these cases, and the roadway agency documents their condition.
- Medical and toxicology findings: A sudden medical event and impairment produce very different conclusions. The CHP said both remain under investigation and nothing has been determined.
- Warning and response timeline: Whether motorists called 911 before the collision, and what response followed, is part of a complete investigation.
The two surviving drivers have their own personal injury claims for emergency and follow up care, lost wages, future treatment and pain and suffering. Because the Ford Flex driver died, those claims would be presented against his estate and insurer, and if that coverage is limited, each injured driver’s own underinsured motorist and medical payments coverage may add benefits. Mr. Romo’s family may also have questions about what happened on that stretch of the 91, and those deserve a real investigation rather than an assumption.
Steps to Take After a Riverside County Wrong-Way Freeway Crash
According to the California Department of Transportation and CHP research on freeway safety, wrong-way collisions are far more likely to cause death or serious injury than other freeway crashes.
- Request the CHP report: Ask the Riverside area Accident Investigation Unit for the report number and the completed report with diagram and witness statements.
- Get medical care documented: Injuries called minor at the scene, especially head, neck and internal injuries, often appear days later. Consistent records protect both health and the claim.
- Preserve all three vehicles: Event data recorders in all three vehicles capture speed, braking and restraint information that is lost once a car is salvaged.
- Document the ramps and signage: Photograph the interchanges near University Avenue, including signage and pavement markings, before maintenance changes them.
- Notify your own insurer early: Underinsured motorist and medical payments coverage often require prompt notice and consent before any settlement.
In California, a personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the injury, and a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of death, under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If Caltrans or another public entity may share responsibility for signage or ramp design, a government claim must be presented within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating Riverside County Wrong-Way Freeway Crashes
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Daniel Romo Jr. and our wishes for a full recovery to the two drivers who were injured. At which interchange did the Ford Flex enter the eastbound lanes of the 91 Freeway, and what wrong-way signage and detection equipment were in place there? What do the CHP’s toxicology and medical findings ultimately show about why a vehicle was traveling against traffic on a Sunday morning?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on September 16, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on September 6, 2026.
