Lakeview, CA – On the night of Sunday, May 18, 2025, a head-on collision involving two pickup trucks resulted in a fatality in Riverside County, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 9:43 PM on State Route 166.
Initial reports indicated that both vehicles were disabled in the roadway following the crash, blocking both lanes of traffic. Bystanders attempted to assist occupants who were trapped or injured.
Emergency responders, including tow services and Caltrans, were dispatched to the scene. A white GMC pickup was identified among the vehicles involved, and multiple individuals were reportedly in the lanes at the time of response.
The CHP confirmed the severity of the incident was upgraded from major injury to fatality status shortly after midnight. A medical helicopter was called, requiring a temporary closure of the highway west of the crash site to facilitate landing.
The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash and whether speed, impairment, or other factors played a role.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
