(Montebello, CA) A man was killed early Saturday morning, January 10, in a Pomona Freeway collision involving a sedan and a semi-truck.
CHP officers received calls at around 3:04 a.m. to the eastbound Pomona (60) Freeway at the North Garfield Avenue off-ramp. Investigators said the victim traveled in a white sedan that collided with a semi-trailer near the exit. Officers arriving at the scene found extensive damage to the vehicles involved.
Montebello Fire Department paramedics pronounced the sedan’s driver dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner later identified the victim as Aidan Guevara, 26. CHP did not immediately clarify how the vehicles came into contact or which lane the crash occurred in.
Authorities issued a SigAlert at about 3:40 a.m. for the closure of one eastbound lane at the North Garfield Avenue exit. Officers investigated and crews worked to clear debris during that closure. Traffic was impacted for several hours before the SigAlert was canceled around 6:42 a.m., according to CHP.
Overview on the Pomona Freeway Collision
When a fatal crash involving a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck occurs on a freeway, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews focus on speed, following distance, and driver decision-making near freeway exits.
If speed is suspected, investigators may examine the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to travel at speeds that are reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Early morning hours can present reduced visibility, and excessive speed can limit reaction time near off-ramps where traffic patterns change quickly.
Because the crash occurred near an exit, authorities may also review the Unsafe Lane Change Law. This law requires drivers to ensure a lane change or turn can be made with reasonable safety. Freeway exits often involve merging, braking, and lane shifts that increase the risk of collisions if movements are made abruptly.
Investigators sometimes consider the Following Too Closely Law when collisions involve large trucks and passenger vehicles. This law requires drivers to maintain a safe distance to allow adequate time to stop. Proper spacing is especially important when sharing the roadway with semi-trailers, which require longer stopping distances. These statutes help CHP evaluate what may have led to the Pomona Freeway collision as evidence continues to be reviewed.
Guidance for the Family
If you have lost a loved one in a sudden freeway crash, staying in contact with the California Highway Patrol can help you receive updates and request the official collision report when it becomes available.
You may also consider speaking with a legal professional experienced in fatal freeway collisions involving commercial vehicles to better understand your options. Emotional support is essential, and leaning on family members, friends, or local grief counseling resources can help during an incredibly difficult time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
