Published: July 6, 2026
By: Yaghmai Law Firm, APC
(Long Beach, CA) – One person died early Monday after a black sedan struck a shoulder wall and overturned on the southbound Long Beach (710) Freeway in Long Beach, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP said it first received a report of the crash at 12:07 a.m. Monday. Investigators reported that the collision happened on the southbound 710 Freeway at Long Beach Boulevard, where the black sedan struck the right shoulder wall and rolled over, ejecting the motorist.
Officers were told that someone was lying in the lanes near the wrecked car and was not moving. The CHP said the ejected motorist was pronounced dead at the scene. A witness reported to the CHP that the sedan had been driven erratically before the crash. Long Beach Animal Care Services was called to retrieve a dog that had been inside the vehicle.
The CHP issued a SigAlert at 12:46 a.m., closing all southbound lanes except the HOV lane north of Long Beach Boulevard. All lanes reopened and the SigAlert was canceled at 8:30 a.m., the CHP said.
Analysis of the 710 Freeway Collision
When a single-vehicle crash results in a death, investigators typically work to reconstruct what happened by examining physical evidence at the scene, the resting position of the vehicle, roadway conditions, and any available witness accounts. Because the observations described so far come from the CHP and a witness, the following is a general overview of the legal principles that may become relevant as the investigation continues, not a conclusion about what occurred or who, if anyone, was at fault.
Under Civil Code section 1714(a), every person is responsible for injury caused to another by a lack of ordinary care. Where speed is a question in a crash investigation, the Basic Speed Law under Vehicle Code section 22350 provides that a driver may not travel faster than is reasonable and prudent given the road, weather, visibility, and traffic conditions. If evidence were to establish that a specific safety statute was violated and that the violation proximately caused a resulting injury or death, Evidence Code section 669 sets out the framework under which a failure to use due care may be presumed. Whether any of these principles apply here would depend entirely on facts that only a completed investigation can establish.
In a fatal crash, California law also addresses how claims may proceed on behalf of a person who has died. Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60 identifies the family members who may bring a wrongful death action, and Code of Civil Procedure section 377.30 governs survival claims that pass to a decedent's successor in interest. The measure of damages in such actions is set by Civil Code section 3333, which allows compensation for all detriment proximately caused. Where more than one party may share responsibility, Civil Code section 1431.2 governs how non-economic damages are allocated in proportion to each party's percentage of fault.
What Families Can Do
Families coping with a fatal freeway crash can take several practical steps while the investigation proceeds: request a copy of the CHP collision report once it is available, preserve any evidence such as photographs or vehicle records, and keep documentation of losses. California generally sets a two-year deadline for personal injury and wrongful death actions under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, and drivers involved in injury or fatal crashes face separate reporting obligations under Vehicle Code sections 16000 and 20008. Because these deadlines and requirements can be difficult to navigate during a period of grief, some families choose to speak with an attorney who can explain their options. Were you, or someone you love, involved in this crash? A Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer at Yaghmai Law Firm can explain your options and deal with the insurance companies for you. Call or text (888) 800-6731 or request a free case review.
About the Author
Houtan Yaghmai, Esq., President & Managing Attorney of Yaghmai Law Firm, APC. California State Bar No. 298487. Speaks English, French, and Persian. The firm represents personal injury clients throughout Southern California – consultations by phone, text, or video, no office visits required.
This post was assembled with AI assistance from publicly reported news sources cited below. All California Vehicle Code references were verified against leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Facts were re-checked via additional web searches before publication. This post is based on initial news reports and may be updated as new facts develop. Nothing in this article is legal advice. Yaghmai Law Firm, APC is not associated with the investigating agencies and does not represent any party named in this post unless explicitly stated.
Sources:
1. GNEWS_CA_CRASH – Person killed in single-vehicle crash on Long Beach freeway: https://2urbangirls.com/2026/07/person-killed-in-single-vehicle-crash-on-long-beach-freeway/
