Speeding pickup struck multiple vehicles in Hawthorne intersection
May 17, 2026 | Hawthorne, CA
What happened in the crash?
April Clements, 42, died after a multi-vehicle crash at Imperial Highway and Inglewood Avenue in Hawthorne.
- Date: May 17
- Time: 11:49 p.m.
- Location: Imperial Highway and Inglewood Avenue, Hawthorne, CA
- Vehicles: Pickup truck vs. passenger vehicle
- Injuries: April Clements, 42, fatally injured, Jada Clements, 17, seriously injured
April Clements, 42, was killed, and her daughter Jada, 17, suffered serious injuries when a speeding pickup truck ran a red light and struck their vehicle. First responders extricated both victims from the wreckage before transporting them to a local hospital. April Clements was pronounced deceased at the facility, while Jada underwent multiple surgeries and remains in critical condition. The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical and funeral costs.
Why do red-light crashes continue to occur?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 1,149 people died in red-light-running crashes in 2022, with another 100,000 injured. Common contributing factors include distraction, excessive speed, and driver impatience.
| Statistic | 2022 Figure | Source |
|---|
| Fatalities | 1,149 | IIHS |
| Injuries | 100,000 | IIHS |
| Primary causes | Distraction, speeding, impatience | IIHS |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, families often benefit from an independent review of all contributing factors.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide victims and families of victims through what can be a complicated process.”— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways
- Police reports provide an initial account but may not capture every factor
- Legal review can identify additional avenues for accountability
- Families retain the right to pursue compensation for loss and suffering
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of.”— Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
The investigation remains ongoing. Relatives of April Clements may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek damages for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and related impacts.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Hawthorne, Fatal Red-Light Accident, Speeding Crash, Imperial Highway, Inglewood Avenue