Nissan Altima overturns after BMW runs red light near Atlantic Avenue
January 04, 2026 | Long Beach, CA
A 24-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man lost their lives in a fatal three-vehicle hit-and-run crash on Jan. 4 in Long Beach.
Bobbi Smith, 24, and Gilberto Lopez, 21, were killed after a BMW and a Nissan Altima were involved in a three-vehicle hit-and-run crash in Long Beach.
Long Beach police are investigating speed and running a red light as possible contributing factors in the incident, which occurred around 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of Sixth Street and Atlantic Avenue.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities reported that a BMW 330i was traveling eastbound on Sixth Street and proceeded through a red light at the intersection with Atlantic Avenue. This action led to a direct collision with a southbound Nissan Altima. After the initial hit, the BMW continued eastward and struck a northbound Kia Soul.
- Victims: Bobbi Smith, 24, and Gilberto Lopez, 21, passengers in the Nissan Altima, were pronounced dead at the scene.
- Vehicle Damage: The Nissan Altima flipped onto its roof following the collision.
- Driver Status: The BMW driver fled the scene, and police are actively searching for the suspect.
- Time and Location: 10:15 p.m., Sixth Street and Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, California.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Intersection crashes remain a leading cause of traffic fatalities, often stemming from violations like disregarding traffic signals. According to the Federal Highway Administration, about 40% of all automobile collisions occur at intersections, primarily due to running stop signs or red lights. Common factors include driver impatience, reckless behavior, and distractions such as phone use.
Factor |
Description |
Contribution to Crashes |
|---|
Running Red Lights |
Failing to stop at signals |
About 22% of intersection fatalities (NHTSA data) |
Speeding |
Excessive velocity in urban areas |
Increases impact severity |
Distracted Driving |
Mobile devices or other diversions |
Leads to delayed reactions |
Impatience |
Rushing through intersections |
Common in high-traffic zones |
Data sourced from the Federal Highway Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, securing professional legal guidance is crucial to preserving evidence and supporting affected families. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline, emphasized the urgency of independent investigations.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and a grieving family must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner,” said Bond. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney will carefully examine what may have contributed to the crash and has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide families during this difficult time, while protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Hire an attorney promptly to conduct an unbiased review of the incident.
- Legal professionals can access specialized resources for thorough analysis.
- Support for families includes navigating insurance claims and witness statements.
- Compassionate representation ensures rights are upheld amid grief.
Pending investigation outcomes, the families of Bobbi Smith and Gilberto Lopez may pursue wrongful death claims to address losses like companionship, funeral expenses, pain, and emotional distress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, highlighted the emotional toll of such tragedies.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Formica. “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 legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(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).