Lexus veered right and struck Toyota in eastbound lanes west of Bob Hope Drive
February 21, 2026 | Cathedral City, CA
Cathedral City authorities reported a tragic two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 that claimed the life of 65-year-old Jose Crespo Guevara from Bell in Los Angeles County.
Jose Crespo Guevara, 65, died after a Lexus allegedly driven recklessly struck his Toyota on Interstate 10 west of Bob Hope Drive in Cathedral City.
The incident unfolded around 6:37 a.m. on eastbound I-10, just west of Bob Hope Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol.
What Happened in the Crash?
A Lexus traveling eastbound in the number one lane veered right due to reckless driving and collided with a Toyota in the number three lane. The collision sent the Lexus into a nearby body of water, where it landed on its wheels. The Toyota overturned, flipped onto its roof, and submerged.
The Toyota's driver, Jose Crespo Guevara, was trapped underwater and required extrication. He was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries.
Meanwhile, the Lexus driver and four passengers from the Toyota managed to escape the wreckage.
- Date and Time: Feb. 21, around 6:37 a.m.
- Location: Eastbound Interstate 10, west of Bob Hope Drive, Cathedral City, CA
- Vehicles Involved: Lexus, eastbound, lane 1, and Toyota, eastbound, lane 3
- Outcome: One fatality, Jose Crespo Guevara, Toyota driver, and five hospitalized, including Lexus driver arrested for DUI
- Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP) leading investigation
Who Was Affected and What Were the Injuries?
Jose Crespo Guevara, aged 65 and residing in Bell, was identified as the sole fatality by the Riverside County coroner. The crash left multiple others injured, with five individuals transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The Lexus driver faced arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, highlighting potential factors in the collision.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Motor vehicle crashes like this one often stem from reckless behavior, including distracted driving from cellphone use and the growing prevalence of larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 39,345 traffic fatalities nationwide in 2024.
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Reckless Driving |
Includes speeding, lane changes without signaling, and impairment like DUI |
NHTSA |
Distracted Driving |
Cellphone usage diverts attention from the road |
CDC |
Vehicle Size Increase |
Sales of large trucks and SUVs contribute to higher impact severity |
Federal Highway Administration |
Overall Fatalities (2024) |
39,345 deaths in U.S. traffic crashes |
NHTSA |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, an independent investigation by legal professionals can uncover critical details beyond initial police findings.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, and national analyst for Newsline. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family of a victim must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner.”
- Key Takeaway: Preserve evidence promptly to build a strong case.
- Key Takeaway: Re-examine witness statements for accuracy.
- Key Takeaway: Secure digital records like phone data early.
Pending investigation results, family members of those lost in such incidents may pursue wrongful death claims to seek compensation for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).