The head-on crash occurred in the westbound lanes near Blythe, CHP said
August 02, 2026 | Blythe, CA
What happened in the crash?
Maria Dolores Romero Davila, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona, died in a wrong-way head-on crash on Interstate 10 near mile marker 124 by Blythe.
- Date: Aug. 2
- Location: Westbound Interstate 10 near Blythe, Riverside County
- Time: Approximately 6:30 a.m.
- Victim: Maria Dolores Romero Davila, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona
- Outcome: Pronounced dead at the scene, two others also killed
The California Highway Patrol confirmed the head-on collision occurred when a wrong-way driver entered the westbound lanes. An investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet identified whether any victim was operating against traffic.
Why do these accidents happen?
Wrong-way crashes often stem from impaired driving, with more than 60 percent linked to intoxication, according to state data. Additional factors include driver distraction, fatigue, and occasional roadway design issues such as inadequate signage.
| Source | Statistic | Detail |
|---|
| California Highway Patrol data | 43 fatalities | Average annual deaths from wrong-way collisions in California |
| National studies | Over 60% | Share of wrong-way crashes involving intoxicated drivers |
Legal Insights
National analysts note that independent reviews can help preserve critical evidence in complex motor vehicle incidents.
In cases such as this, an attorney can collect the proper evidence to help prove that a driver’s actions were reckless, which requires a variety of resources. 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.
— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal
- Timely evidence collection supports accountability
- Witness re-interviews and record reviews strengthen case development
- Families receive guidance on available legal options
Family members of those killed may pursue wrongful death claims to address loss of companionship, pain, and emotional distress.
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
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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).
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