Minivan struck passenger vehicle near Central Avenue in Carson
January 19, 2026 | Carson, CA
A tragic two-vehicle accident on the westbound 91 Freeway in Carson claimed the life of 38-year-old Matthew Hellums, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office.
Matthew Hellums, 38, died after a minivan and passenger vehicle collided on the westbound 91 Freeway near Central Avenue in Carson.
What Happened in the Crash?
The California Highway Patrol reported that a minivan and a passenger vehicle collided near Central Avenue around 12:38 a.m. on Jan. 19.
- Date and Time: Jan. 19, approximately 12:38 a.m.
- Location: Westbound 91 Freeway near Central Avenue, Carson, CA
- Vehicles Involved: Minivan and passenger vehicle
- Fatalities: Matthew Hellums, 38, pronounced dead at the scene
- Injuries: One additional person transported to a local hospital with injuries, and condition unspecified
- Investigation Status: Cause under review by authorities
The incident occurred under early morning conditions, with emergency responders arriving promptly to manage the scene.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death in California, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In 2024, California recorded 3,807 fatalities from such incidents, the highest in the nation.
Common contributing factors include:
Factor |
Description |
Percentage of Fatal Crashes (NHTSA Data) |
|---|
Speeding |
Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions |
Primary cause, approximately 29% |
Impaired Driving |
Influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication |
Second leading factor, around 25% |
Lane Departure |
Failure to stay in proper lane |
Common in multi-vehicle collisions |
Failure to Yield |
Not giving right of way to others |
Frequent in intersections and merges |
Distracted Driving |
Use of phones or other diversions |
Rising concern, linked to 8-10% |
Table sourced from NHTSA 2024 motor vehicle crash statistics. Percentages are approximate and based on national trends applicable to California.
Road conditions, poor visibility, and inadequate lighting often play roles in nighttime freeway accidents like this one.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in multi-vehicle collisions to determine liability and support affected families.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process. An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives in cases such as this:
- Investigations should explore all environmental and behavioral factors to establish fault.
- Families may benefit from professional guidance to navigate insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Compensation can address losses including medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families must 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. An attorney can protect victims from large insurance companies and their team of lawyers while diligently examining the facts of the accident. An attorney will vigorously advocate for a family who has lost a loved one, ensuring that their legal rights are protected.”
Pending the ongoing investigation, the family of Matthew Hellums may explore a wrongful death claim, seeking damages for companionship loss, pain, suffering, and emotional effects.
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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).