A Chevrolet van collided with a Ford SUV while turning onto Wardlow Road
July 20, 2026 | Long Beach, CA
What happened in the crash?
Richard Adam Brown, 81, died at the scene after1998 Chevrolet van collided with a 2024 Ford SUV at Lakewood Boulevard and Wardlow Road before continuing into a tree.
- Date: July 20
- Location: Wardlow Road and Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, CA
- Vehicles: 1998 Chevrolet van and 2024 Ford SUV
- Outcome: Driver of van pronounced dead at scene
A 1998 Chevrolet van traveling southbound on Lakewood Boulevard made a left turn onto eastbound Wardlow Road shortly after 8 a.m. The van struck a 2024 Ford SUV in the intersection, then continued forward and hit a tree on the south sidewalk of Wardlow Road. The van driver, identified as Richard Adam Brown, 81, of Long Beach, died at the scene.
Long Beach has recorded 24 fatal traffic collisions so far in 2026.
The crash remains under investigation.
Why do these accidents happen?
Several factors contribute to traffic fatalities, including speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported an estimated 36,640 traffic deaths nationwide in 2025.
| Factor | Description | Source |
|---|
| Speeding | Exceeding posted limits | Federal Highway Administration |
| Impaired driving | Alcohol or drug influence | CDC |
| Distracted driving | Cellphone use while operating vehicle | NHTSA |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, independent review of evidence can provide additional clarity beyond initial reports. Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal, noted that re-interviewing witnesses, examining surveillance video, and obtaining relevant records can be valuable steps.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this one, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of guidance following a loss.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one. 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.”
- Review all available evidence promptly
- Understand potential claim options
- Protect against low settlement offers from insurers
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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).