Mazda struck a median guardrail and overturned north of Ramona Expressway
August 16, 2026 | Perris, CA
What happened in the crash?
Perris, CA — A 24-year-old Moreno Valley woman died early Sunday after the northbound Mazda 3 she was riding in overturned on the 215 Freeway north of Ramona Expressway.
Valerie Martinez, 24, of Moreno Valley, was killed after a northbound Mazda 3 veered off the 215 Freeway, struck a median guardrail and overturned north of Ramona Expressway in Perris.
- Date and time: Aug. 16 shortly after 12:20 a.m.
- Location: 215 Freeway north of Ramona Expressway, Perris
- Vehicle: Mazda 3 traveling at high speed
- Outcome: Vehicle struck median guardrail, flipped onto roof, came to rest in left lane
- Contributing factor: Alcohol
Why do these accidents happen?
The California Highway Patrol stated alcohol contributed to the loss of control. The agency and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Coroner continue to review circumstances and ask anyone with information to contact the CHP.
Key facts at a glance
- Passenger: Valerie Martinez, 24, Moreno Valley
- Driver lost control at high speed
- Crash resulted in vehicle rollover
Crash statistics
| Source | Statistic | Context |
|---|
| National Safety Council | 10% of fatal crashes involve impaired drivers | Second-leading cause of auto fatalities |
Legal Insights
“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person. Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families are forced to go through, and protecting their rights 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,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Takeaways in cases such as this
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Civil actions remain separate from any criminal proceedings.
- Legal teams monitor official investigations to safeguard family interests.
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Tags: Perris crash, 215 Freeway accident, DUI crash, wrongful death claim, California Highway Patrol
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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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