Beaumont, CA – November 17, 2025 | Ayuda California News
A tragedy occurred Monday morning on State Route 60 (SR-60) when a man died when a tire flies off another vehicle on SR-60. The tire was said to have flown over the center divider and struck the windshield of his car, authorities said.
The crash was reported shortly after 11:00 a.m. on the westbound lanes of SR-60, west of Jack Rabbit Trail, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Investigators stated that a silver BMW 328i, driven by a 54-year-old man from Riverside, was traveling eastbound when its left rear tire detached, causing it to go airborne and cross into oncoming traffic.
In the westbound lanes, a 68-year-old Los Angeles man driving a white Toyota Sienna struck the flying tire, which smashed through the windshield and roof of the vehicle.
The driver lost control, hit the center divider, and then crashed into a dirt embankment.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a woman whose identity has not been released, was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
The BMW driver was uninjured.
The investigation is ongoing, and CHP asks any witnesses to contact Officer J. Esparza or PIO R. Palomera at the San Gorgonio Pass office at (951) 846-5300.
Mechanical Failures: A Growing Risk on Inland Empire Highways
Serious crashes caused by loose tires, suspension failures, or poor maintenance have increased along major corridors such as SR-60 and I-10.
According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 13% of fatal accidents in the Inland Empire involve mechanical failure—often tied to aging vehicles, poor maintenance, or defective parts.
In high-speed, high-traffic zones like Beaumont, Moreno Valley, and Riverside, such incidents often have catastrophic consequences, even for careful drivers.
Legal Rights for the Victim’s Family
When a death occurs due to another vehicle’s mechanical failure, surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60 – §377.61, seeking compensation for:
- Funeral and emergency medical expenses
- Loss of income and financial support
- Emotional suffering and loss of companionship
- Liability for negligent maintenance, vehicle owner negligence, or defective parts (Civil Code §1714; Product Liability)
In cases where gross negligence is proven—such as operating a car with dangerously worn tires or known mechanical issues—families may also seek punitive damages under Civil Code §3294.
Ayuda California: Legal Support for the Latino Community of the Inland Empire
At Ayuda California, we understand that tragedies like this hit especially hard for Latino families who travel daily on SR-60 for work, school, or family responsibilities.
We offer free and confidential legal consultations, entirely in Spanish, regardless of immigration status.
We can help you with:
✅ Wrongful death or serious injury claims
✅ Investigations into mechanical failures and driver/manufacturer liability
✅ Insurance and legal claim management
📞 Call us today. We’re here to help you and your family find justice and peace of mind.
