Two passengers ejected from suspect's car during a deadly chase, Highway Patrol says
POMONA, CA, (October 04, 2024) - A driver from Montclair fleeing from Pomona police Saturday afternoon crashed his vehicle into a dirt berm along the San Bernardino (10) Freeway. Tragically, the impact resulted in two fatalities and injured a third person, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Joey Gomez, 34, and another person lost their lives as a result of a single-vehicle crash along the San Bernardino (10) Freeway in Pomona Saturday afternoon, according to a news release.
One of the victims—34-year-old Joey Gomez—died as a result of blunt traumatic injuries.
Officers' investigation found that a black BMW X6 traveling on the westbound freeway was being pursued by police when, around 4:45 p.m., the driver began heading the wrong way near Kellogg Drive. The BMW's driver lost control and slammed into a dirt berm, causing the vehicle to roll several times onto the transition road from the northbound Chino Valley (71) Freeway. The driver of the BMW reported fled the scene. However, he was taken into custody a short time later.
Gomez and another passenger in the BMW were ejected and died from injuries, the report said.
A third passenger, a 45-year-old man, was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital for treatment.
The investigation is still underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“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,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Joey Gomez may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“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.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(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).