Eastbound 91 west of the 710: a Gardena woman died in a multi-vehicle crash as the CHP looks at whether a person was in the lanes

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (September 23, 2026): Maria Gutierrez Perez, 39, of Gardena, was killed Wednesday night in a multi-vehicle crash on the eastbound Artesia (91) Freeway in Long Beach, just west of the Long Beach (710) Freeway, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office, as reported by City News Service.

She was pronounced dead at the scene at about 10:20 p.m. Long Beach Fire Department personnel took one other person to a hospital. That person's condition was not released.

A California Highway Patrol spokesperson said a person was possibly in the middle of the roadway at the time of the collision and that two other vehicles may have been involved. Initial reports did not make clear whether Gutierrez Perez was in one of the vehicles or was the person the CHP said may have been in the lanes. The crash shut down the eastbound 91, and all lanes reopened at about 1:51 a.m. Thursday, when a SigAlert was canceled.

The collision remains under investigation by the CHP, which has not said what caused it or whether anyone will face charges. Anyone who saw the crash, or who has dashcam video from the eastbound 91 near the 710 interchange around 10:20 p.m. Wednesday, may contact the California Highway Patrol.

Liability for the Long Beach 91 Freeway Crash

Under California Civil Code § 1714, every person is generally responsible for harm caused by a failure to use ordinary care, and Vehicle Code § 22350 requires speeds that are safe for conditions, including at night near a busy interchange. Pedestrians are generally barred from freeways under Vehicle Code § 21960, but drivers must still use due care to avoid a person or vehicle in their path. In multi-vehicle crashes like this one, key issues include:

  • Sequence of impacts: With two or more vehicles possibly involved, crash reconstruction is needed to determine which impact caused the fatal injuries.
  • Person in the roadway: Why someone may have been in the lanes, and whether approaching drivers could see and avoid that person, will affect how fault is assigned.
  • Speed and attention: Event data recorders and phone records can show whether any driver was speeding or distracted approaching the 710 interchange.
  • Insurance coverage: Multiple drivers can mean multiple liability policies, plus uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if needed.

California’s comparative fault system allows responsibility to be divided among several drivers. Surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, separate from any criminal review.

Steps to Take After a Long Beach Freeway Crash

Nighttime freeway crashes are especially deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a large share of traffic deaths happen after dark, even though far fewer miles are driven at night.

  • Request the reports: Obtain the CHP Traffic Collision Report and the Medical Examiner’s findings once they are available.
  • Preserve vehicle data: Ask that all involved vehicles be preserved so their event data recorders and any onboard camera footage can be downloaded.
  • Find witnesses and video: Other drivers on the 91 and 710 that night may have dashcam footage, and Caltrans cameras may have captured traffic conditions.
  • Coordinate with insurers: Notify the relevant insurers, but consider legal advice before giving recorded statements about the crash.

Wrongful death claims in California generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Claims involving a public agency generally require a government claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

Investigating the Long Beach 91 Freeway Crash

We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Maria Gutierrez Perez. Key questions remain: Was she in one of the vehicles or on foot in the lanes when the crash happened, and why? And how many vehicles were involved, and in what order did the impacts occur on the eastbound 91 west of the 710?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.