By Crash News Writer 
Riverside, CA (November 13, 2026) – Three people were killed early Thursday morning, November 12, following a wrong-way collision on the westbound 91 Freeway near 14th Street in Riverside. According to the California Highway Patrol, a driver was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes before a collision involving multiple vehicles, including a commercial truck.
Officers received reports of a wrong-way driver at approximately 2 a.m. near the 14th Street exit. California Highway Patrol incident logs indicated that the vehicle was traveling against traffic in the second and third westbound lanes.
A witness report documented in the incident log described the wrong-way vehicle swerving between other cars. Authorities have not confirmed the driver’s speed or explained why the vehicle entered the freeway in the wrong direction.
According to a Riverside County spokesperson, the wrong-way driver collided with a big rig, and a third vehicle was also involved. The crash resulted in three fatalities, although authorities did not immediately release the victims’ identities.
When officers arrived, they found a white SUV overturned on its side, a commercial truck leaking fluid, and a damaged black sedan. The extent of the damage prompted an emergency response and a temporary closure of the freeway.
Additional reporting identified the black sedan as a BMW and indicated that another person was transported to a local hospital. The injured person’s condition was not immediately available.
The initial reports did not identify which vehicles the deceased individuals occupied or provide further information about their injuries. Authorities also did not explain the sequence of impacts involving the vehicles.
The collision caused major traffic disruptions along westbound State Route 91. Motorists were diverted off the freeway while emergency personnel responded and investigators examined the accident scene.
The California Department of Transportation confirmed that all westbound lanes near 14th Street remained closed at approximately 4:30 a.m. Thursday. The closure affected traffic through Riverside during the early morning hours.
All affected lanes reopened at approximately 8:39 a.m., more than six hours after the initial reports of the wrong-way driver.
Investigators have not determined why the driver traveled against traffic or whether impairment, distraction, or another factor contributed to the accident. The California Highway Patrol continues investigating the fatal collision.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Wrong-Way Car Accident Today
Wrong-way freeway collisions can cause devastating injuries because vehicles traveling in opposite directions may collide head-on at highway speeds. When a commercial truck is involved, differences in vehicle size and weight can increase the severity of the impact.
Under California car accident laws, drivers must exercise reasonable care and obey traffic regulations. Traveling against the designated direction of freeway traffic may support a finding of negligence, although investigators must examine the circumstances before determining legal responsibility.
When a wrong-way accident involves several vehicles, investigators may need to establish the sequence of collisions and whether more than one driver’s actions contributed to the injuries. Evidence may include witness statements, roadway markings, vehicle damage, available video footage, and electronic vehicle data.
The involvement of a commercial truck may also require reviewing the truck driver’s actions, vehicle maintenance records, and available information about the truck’s movements. However, a truck’s involvement in a fatal accident does not automatically establish that its driver or operator was negligent.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. An injured person may recover compensation even when partially responsible for an accident, but the amount awarded is generally reduced according to that person’s percentage of fault.
When another party’s negligence causes serious injuries, compensation may include qualifying medical expenses, lost income, future treatment costs, and pain and suffering. Eligible surviving family members may also have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim when negligence causes a fatal collision.
California generally provides two years to file personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, although exceptions and shorter deadlines may apply. Readers can find additional information about filing requirements, accident reports, and insurance claims in our California accident FAQs.
After a fatal collision, families may need help obtaining accident reports, understanding insurance coverage, and finding financial or emotional support. Our guide to resources for accident victims and families in California provides information about available services and legal options.
In the November 12 Riverside collision, authorities confirmed that three people died after a driver traveled the wrong way on the 91 Freeway. However, investigators have not released a final determination of the crash’s cause or identified every contributing factor.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects preliminary information concerning the November 12 fatal collision on the westbound 91 Freeway in Riverside. Additional findings may become available as investigators complete their review.
- Three people died early Thursday morning, November 12, following a wrong-way collision on westbound State Route 91 near 14th Street in Riverside. Officers received reports of the incident at approximately 2 a.m.
- California Highway Patrol incident logs indicated that a vehicle was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes. A witness report described the vehicle swerving between other cars.
- A Riverside County spokesperson confirmed that the wrong-way driver collided with a commercial truck and that a third vehicle was involved.
- Responding officers found an overturned white SUV, a damaged black sedan, and a big rig leaking fluid. Additional reporting indicated that one person was hospitalized in an unknown condition.
- Westbound 91 Freeway lanes were closed during the investigation. Caltrans reported the closure at 4:30 a.m. and confirmed that traffic reopened at approximately 8:39 a.m.
- Authorities have not released the victims’ identities or determined why the driver entered the freeway in the wrong direction. The California Highway Patrol continues investigating the collision.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information reflects publicly available reports at the time of publication and may change as investigators release additional findings. Readers should consult a qualified attorney regarding their individual circumstances. The publisher assumes no responsibility for decisions made based on this information. Please review our disclaimer for further details.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries or lost a family member in a wrong-way collision in Riverside or elsewhere in California, consider speaking with a California personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights, insurance coverage, and whether a personal injury or wrongful death claim may be available.