MECCA, CA (November 24, 2025) — The Riverside County Coroner has identified the woman killed in a Monday morning crash as 58-year-old Maria Moreno de Hernandez of Mecca.
Accident Details: The California Highway Patrol reported that the collision occurred just before 6 a.m. near 70th Avenue and Wheeler Street. A pickup truck crashed into the rear of a tractor hauling a flatbed trailer.
Moreno de Hernandez was driving the pickup truck and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor did not report any injuries.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is working to determine what led to the rear-end collision between the pickup truck and the farm tractor. Officers have confirmed that they do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to call Officer R. Perez at (760) 772-5300.
Legal Considerations: Rear-end collisions with farm equipment on rural roads present distinct challenges compared to typical vehicle crashes. Agricultural tractors move slowly and often occupy roadways during early morning hours when visibility is limited. Drivers approaching farm equipment must reduce speed and maintain safe following distances to avoid collisions.
When a pickup truck strikes the rear of a tractor, questions arise about whether the tractor had proper lighting and reflectors, whether the driver of the truck was distracted or failed to notice the slow-moving vehicle ahead, and whether visibility conditions contributed to the crash.
California requires slow-moving vehicles to display appropriate warning signs and lighting to alert other drivers. However, even when farm equipment is properly marked, faster-moving vehicles bear responsibility for watching the road ahead and adjusting speed accordingly.
Families who lose loved ones in crashes with farm equipment may pursue wrongful death claims if another party’s negligence contributed to the collision. These cases require examination of both vehicles’ equipment, road conditions, and the actions of both operators to determine fault.
We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Maria Moreno de Hernandez during this sorrowful time.
Source: KESQ
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