Two major crashes within a single week on Forty Mile Road in Yuba County have reignited urgent calls for safety improvements along the rural stretch near the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and the Toyota Amphitheatre. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), in the last four years alone, the road has seen two fatalities, seven serious injury crashes, and 25 minor injury crashes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, call DC Law Group at (310) 571-8860 or (833) DC LAW 4 U for a free consultation.
Pedestrian in Wheelchair Killed Near Hard Rock Casino
On Saturday, March 8, 2026, at approximately 4:30 a.m., a woman in a wheelchair was struck and killed by a vehicle on Forty Mile Road between the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and the Toyota Amphitheatre. The victim, identified by her family as 60-year-old Cynthia Romero, was a stroke survivor who was paralyzed on one side of her body. Her family says she was leaving the Hard Rock Casino and heading home nearby when the crash occurred.
CHP reports that the driver remained at the scene. Officers performed life-saving measures, but Romero died in the roadway. CHP also stated there was no indication that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.
Romero was a mother of six and a grandmother of ten. Her daughter, Alicia Morales, told CBS Sacramento that the family has started a petition calling for sidewalks, lighting, crosswalks, and accessible routes for people using wheelchairs along the road.
Head-On Collision Leaves Children Airlifted to Hospital
Just one week later, another devastating crash occurred in nearly the same location. Jaclyn Kazemba and her two sons, Kyle, 9, and Nicholas, 13, were traveling along Forty Mile Road on Friday, March 14, when their vehicle collided head-on with another car near the Hard Rock Casino. CHP says Kazemba’s car was found down an embankment. The other driver also suffered major injuries.
Both children required specialized pediatric care and were airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center. Kyle suffered broken bones in both legs and underwent surgery but is expected to recover. Nicholas, however, remains in critical condition in a medically induced coma after experiencing broken bones and swelling of the brain. He has undergone at least two surgeries to reduce the swelling.
“He’s already had two surgeries to keep the swelling down, and he’s still trying to fight for his life,” said the boys’ father, Ramon Deltoro, in an interview with CBS Sacramento.
Victims of serious vehicle collisions, including those involving catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, often face a long and uncertain road to recovery. Understanding the car accident legal process early can make a significant difference in protecting your rights.
A Dangerous Road Without Basic Safety Features
Forty Mile Road is a rural stretch in Yuba County that lacks basic infrastructure many California drivers take for granted: streetlights, sidewalks, and traffic signals. Despite increasing foot and vehicle traffic driven by the Hard Rock Casino and the Toyota Amphitheatre, the road has remained largely unchanged.
Families affected by these crashes are calling for immediate action. “They need more lights… traffic lights. I don’t want another family to ever go through this pain,” Deltoro said.
Morales echoed the sentiment: “Just hearing the cars go by, it is at such a great speed. It’s a freeway out here. It’s a highway, but it’s like a freeway out here.”
Yuba County Plans Entertainment Zone and Safety Improvements
Yuba County officials have announced plans to build an entertainment zone in the area surrounding the Hard Rock Casino and Toyota Amphitheatre. The county previously received a $35 million grant to extend Highway 70 and connect it to the future development zone. Part of this project includes planned safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.
However, both families say those improvements cannot wait. Construction for the Highway 70 connector project is expected to begin in 2026, but until those safety features are in place, Forty Mile Road remains a dangerous stretch for drivers and pedestrians alike.
What to Do After a Serious Vehicle Accident in California
If you or a family member has been involved in a serious vehicle accident, it is important to take immediate steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor at first, some conditions like brain swelling or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away.
- Report the crash — contact CHP or local law enforcement to ensure an official report is filed.
- Document everything — take photos, collect witness information, and preserve any evidence from the scene.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney — an attorney can help you navigate insurance claims and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may be entitled to file a claim for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages under California law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am involved in a crash on a poorly lit road?
After ensuring your safety, call 911 and report the crash. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Document the road conditions, including the lack of lighting or other safety features, as this may be relevant to your claim. Contact a personal injury attorney who can evaluate whether the road’s design or maintenance contributed to the crash.
Can I file a claim if a dangerous road condition caused my accident?
Yes. Under California law, government entities responsible for road maintenance can be held liable if a dangerous condition on public property causes injury. This includes the absence of adequate lighting, signage, or sidewalks. However, claims against government entities have strict deadlines, so it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
What compensation can a family seek after a catastrophic injury in a car accident?
Families dealing with catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or spinal cord damage may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. Each case is unique, and an experienced accident attorney can evaluate your specific situation.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. Claims against government entities, such as those responsible for road conditions, have shorter deadlines, typically six months to file an administrative claim. Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.