Hollywood, California – Traffic on the busy Hollywood (101) Freeway was snarled for hours Thursday morning after a vehicle struck debris and a large crack was discovered in the roadway, injuring a driver and prompting emergency repairs.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident began around 7:40 a.m. when a northbound vehicle collided with debris just north of Western Avenue. A woman in her late 40s reported that a baseball-sized piece of concrete pierced her car’s side window, causing a laceration to her left ear. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the wound measured about four inches. Paramedics transported the driver to a hospital, where she was listed in fair condition.
Caltrans closed two northbound lanes to perform emergency work, and a SigAlert was issued as traffic backed up toward downtown Los Angeles. Southbound lanes also saw significant slowdowns as drivers in both directions were impacted. The California Highway Patrol later extended the SigAlert for several hours while crews assessed the damage and completed repairs.
By about 1:20 p.m., all lanes of the freeway had been reopened, easing congestion in the area. Authorities said it was not immediately clear whether the concrete that struck the vehicle had come from the roadway crack or whether the crack itself resulted from the collision. First responders identified the fissure as they arrived at the scene.
The California Highway Patrol and Caltrans continue to investigate the incident and evaluate the condition of the roadway.
Can You Sue the City for an Accident Caused by Poor Road Conditions?
Yes. In California, a city or government agency may be held responsible if unsafe or poorly maintained streets or highways lead to an accident. Potholes, broken pavement, missing signage, and other hazardous road conditions can create serious risks for drivers. Victims in these situations often pursue claims under premises liability laws, which hold property owners—including municipalities—accountable when their negligence causes injuries. Working with experienced premises liability attorneys ensures that your case is built on strong evidence and filed within strict government deadlines.
However, suing a public entity is not the same as filing a standard car accident claim. In Los Angeles and throughout California, victims must follow specific notice requirements and shortened filing timelines. A los angeles car accident attorney can guide you through this process, negotiate with government agencies, and fight to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.If you or a loved one were injured in a crash caused by unsafe road conditions, don’t wait. Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 today for a free consultation. Our team of skilled attorneys knows how to hold cities and government agencies accountable, and we won’t stop until you get the justice and compensation you deserve.