Los Angeles, California – One person was killed early Thursday morning in a fiery, multi-vehicle crash involving a food truck and a passenger vehicle on the eastbound Santa Monica (10) Freeway near the Jefferson Park area.
According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded around 2:15 a.m. to the crash site just south of Crenshaw Boulevard. Preliminary reports indicate that the food truck collided with another vehicle, possibly an SUV, before both vehicles caught fire.
Video footage from the scene showed one of the vehicles engulfed in flames as Los Angeles Fire Department crews worked to extinguish the blaze. The victim, believed to be a man, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 32-year-old man from one of the involved vehicles was taken to a local hospital in unknown condition, according to LAFD spokeswoman Lyndsey Lantz.
Three eastbound lanes and the Arlington Avenue exit were closed following the crash, and a SigAlert was issued at about 2:45 a.m. Another lane was reopened by 6:45 a.m., but heavy traffic persisted for hours, backing up to La Brea Avenue eastbound and Vermont Avenue westbound.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is handling the investigation under case number 2025-17390. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity pending family notification.
How to Claim Compensation After a Fatal Multi-Vehicle Freeway Crash
A fatal freeway collision can leave families facing unimaginable grief and sudden financial hardship. In California, you have the right to pursue compensation if your loved one was killed due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness. This process is known as a wrongful death claim, and it allows surviving family members to recover damages such as funeral costs, medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
To begin, it’s important to consult a trusted wrongful death attorney in California. An experienced lawyer can help you gather critical evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analyses, to build a strong case against the responsible party. Because multi-vehicle freeway crashes often involve complex liability issues, your attorney will determine which parties—drivers, trucking companies, or other entities—can be held financially accountable.
Working with an established car accident law firm ensures your case is handled with the care and expertise it deserves. Skilled car accident lawyers in California can negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, file a civil lawsuit to pursue full compensation for your family’s losses.
If the crash occurred in the Los Angeles area, a Los Angeles car accident attorney familiar with local courts and freeway conditions can offer crucial legal guidance and representation.
Time is critical—California law generally allows only two years from the date of the accident to file a wrongful death claim.For compassionate legal support and aggressive representation, contact Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807. Our team will evaluate your case for free, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the maximum compensation your family deserves.