Call Us: 
Lancaster, California – Authorities have identified 25-year-old George Avendano as the man killed in a four-vehicle crash early Sunday on the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway in Lancaster.
The collision was reported around 1 a.m. on the northbound side of the freeway at 20th Street West, according to the California Highway Patrol. Five additional people were injured in the crash, all of whom were transported to local hospitals. Their conditions have not yet been released.
A SigAlert was issued at 1:15 a.m., shutting down all northbound lanes while officers conducted their investigation and crews cleared the wreckage. The lanes reopened at 5:51 a.m.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed Avendano’s identity later Sunday. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
How to File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Multi-Vehicle Accident
Filing a wrongful death claim after a multi-vehicle accident can feel overwhelming, especially when multiple drivers, insurers, and liability questions are involved. Understanding the legal steps and working with an experienced professional — such as a wrongful death attorney california — is essential to protect your family’s rights and secure the compensation you are entitled to under California law.
1. Confirm Eligibility to File the Claim
Under California law, certain surviving family members (such as spouses, domestic partners, children, or parents in some cases) may file a wrongful death action. Determining who qualifies is the first step before a lawsuit or claim can move forward.
2. Gather Evidence From the Multi-Vehicle Crash
Multi-vehicle collisions often involve complex fault distribution. Collecting police reports, witness statements, video footage, and vehicle damage documentation is crucial. A reputable car accident law firm can help secure and preserve this evidence before it disappears.
3. Establish Liability Among Multiple Drivers
When several vehicles are involved, more than one party may share responsibility. Skilled car accident lawyers in california know how to position expert testimony, accident reconstruction, and comparative-fault rules to identify who is legally responsible for the fatal injuries.
4. Calculate Full Wrongful Death Damages
Families may recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and more. An experienced los angeles car accident attorney can help quantify these damages accurately — especially when multiple insurance policies could apply.
5. File the Claim or Lawsuit Within California’s Deadline
California’s statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to pursue compensation entirely, making prompt legal action essential.
6. Negotiate With Insurance Companies — or File a Lawsuit
Insurers often dispute liability in multi-vehicle collisions. A strong wrongful death attorney california can handle negotiations and take the case to court if necessary to fight for the maximum available recovery.
Call Megeredchian Law for Immediate Help
If your family is navigating a wrongful death case after a multi-vehicle accident, you deserve a team that aggressively protects your rights while guiding you through every step of the process. Megeredchian Law has the resources, experience, and dedication needed to pursue justice for your loved one.Call (866) 359-0807 for a free consultation.
