Los Angeles, California – One person was killed early Tuesday morning in a four-vehicle collision on the Santa Monica (10) Freeway in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles.
California Highway Patrol officers responded at 1:56 a.m. to the eastbound 10 Freeway near the South La Brea Avenue exit, where they found a silver Honda Civic and a dark-colored Infiniti disabled in the middle lanes, according to CHP Officer Megan Curtis. Two additional vehicles involved in the wreck were reported along the right shoulder shortly afterward.
A witness who lives near the freeway told the CHP that an initial crash occurred, and that another vehicle subsequently slammed into one of the already-disabled cars.
The deceased victim — whose name, age and gender have not yet been released — remained covered at the scene pending medical examiner confirmation. The case number is 2025-18831.
A SigAlert was issued following the crash, shutting down all eastbound lanes for emergency crews. The CHP reopened all lanes and cancelled the SigAlert at 6:35 a.m.
Information on additional injuries was not immediately available.
Who Is Liable in a Fatal Four-Vehicle Crash?
Determining liability in a fatal four-vehicle crash is complex because several drivers — and sometimes outside parties — may share responsibility. Investigators typically analyze physical evidence, surveillance footage, driver statements, and the sequence of impacts to determine who triggered the chain reaction and who contributed to the fatal outcome.
In many cases, the driver who caused the initial collision may hold primary liability. However, in multi-car crashes, more than one motorist can be negligent. Families seeking compensation may work with a wrongful death attorney california to identify all at-fault parties. When the collision occurs in Southern California, a los angeles car accident attorney can help assess fault under California’s comparative negligence laws.
Liability may also extend beyond the drivers. A commercial employer can be responsible if an employee caused the crash while working. A city or state agency could share liability if road defects, missing signage, or poor lighting contributed to the accident. If a vehicle malfunction or failed component played a role, a product manufacturer may also be at fault. Because insurers often dispute responsibility in multi-vehicle fatalities, working with experienced car accident lawyers in california is essential to protect a family’s rights and secure full compensation.Megeredchian Law is a proven car accident law firm with extensive experience handling fatal multi-vehicle crashes. For guidance on who may be liable and what compensation may be available, call (866) 359-0807 for a free consultation.