Los Angeles, California – One person was killed and six others were injured Sunday night in a multi-vehicle collision on the Foothill (210) Freeway in the Shadow Hills area of Los Angeles, authorities said.
The crash was reported to the California Highway Patrol at approximately 7:53 p.m. on the westbound 210 Freeway just east of the Sunland Boulevard off-ramp.
Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Margaret Stewart said one person was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity was not immediately released. According to the CHP, the deceased individual was outside a vehicle at the time of the crash.
Three people — a 40-year-old man, a 30-year-old woman, and a 61-year-old man — were transported to area hospitals in at least serious condition, Stewart said. Two additional patients were taken to hospitals with injuries not believed to be life-threatening, while one person declined transportation to a medical facility.
Witnesses told CHP officers that a black SUV or pickup truck had been traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving in and out of lanes shortly before the collision. Authorities said two of the vehicles involved rolled over as a result of the crash.
All westbound lanes of the 210 Freeway were blocked following the collision. The CHP issued a SigAlert at 8:14 p.m., officially shutting down the freeway. The No. 1 lane reopened around 10 p.m., and all remaining lanes were reopened shortly before 12:50 a.m. Monday.
The crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Multi-Vehicle Accident Liability: Who Pays for the Damages?
When multiple vehicles are involved in a crash, determining who pays for the damages can quickly become complicated. Unlike two-car collisions, multi-vehicle accidents often involve shared fault, multiple insurance policies, and conflicting accounts of what happened. Understanding how liability works is critical to protecting your right to compensation.
How Liability Is Determined in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
In California, liability in a multi-vehicle crash is based on comparative negligence. This means more than one driver can be held responsible, each according to their percentage of fault. Insurance companies, law enforcement reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, and sometimes accident reconstruction experts are used to determine how the crash unfolded.
For example:
- One driver may have caused the initial impact.
- Another may have been speeding or following too closely.
- A third may have changed lanes unsafely, contributing to the chain reaction.
Each party found partially at fault may be financially responsible for a portion of the damages.
Who Pays for the Damages?
Payment typically comes from one or more of the following sources:
- At-fault drivers’ insurance policies, based on their share of liability
- Your own insurance, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Multiple insurers, when several drivers contributed to the crash
Because policy limits can be exhausted quickly in multi-car accidents, victims often face delays or reduced settlement offers. This is where working with an experienced car accident law firm becomes essential.
What If Someone Is Killed in a Multi-Vehicle Crash?
When a multi-vehicle accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases focus on financial and emotional losses, including funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
A skilled wrongful death attorney California can investigate all liable parties and identify every available source of compensation, especially when fault is spread across multiple drivers.
Why Multi-Vehicle Claims Are More Complex
Multi-car accident cases are more challenging because:
- Several drivers may dispute fault
- Insurance companies often shift blame to minimize payouts
- Evidence must be carefully preserved and analyzed
Experienced car accident lawyers in California know how to handle these complexities and push back against unfair insurance tactics.
Why Local Experience Matters in Los Angeles
Traffic patterns, freeway congestion, and accident frequency in Los Angeles make multi-vehicle crashes especially common. A knowledgeable Los Angeles car accident attorney understands local road conditions, courts, and insurers—giving you a strategic advantage.
Speak With Megeredchian Law Today
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a multi-vehicle accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Megeredchian Law has extensive experience handling complex accident and wrongful death claims throughout California.Call (866) 359-0807 today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain who may be liable, and fight to recover the full compensation you deserve.