Los Angeles, California – Authorities have identified a 13-year-old boy killed in a multi-vehicle collision on the Foothill (210) Freeway in the Shadow Hills area of Los Angeles as Bryan Ceja, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The fatal crash was first reported to the California Highway Patrol at approximately 7:53 p.m. Sunday on the westbound Foothill (210) Freeway, just east of the Sunland Boulevard off-ramp. The collision involved multiple vehicles and left six additional people injured.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, a 40-year-old man, a 30-year-old woman, and a 61-year-old man were transported to hospitals in at least serious condition. Two other patients were taken to hospitals with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, while one individual declined medical transport.
Witnesses told CHP officers that a black SUV or pickup truck was seen weaving in and out of lanes at a high rate of speed shortly before the crash. Authorities reported that two of the vehicles involved rolled over, and the impact blocked all westbound lanes of the freeway.
A SigAlert was issued at 8:14 p.m., closing all lanes of the Foothill (210) Freeway. The No. 1 lane reopened at approximately 10 p.m., with all remaining lanes reopening around 12:50 a.m. Monday.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim When a Child Dies in a Rollover Crash?
When a child is killed in a rollover crash, California law allows certain family members to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek financial accountability for the loss. These claims are designed to compensate surviving relatives for the emotional and economic impact of a fatal accident caused by negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing.
Working with an experienced car accident law firm is critical in these cases, especially when the victim is a minor and the crash involves complex factors such as vehicle instability, high speeds, or roadway hazards.
Who Is Legally Allowed to File the Claim?
Under California wrongful death law, the following parties may be eligible to file a claim when a minor dies in a rollover accident:
- Parents of the deceased child: Biological and adoptive parents have primary standing to file a claim and are usually the main beneficiaries in cases involving minors.
- Legal guardians or custodial parents: If the child was under a legal guardianship, the guardian may be entitled to pursue compensation, depending on the family structure and court findings.
- Siblings (limited circumstances): Brothers or sisters may be eligible only if there are no surviving parents or if they were financially dependent on the child.
- The child’s estate (survival action): Separate from wrongful death, the estate may bring a survival claim to recover damages the child incurred before passing, such as medical expenses related to the crash.
A qualified wrongful death attorney California can determine exactly who has standing and ensure claims are filed correctly and on time.
What Types of Compensation May Be Recovered?
Eligible claimants may pursue compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses related to the accident
- Loss of love, care, companionship, and guidance
- Loss of future household contributions
- Other financial losses tied to the child’s death
Because rollover crashes often involve severe trauma, these cases frequently require input from accident reconstruction experts and specialized rollover accident attorneys.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Rollover Crash Cases
Rollover accidents are among the deadliest types of motor vehicle crashes and often involve multiple liable parties, including drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road conditions. Skilled car accident lawyers in California know how to investigate these factors and build strong wrongful death claims.
If the crash occurred in Southern California, working with a seasoned Los Angeles car accident attorney ensures local knowledge of courts, insurers, and investigative agencies.
Speak With Megeredchian Law Today
Megeredchian Law has extensive experience handling fatal rollover crashes involving minors and pursuing justice for grieving families across California. To discuss your legal options, call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 for a free, confidential consultation. An experienced attorney can review your case, explain who is eligible to file a claim, and fight for the maximum compensation your family deserves.