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Panorama City, California — Authorities have identified three people in their 20s who were killed in a violent three-vehicle crash caused by a speeding minivan that ran a red light in Panorama City late Friday night.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the collision was reported at approximately 9:37 p.m. at the intersection of Terra Bella Street and Woodman Avenue. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Adrian Carrillo, 26; Heybi Herrera-Bautista, 25; and Clemente Meza Guerrero, 24.
Investigators said a gray Plymouth minivan traveling westbound on Terra Bella Street failed to stop for a red signal and struck a blue Ford Mustang and a tan Honda Civic, both of which were traveling southbound on Woodman Avenue. Police believe the minivan was speeding at the time of the crash.
Authorities further stated that the driver of the minivan may have been fleeing the scene of an unrelated collision prior to the fatal impact. After the crash, the driver of the Honda Civic reportedly exited the vehicle and fled the scene without stopping to identify themselves or render aid, as required by law.
Paramedics pronounced the driver of the minivan, the driver of the Ford Mustang, and a passenger inside the Mustang dead at the scene. Guerrero was identified as the driver of the Mustang, and Herrera-Bautista was a passenger in that vehicle. A broadcast report described Guerrero as a U.S. Marine.
In addition to the fatalities, a 35-year-old man was transported to a hospital in critical condition, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Three other individuals involved in the crash declined medical treatment or transport.
The crash remains under investigation by the LAPD. Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8116 or 818-644-8020. Calls after business hours or on weekends may be directed to 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or through lacrimestoppers.org.
How Is Compensation Handled When Multiple People Die in the Same Accident?
When a single accident results in multiple fatalities, compensation is not handled through one combined claim. Instead, each death gives rise to a separate wrongful death claim, even if all victims were killed in the same incident. These claims are evaluated independently under California law, based on the circumstances of each victim and their surviving family members.
Separate Wrongful Death Claims for Each Victim
Under California law, every person who dies in an accident has their own legal claim, typically filed by eligible surviving relatives such as spouses, children, or dependent parents. A wrongful death attorney California will assess each case separately, even when liability arises from the same negligent act, such as a reckless driver or defective vehicle.
This means compensation is calculated individually and may differ from case to case depending on:
- The victim’s age, income, and earning capacity
- The relationship between the victim and surviving family members
- The level of financial and emotional dependence
Insurance Limits and Shared Liability
When multiple people die in the same crash, insurance policy limits often become a critical issue. Most auto insurance policies include per-person and per-accident limits, which cap how much total compensation is available for all victims combined.
In these situations, experienced car accident lawyers in California work to:
- Identify all applicable insurance policies
- Pursue additional liable parties if coverage is insufficient
- Ensure fair allocation of available funds among all claims
Role of Catastrophic Injury and Fatal Accident Analysis
Many fatal crashes involve extreme force or reckless conduct, which may also give rise to survival actions or claims tied to severe injuries suffered before death. A skilled catastrophic injuries attorney can determine whether additional compensation is available for medical expenses, pain and suffering prior to death, or punitive damages in cases involving egregious misconduct.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Handling multiple wrongful death claims from one accident is legally and emotionally complex. A seasoned car accident law firm ensures that each family’s rights are protected, evidence is preserved, and insurers do not minimize payouts by treating the losses as a single event.
If the crash occurred in Southern California, working with a dedicated Los Angeles car accident attorney can make a critical difference in the outcome of each claim.
Speak With Megeredchian Law
If your family was affected by an accident that claimed multiple lives, you do not have to navigate this process alone. Megeredchian Law has extensive experience handling complex fatal accident cases across California.Call (866) 359-0807 today for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your situation, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the maximum compensation your family is entitled to under the law.
