101 Freeway crash: Wrong-way driver killed, others injured

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CBSNews — One person died and several people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on 101 Freeway – southbound lanes at Santa Monica Boulevard early Monday morning. The crash was reportedly caused by a wrong-way driver.

The crash occurred at about 4 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. At least three vehicles were involved, two of which were engulfed in flames.

The wrong-way driver was in a Toyota Prius and was killed, according to the CHP. Reports indicate the driver may have entered the southbound freeway at Alvarado Street, several miles south of the collision.

“The first impact was a sideswipe. The driver of that Honda was able to somewhat veer out of the way, obviously not completely, because then the vehicle was struck,” said CHP Officer Roberto Gomez. “And then after that the Prius then struck a pickup truck. And that’s where it was the head-on major collision.”

A Sigalert was issued and southbound lanes were closed at Melrose Avenue during the investigation and cleanup. Northbound lanes were also affected by debris in the roadway.

One lane was re-opened at about 5:15 a.m. Other lanes were expected to remain closed for several more hours during the investigation. All southbound lanes were re-opened by 8:15 a.m.

A nearby resident heard the crash and recorded the aftermath with a drone-mounted camera.

“This one was really, really super-loud,” said Daniel Mason, the drone operator. “I mean, it was over my air conditioning and my server that I run in my house, so I mean, it was really substantially loud for me to get my attention. Actually, pretty much sure that the building shook.”

We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of the victims and wish a quick recovery for others involved in this crash during this very difficult time.

If you have been negatively affected by a burn, and think there may be somebody who was negligent and responsible for the fire (or other sources of the burn) in California, an experienced burn injury lawyer or personal injury lawyer can make you assure that your rights are protected. The Law Offices of Burg & Brock has offices throughout California.

When individuals are harmed or killed in traffic accidents, and another party is at fault, full compensation is not always granted, despite the circumstances. Skilled legal representation from a car or truck accident attorney is typically a must in these situations.

Photo credit: CBSNews

Legal Defenders at the Law Offices of Burg and Brock has helped countless families and individuals obtain the compensation they need to deal with expenses and move on with their lives. For a police report or other information, call us today at (818) 405-9091.

What California law says after a car accident

Who may bring a wrongful death claim in California

When a collision results in death, California law allows specific family members to bring a wrongful death claim. The categories are defined by statute and generally include a surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and, where there is no surviving spouse or issue, others who would be entitled to the property of the person who died. Certain dependents, including a putative spouse, stepchildren, or parents who were financially dependent, may also qualify.

A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their own losses, including financial support, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of the companionship, guidance, and society the person provided.

A separate claim, called a survival action, covers losses the person themselves sustained before death, such as medical expenses and lost earnings. California law changed here. For survival actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, damages for the decedent’s own pain, suffering, or disfigurement are no longer recoverable. Cases filed before that date are not affected, and different rules can apply in elder abuse matters.

Eligibility depends on family circumstances, filing deadlines are strict, and the damages available depend in part on when a case is filed.

Reporting requirements after a California collision

California imposes reporting duties on drivers that are separate from any insurance claim.

A report must be filed with the DMV on form SR-1 within ten days of a collision that caused any injury, any death, or more than one thousand dollars in property damage to any one person. This duty applies regardless of fault, applies even when police responded and wrote their own report, and is not satisfied by notifying an insurance company. With current repair costs, most collisions that involve a body shop meet the damage threshold.

A separate rule covers collisions causing injury or death. The driver must make a written report to the California Highway Patrol, or to the city police department where the collision happened in a city, within twenty four hours. The statute states this duty for every injury or fatal collision. In practice, where officers responded and completed a report at the scene, that report generally satisfies the agency’s need, but a driver who assumes this without confirming it is relying on practice rather than on the text of the law.

Missing the DMV deadline can lead to suspension of driving privileges, an outcome unrelated to who caused the collision.

Information for Families After a Fatal Collision

Losing a family member in a collision raises urgent legal questions, often long before anyone feels ready to ask them. These guides set out the basics, with no obligation attached.