Father and son identified as victims in deadly CA plane crash

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SIMI VALLEY, Calif. – A father and son, 69-year-old Paul Berkovitz of Westlake Village and 36-year-old Matthew J. Berkovitz of Thousand Oaks, tragically died in a small plane crash in Simi Valley over the weekend.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that both died from “multiple blunt force injuries.” Their dog, Brody, was also killed.

The Berkovitz family thanked first responders from the Ventura County Fire Department and Simi Valley Police Department for their swift actions at the scene.

“Paul was a devoted father, husband, and passionate pilot, and Matt shared that passion for aviation. As we mourn this loss, we ask for privacy during this difficult time. We await the NTSB’s investigation into the cause of the crash and will not be making further public statements.”

Law offices of Burg & Brock, a firm with extensive experience in truck accident litigation, notes that injured parties may have grounds for compensation not just from the driver, but also potentially from:

  • The trucking company

  • Maintenance providers

  • Equipment manufacturers

  • Or even state agencies if road conditions were a contributing factor

Given the severity and potential hazards of such crashes, victims—or those stuck in the aftermath—are advised to document conditions, seek medical evaluation, and consult legal counsel immediately

If you or a loved one were affected by a crash, you can contact the Law Offices of Burg & Brock for a free consultation at www.legaldefenders.com  or Call us today at 818-999-9999

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. If you need legal assistance related to this or any other matter, please contact an attorney directly.

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.