(Los Angeles, CA) One person was killed early Monday morning, December 1, in a Santa Monica Freeway crash involving four vehicles in the Mid-City area.
According to Officer Megan Curtis of the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 1:56 a.m. on the eastbound 10 Freeway near the South La Brea Avenue exit. Investigators said a silver Honda Civic and a dark-colored Infiniti collided in the middle lanes. They later learned two additional vehicles became involved moments later, coming to rest along the right shoulder. A nearby resident reported hearing an initial crash before another vehicle slammed into one of the stopped cars.
Emergency responders arrived to find Nathaniel Brown deceased at the scene. Details regarding additional injuries were not immediately available.
Authorities issued a SigAlert shortly after the crash, closing all lanes of the eastbound freeway for several hours. CHP officers reopened all lanes by 6:35 a.m.
Overview on the Santa Monica Freeway Crash
In multi-vehicle freeway collisions, investigators typically evaluate several key California traffic laws to determine contributing factors. The Basic Speed Law requires drivers to maintain a safe speed for traffic and weather conditions. Even when driving within the posted limit, motorists must slow down when visibility or roadway congestion increases.
The Following Too Closely Law mandates that drivers leave sufficient space between vehicles to allow for safe stopping distances. Rear-end impacts are common in chain-reaction crashes when drivers fail to maintain proper spacing.
Finally, the Reckless Driving Law prohibits operating a vehicle with wanton disregard for the safety of others. CHP investigators will assess whether speeding, distraction, or other reckless actions contributed to the Santa Monica Freeway crash.
Support for Brown’s Family
The family of Nathaniel Brown should remain in contact with the California Highway Patrol’s West Los Angeles Office for updates and to request the official collision report once available. This document will help clarify the cause of the crash and assist with any insurance or legal matters.
Families dealing with fatal freeway accidents can also seek help from the California Victim Compensation Board, which offers financial assistance for funeral costs, counseling, and related expenses.
Additionally, consulting a wrongful-death attorney who specializes in freeway and multi-vehicle collisions may help the family understand their legal options.
During this difficult time, loved ones are encouraged to lean on community resources, including grief counseling services and local support groups in Los Angeles County, for emotional strength and guidance as they cope with the loss of their loved one.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
