(Glendale, CA) One person died in a 134 Freeway accident that involved two vehicles at the 134-5 freeway exchange near Griffith Park.
On Wednesday, September 10, at 3:15 a.m., the 134 Freeway accident occurred. According to California Highway Patrol Officer Sergio Garcia, it happened on the transition road from the westbound Ventura (134) Freeway to the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway.
When officers arrived, they found a BMW sedan and a gray sedan blocking multiple lanes. Reports indicated one of the vehicles burst into flames after the collision. Fire personnel rushed to the scene and worked quickly to contain the fire. Sadly, responders found one victim trapped inside a burning vehicle. Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart confirmed firefighters could not reach them in time. Officials pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
ABC 7 reported a second victim sustained injuries and went to a hospital for treatment. Authorities closed all lanes of the transition road for nearly two hours while investigators examined the crash site. Traffic diverted to San Fernando Road during the closure. The cause of the 134 Freeway accident remains under investigation.
Legal Opinion on the 134 Freeway Accident
The 134 Freeway accident raises serious concerns under California law. Because it involved a fatality, investigators will closely examine whether any traffic laws were broken. One key law is California Vehicle Code 22350, known as the Basic Speed Law. It requires drivers to travel only at speeds safe for current conditions, regardless of posted limits. If either driver traveled too fast around the freeway curve, this could have directly caused the collision. If investigators confirm reckless behavior, California Vehicle Code 23103 may also apply. This statute defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with willful disregard for safety.
Since one car reportedly caught fire, investigators will also determine if mechanical failure or improper maintenance contributed. If so, civil liability may extend to a vehicle manufacturer, repair shop, or other responsible party. Because this crash caused a death, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This law allows close relatives to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
What the Family Can Do
The family of the deceased victim should consider contacting a wrongful death attorney immediately. An attorney can request the full California Highway Patrol report on the 134 Freeway accident. They can also obtain video footage from nearby traffic cameras and interview witnesses. These steps will help establish whether speeding, recklessness, or negligence played a role.
If investigators find one driver at fault, the family can pursue civil damages in addition to any criminal case. This claim may provide financial help with funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering. While no lawsuit can undo this tragic loss, legal action can hold the responsible party accountable. It can also provide the victim’s family with the resources and closure they need as they grieve.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
