(Los Angeles, CA) A 15-year-old boy was critically injured Thursday night, January 8, after becoming trapped in a two-vehicle Golden State (5) Freeway accident near Griffith Park.
Los Angeles Fire Department crews responded shortly before 8:20 p.m. to the northbound 5 Freeway near Los Feliz Boulevard. Officials said the crash involved two vehicles that collided and struck the center divider. As a result, it left the teenage passenger trapped inside one of the vehicles.
Firefighters worked for approximately 12 minutes to free the boy from the wreckage, according to LAFD spokesperson Lyndsey Lantz. Once extricated, paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Authorities did not release details about which vehicle the boy rode in.
Officials did not report any additional serious injuries at the scene. The collision impacted traffic in the northbound lanes as emergency crews worked to secure the area. Authorities urged drivers to slow down and use caution while passing through the area during the emergency response.
Opinion on the Golden State (5) Freeway Accident
When a serious freeway crash leaves a passenger trapped inside a vehicle, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews focus on speed, lane positioning, and driver decision-making during high-speed travel.
If speed is suspected, investigators may examine the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to operate at speeds that are reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Freeway driving at night can involve reduced visibility, making it harder for drivers to react to sudden changes ahead.
Authorities may also review the Unsafe Lane Change Law if evidence suggests a vehicle changed lanes or struck the center divider without ensuring the movement could be made safely. Abrupt lane movements at freeway speeds can quickly lead to multi-vehicle collisions and severe vehicle damage.
Because the crash involved a young passenger who became trapped, investigators sometimes consider the Seat Belt Law when evaluating injury severity in collisions involving minors. This law requires children and teenagers to be properly restrained based on age and size. While restraint use does not prevent crashes, it can significantly affect injury outcomes. Together, these statutes help investigators evaluate what may have led to the Golden State (5) Freeway accident as the investigation continues.
Guidance for the Family
If you are related to the victim, staying in close contact with medical providers and investigators can help you stay informed as new details become available.
You may also want to consider speaking with a legal professional experienced in serious injury crashes involving minors to better understand your options. Prioritizing medical follow-up, emotional support, and family counseling resources can be an important part of navigating a long and uncertain recovery.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
