(Los Angeles, CA) A person died in a San Diego (405) Freeway accident after a vehicle struck them in the Sepulveda Pass.
On Monday, September 8, at 1:55 p.m., the San Diego (405) Freeway accident occurred. According to Officer Alec Pereyda of the CHP Southern Division, it happened on the southbound 405 Freeway at Sepulveda Boulevard.
Upon investigating, authorities learned a person stood outside a stopped vehicle near the right shoulder of the freeway. Meanwhile, a flatbed truck traveled in the southbound lanes. All of a sudden, the truck struck the individual as they stood near their vehicle with a gas can. As a result, the collision threw the victim onto the roadway. By the time officers arrived, they found the victim unresponsive near the stopped vehicle. When paramedics arrived, they pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Investigators performed a field sobriety test on the truck driver. They later took the driver into custody. Officials closed all southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway except the carpool lane while they investigated the deadly San Diego (405) Freeway accident.
Legal Opinion on the San Diego (405) Freeway Accident
This tragic San Diego (405) Freeway accident highlights several important legal issues. The fact that the victim stood outside their stopped car on a busy freeway already created extreme danger. California law imposes strict responsibilities both on pedestrians outside vehicles and on drivers traveling at high speeds. California Vehicle Code 21956 states that pedestrians must walk close to the left edge of the roadway if no sidewalk exists. Freeways, however, are generally off-limits to pedestrians except in emergencies, such as vehicle breakdowns.
On the driver’s side, California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law, requires drivers to travel at a speed safe for conditions. Even if the flatbed driver traveled within the speed limit, investigators will ask whether they drove safely given the stopped vehicle and potential hazard ahead. Because reports confirm that officers arrested the driver after a field sobriety test, impairment could also be a factor. If police confirm intoxication, this would violate California Vehicle Code 23152, which prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A DUI-related fatal crash often leads to serious felony charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter. Since the person died from the San Diego (405) Freeway accident, it then violates California Vehicle Code 23253. This law states it is unlawful to drive while intoxicated and resulting in the harm or death of another. Since the victim died, their family may also bring a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This allows close relatives to seek compensation for funeral expenses and lost financial support.
What the Family Can Do
The family of the deceased victim can request the official CHP San Diego (405) Freeway accident report. This report will confirm whether DUI, speeding, or negligence caused the crash. If the flatbed driver drove under the influence or failed to operate safely, the family can pursue both a wrongful death claim and potentially punitive damages. They should also act quickly to preserve evidence. Witness statements, traffic camera footage, and toxicology results are all vital for proving liability.
A wrongful death attorney in California can guide the family through this process. They can help ensure their rights remain protected and pursue the justice and financial recovery they deserve. Although nothing can bring their loved one back, legal action can hold the responsible driver accountable and provide support as the family grieves this devastating San Diego (405) Freeway accident.
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.
