Sunland, CA (April 4, 2026) – Two people died on Friday, April 3, after a car crashed into a semi-truck on the eastbound 210 Freeway near Sunland. The crash occurred at approximately 9:53 p.m. between Sunland Boulevard and La Tuna Canyon Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Emergency crews arrived quickly and secured the area. Authorities confirmed a car and a big rig were involved in the collision. A 35-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man were both pronounced dead at the scene. The 43-year-old truck driver was not seriously hurt and declined ambulance transport.
Officials closed the eastbound lanes while investigators gathered evidence and spoke with witnesses. The closure was estimated to last at least one hour.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the deadly crash.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the two victims who lost their lives in this collision.
Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Sunland
In California, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death. This two-year window is set by the California Code of Civil Procedure and applies to most cases involving fatal accidents. Missing this deadline can permanently affect a family’s ability to seek legal relief.
The filing period begins on the date of the victim’s death, not the date the Sunland truck accident occurred. In some situations, there may be a gap between the incident and the resulting death that shifts the timeline. That distinction matters when calculating how much time a family has to act.
Some cases involve deaths where the cause is not immediately known. California’s discovery rule may allow the filing period to start from the date a family learns the true cause of death. This exception applies only in limited circumstances and requires legal review.
Claims against government agencies follow a different process entirely. A formal claim must be submitted to the public agency within six months before any lawsuit can proceed. This shorter notice period makes early action especially important in those cases.
Certain circumstances can pause the standard two-year deadline. Minor children who lose a parent may have additional time to file once they reach adulthood. Legal incapacity at the time of death can also affect how the deadline applies.
Once the filing period expires, courts will typically dismiss a wrongful death claim without reviewing its merits. The legal right to pursue the case is lost, regardless of how strong the underlying facts may be. No amount of documentation can revive a claim filed too late.
An auto accident attorney helps families track applicable deadlines and manage all required filings on time. A lawyer can als identify which rules apply, gather documentation, and handle requirements that differ from case to case. Legal support reduces the risk of mistakes that could bar a valid claim.
Our team at Saleh Law Group has experience handling wrongful death cases throughout California. We can review the facts of your situation, explain which deadlines apply, and clarify what steps may be available to your family.
If you lost a loved one in a crash in California, you can contact Saleh Law Group at (949) 431-6371 to learn more about your legal options.
