Pacoima, CA (June 14, 2026) – A collision on Sunday morning, June 14, killed one person on the northbound 5 Freeway in Pacoima. The wreck happened around 3:39 a.m. near Terra Bella Street.
Officials said two vehicles collided on the freeway for reasons still under investigation. One person died at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
Authorities did not confirm the person’s identity, whether either vehicle had passengers, or how many people were involved. The California Highway Patrol is still working to determine what caused the wreck.
Our sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the person who died.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Freeway Crash in Pacoima, CA?
In California, a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children usually have the first right to file a wrongful death claim. If they do not exist, parents, stepchildren, or legal dependents may qualify. State law decides who has standing based on the family’s structure.
When your family files a claim, you do not have to wait for criminal charges or a completed police investigation. The civil claim and any criminal case move separately. Acting early helps your lawyer request freeway camera footage and police reports before they disappear.
Once an eligible family member files, the claim may cover funeral costs, burial costs, lost income, and household services. Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support may also apply. Each family member’s damages can differ based on their relationship.
On I-5 through Pacoima, the area near Terra Bella Street, Osborne Street, and the 118 Freeway interchange carries fast overnight traffic. Predawn crashes reduce visibility and reaction time. These conditions can make freeway wrecks in this part of the San Fernando Valley more deadly.
If the driver who caused the crash also died, the claim does not disappear. Your family may still file against that driver’s auto insurance policy. In some cases, the driver’s estate may also provide compensation depending on the policy limits.
After a fatal crash, California gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. That window can move quickly when records, reports, toxicology results, and expert opinions take months to gather. Waiting too long can put the entire case at risk.
A car accident lawyer can help your family determine who has the legal right to file. Freeway crashes with multiple vehicles and limited witnesses need careful evidence review. Legal guidance helps prevent mistakes that the insurance company may use against you.
Our team at Saleh Law Group has helped many families across Southern California handle wrongful death claims after fatal freeway crashes. We can protect your family’s rights and handle the insurance claim from start to finish.
If you lost a loved one in a crash in Pacoima and need to know who can file, you can contact Saleh Law Group at (949) 431-6371.
