Llano, CA (July 4, 2026) – Authorities publicly identified 62-year-old Jose Depaz on Saturday, July 4, as the man who died after a two-vehicle collision last month on Pearblossom Highway in Llano.
The wreck happened on Saturday morning, June 20, at about 4:45 a.m. Officials said the collision involved a white Nissan Sentra and another vehicle just east of 165th Street East.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, but despite their efforts, they could not save Depaz.
Authorities have not released additional details about the second vehicle. The circumstances leading up to the crash also remain unclear.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate what caused the crash.
Our thoughts are with Jose Depaz’s family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Llano, CA?
In California, a wrongful death claim can usually be filed by a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child. If none exist, certain relatives may qualify under intestate succession rules. A personal representative may also file for eligible family members.
Because state law sets a clear order, families should understand where they fit before filing. Spouses and children usually have the first right to bring a claim. Parents, siblings, or other dependents may qualify when no closer family member is available.
In Llano, crashes along Pearblossom Highway can raise serious questions about speed, visibility, and driver decisions. The highway also connects drivers traveling between Palmdale, Victorville, and nearby high desert communities. After a fatal crash in a rural area, evidence can become harder to gather quickly.
Beyond who can file, families may also need to understand what losses a claim may include. Funeral and burial costs are often part of a wrongful death case. Lost financial support and certain medical expenses before death may also be recoverable.
Even when the fault seems clear, insurance companies may still question wrongful death claims. Police reports, witness statements, photos, and crash data can help support a family’s position. Filing deadlines also apply, so families should act before time becomes a problem.
For families thinking about what to do next, a car accident attorney can explain how California law applies. An attorney can also help identify which family members may have the right to file. This guidance can make the process easier to understand during a painful time.
At Saleh Law Group, we help families across California after fatal crashes. Our team can explain possible wrongful death options and help families understand what may come next.
If your family lost a loved one in a fatal crash in Llano, call Saleh Law Group at (949) 431-6371. We are ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you move forward.
