A single-vehicle crash was reported on Jan 10, 2026 at approximately 1:55 AM on US-101 near I-405 in Encino, California. Clear weather was noted at the time of the crash. 1 person was killed. This crash was classified as a motorcycle accident and wrongful death case.
When a crash kills someone, the family has the right to file a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60. A spouse, domestic partner, children, or dependents can pursue damages including funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. If dangerous road design contributed to this crash, a government tort claim must be filed within six months. Insurance companies move fast after a fatal crash, and the offers they make early are not designed to be fair. A free consultation with our UCLA-trained attorneys can help you understand your legal options.
Your attorney
UCLA-Trained Attorneys, Not a Call Center
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from El Camino Real High School and UCLA Law School, and I've spent my career representing people who were hurt because someone else wasn't paying attention. I take these cases personally because I've watched families in this community deal with the aftermath of serious crashes. If you were injured, I want to hear what happened.
Arya Firoozmand, Esq.
Founding Partner · UCLA Law, '14
You're not a case number here. Every case I take is personal.
Could the road be at fault?
Not Every Crash Is the Driver's Fault
Some crashes are caused by dangerous road conditions: poor sight lines, missing signage, bad signal timing, or roads that weren't designed for the traffic they carry. In California, cities, counties, and Caltrans can be held liable when they knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it. If the road played a role in this crash, you may have a claim against the government agency responsible for maintaining it.
Injured at a Dangerous Intersection? The City May Owe You Compensation.
When a road or intersection is poorly designed, the government agency responsible for maintaining it can be held liable. If you were seriously hurt, talk to a UCLA-trained attorney about whether a dangerous road design claim applies to your case.
Government claims are often subject to strict filing deadlines. An attorney can help you understand what applies to your situation.
Next steps
What to Do After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
Take care of yourself and your family first
Give yourself time to grieve. When you're ready, the steps below protect your legal rights. None of the deadlines are immediate.
Document the road conditions at the scene
Gravel, oil slicks, and faded lane markings are invisible to investigators who arrive later. Photograph the road surface before it's cleaned up.
Don't accept blame for lane splitting
California allows lane splitting under Vehicle Code 21658.1, though adjusters sometimes treat it as automatic fault. Legality is separate from who caused the crash.
File your government tort claim before July 10, 2026
If a government entity shares responsibility, you have a strict six-month deadline: July 10, 2026. Miss it and the right to sue is gone.
Talk to a wrongful death attorney before the insurance company
Insurers often contact family members with early settlement offers before anyone understands what the case is worth. A free consultation protects your family's rights.
Motorcycle accident law
How California Law Treats Motorcycle Riders
California explicitly legalizes lane splitting under Vehicle Code 21658.1. Insurance adjusters still often treat it as automatic fault, but the real question is whether it was done safely, not whether it happened.
Because this crash resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim under CCP 377.60 in addition to any personal injury claims by surviving victims. The statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years from the date of death.
When a crash results in death, the legal landscape changes significantly. Surviving family members may bring a wrongful death action under CCP 377.60, which covers loss of financial support, companionship, and guidance. A separate survival action can address the deceased person's pain and suffering before death. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of death.
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Dangerous road design
Fixed Object Crashes and Roadside Design
When a vehicle leaves the road and strikes a fixed object, injury severity often depends on roadside design. The "clear zone" concept requires the roadside be free of rigid obstacles. Missing guardrails or unshielded poles can support a claim under Gov. Code 835.
This crash occurred late at night, when reduced visibility and higher speeds on empty roads combine to increase crash severity. Adequate street lighting, reflective lane markings, and proper signage are essential safety features during nighttime hours. Their absence is a design deficiency.
Did you lose a loved one in a Encino car accident?
If someone in your family was killed in a car accident in Encino, our wrongful death attorneys can help you understand your legal rights. We handle cases on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Yes. California is the only state that explicitly legalizes lane splitting under Vehicle Code 21658.1. The law doesn't set specific speed limits for lane splitting, but the CHP recommends it only when traffic is moving at 30 mph or less and the rider isn't going more than 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic. Lane splitting alone is not evidence of fault.
Do motorcycle riders face bias in accident claims?
Unfortunately, yes. Insurance adjusters, police officers, and jurors sometimes view motorcycling as inherently risky and assign more blame to the rider than the evidence supports. This is why documentation is so important in motorcycle cases. Photos of the scene, witness statements, and expert reconstruction can counter that bias effectively.
What damages can a motorcycle accident victim recover?
The same damages as any other motor vehicle crash: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Motorcycle injuries tend to be more severe, so damages are often higher. The fact that you were on a motorcycle rather than in a car does not reduce what you're entitled to recover.
What should I do if a family member died in this crash?
First, take care of your family. When you're ready, consult a wrongful death attorney. Under California law, surviving spouses, children, and certain other family members can file a wrongful death claim. There are strict deadlines, especially if a government entity is involved (six months for a tort claim). A free consultation can help you understand your options without any obligation.
What is the government tort claim deadline of July 10, 2026?
July 10, 2026, six months from the date of this crash, not the usual two-year statute of limitations. It applies whenever a government entity shares responsibility, and missing it bars your claim against that entity permanently.
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Client Stories
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Daniel Wanardi
Mr. Firoozmand was both professional and informative during our consultation. He gave me the clarity I needed to move forward with my situation. Thank you.
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Curt helped me so much with just a single phone call! He renewed my trust in attorneys.
Scott MacDonell
Not only was Arya easy to communicate with, incredibly intelligent with how he planned to achieve the goals, but he was also very warm and caring. I really enjoyed working with Arya. Warm, ethical, and intelligent is a great combo!
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