A sideswipe collision was reported on Feb 18, 2026 at approximately 12:40 AM on US-101 near Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood, California. Raining weather was noted at the time. 2 people were injured. This crash was classified as a car accident and hit and run case.
If you were involved, the other driver's insurance company may have already contacted you with a settlement offer. Early offers are often lower than what your claim is actually worth. Insurers count on people settling before they understand the full extent of their injuries. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California, but key evidence like surveillance footage and witness memories doesn't last that long. A free consultation with our UCLA-trained attorneys costs you nothing and helps you understand your 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.
Dangerous intersection
Is Laurel Canyon Boulevard & US-101 a Dangerous Road?
When the same intersection produces crash after crash, the problem may not be the drivers. Laurel Canyon Boulevard & US-101 has logged 64 crashes in the last 9 months and 27 resulting in injuries. Patterns like this can point to dangerous road design: poor sight lines, bad signal timing, missing turn lanes, or inadequate signage.
64Crashes reported at this intersection in the last 9 months
2.5x#1 most dangerous intersection in North Hollywood, 2.5x the average
↓Injury crashes at this intersection DOWN 33% in recent months
42% of crashes here result in injuries
Side Swipe collisions account for 50% of crashes at this intersection
Most crashes here happen around 8 PM on Fris
86Walk Score: Very Walkable. High foot traffic increases pedestrian exposure at this intersection
In California, cities and counties can be held liable for dangerous road conditions they knew about or should have known about. A pattern of crashes is exactly the kind of evidence that establishes notice.
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 Car Accident
Get medical attention immediately
Internal bleeding and brain injuries don't always show symptoms right away, and a same-day medical record becomes critical evidence later.
Document the scene while you can
Photograph vehicle damage, skid marks, and signals from multiple angles, and get the other driver's insurance info and witness contacts.
Don't give a recorded statement to any insurance company
The insurer will ask you to describe what happened "for their records," but they're really looking for a way to reduce your claim.
File your government tort claim before August 18, 2026
If a government entity shares responsibility, you have a strict six-month deadline: August 18, 2026. Miss it and the right to sue is gone.
Talk to a personal injury attorney before the insurance company
They want a recorded statement and a fast settlement before you know what your case is worth. A free consultation protects you.
California car accident law
How Fault Works in a California Car Accident
California uses a "pure comparative fault" system. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages, just reduced by your percentage of fault.
The hit-and-run circumstances of this crash mean your claim may involve uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy. California law requires UM coverage unless you specifically waived it. Your attorney can help navigate whether to pursue the at-fault driver directly (if identified) or through your own policy.
Our founding partners trained at UCLA Law and built Westwood Law on a simple idea: take fewer cases, fight harder on each one. You work directly with a UCLA-trained attorney from your first call through settlement. No hand-offs, no assembly line.
6,000+ Cases75+ Years CombinedMartindale-Hubbell Preeminent
Dangerous road design
Road Design Factors in Sideswipe Crashes
Sideswipe crashes often point to lane design problems: faded markings, lanes that narrow without warning, confusing drops, or short on/off-ramp merges that don't give drivers room to match traffic speed.
This intersection has recorded 64 crashes in the last nine months. Injury crashes here have trended down 33% compared to the prior period, but the intersection still has an active crash history. The most common crash type at this intersection is Side Swipe, accounting for 50% of incidents.
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.
Injured in a car accident in North Hollywood?
If you or someone you love was hurt in a car accident in North Hollywood, our attorneys can help you understand your options. We handle cases on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim from a car accident in California is two years from the date of the crash. If a government entity is involved (for example, a city vehicle or a road design defect), you have only six months to file a government tort claim. Waiting too long can permanently bar your case.
What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?
You can still recover damages under California's pure comparative fault rule. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Almost never. First offers are designed to close your claim cheaply before you understand its full value. You may not know the extent of your injuries for weeks or months. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you can't go back for more, even if your condition worsens. Get an attorney's opinion before signing anything.
How do I know if my injuries are serious enough to file a claim?
There's no minimum injury threshold for filing a personal injury claim in California. If someone else's negligence caused your injuries and you have medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, you likely have a valid claim. Many injuries that seem minor at first, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, can develop into chronic conditions. Get a medical evaluation and a legal consultation.
What is the government tort claim deadline of August 18, 2026?
August 18, 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.
Can I sue the city if the road design caused this crash?
Yes. In California, cities, counties, and Caltrans can be held liable for dangerous road conditions they knew about or should have known about. Laurel Canyon Boulevard & US-101 has logged 64 crashes in the last 9 months. A pattern like that can be evidence the government was on notice and failed to act. Common road design problems include poor sight lines, missing turn lanes, bad signal timing, and inadequate signage. If a government entity is responsible, you must file a claim within 6 months of the accident, not the usual 2-year statute of limitations.
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Client Stories
Hear From the People We've Helped
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.
Stacey Flora
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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