A head-on collision was reported on Jul 20, 2026 at approximately 3:42 PM on Railroad Tracks/Private Property near Parthenia Street in Northridge, California. Clear weather was noted at the time of the crash. 1 person was killed. This crash was classified as a pedestrian 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 Pedestrian Crash
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.
Determine right-of-way while details are fresh
Were you in a crosswalk, was the signal active, were you crossing mid-block? Record these details now before memories fade.
File your claim against the driver's auto policy
Your claim goes against the driver's liability policy, not your own insurance. If they were uninsured or fled, your own UM coverage may apply.
File your government tort claim before January 20, 2027
If a government entity shares responsibility, you have a strict six-month deadline: January 20, 2027. 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.
Pedestrian accident law
Your Rights After Being Hit by a Vehicle
California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. An unmarked crosswalk exists at every intersection, even without painted lines, so the driver likely owed you the right-of-way.
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.
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
How Road Design Contributes to Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions, among the deadliest crash types, are often tied to missing center medians, inadequate curve markings, or confusing lane transitions. A road with a crossover-crash history and no median barrier may support a claim under Gov. Code 835.
This crash happened during the evening commute (3-7 PM), the highest-volume period on most California roads. Intersections and road segments that weren't designed for current traffic volumes see disproportionate crash rates during these peak hours.
Did you lose a loved one in a Northridge car accident?
If someone in your family was killed in a car accident in Northridge, 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.
An unmarked crosswalk exists at every intersection where two roads meet, even without painted lines. Under California Vehicle Code 275, the crosswalk is the extension of the sidewalk or property line across the intersection. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks just as they would in marked ones.
Can I recover damages if I was jaywalking?
Yes. California's comparative fault system means you can recover damages even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but it doesn't go to zero. The driver still had a duty to watch for pedestrians and avoid hitting them.
Whose insurance pays for a pedestrian accident?
The claim goes against the driver's auto liability insurance. If the driver was uninsured or fled the scene, your own uninsured motorist coverage (if you have a vehicle policy) can step in. Your health insurance may cover initial treatment but has a right to be reimbursed from your settlement through subrogation.
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 January 20, 2027?
January 20, 2027, 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.
News coverage
News Reports About This Crash
Local news outlets covered this crash. Press reports can provide additional details about what happened.
No commitment. Speak directly with a UCLA-trained attorney.
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!
By the Numbers
75+
Years Legal Experience
6,000+
Clients Served
One
Case at a Time
See how our UCLA-trained attorneys can help with your case
Limited caseload · Personalized care · No fee unless you win
6,000+ Cases
75+ Years Combined
Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent
