A sideswipe collision was reported on Nov 21, 2025 at approximately 10:00 AM on Sheldon Street near San Fernando Road in Sun Valley, California. Raining weather was noted at the time. 1 person was injured. This crash was classified as a pedestrian accident and truck accident 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.
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 Being Hit by a Car
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.
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 May 21, 2026
If a government entity shares responsibility, you have a strict six-month deadline: May 21, 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.
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 a commercial truck was involved, federal FMCSA regulations apply to this crash. Driver hours-of-service logs, vehicle maintenance records, and electronic data recorders should be preserved immediately through a spoliation letter before the trucking company can alter or overwrite them.
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 crash occurred during midday hours, when traffic volumes are moderate but speeds tend to be higher due to less congestion. Higher travel speeds reduce reaction time and increase crash severity, especially at intersections with short yellow intervals.
Injured in a car accident in Sun Valley?
If you or someone you love was hurt in a car accident in Sun Valley, our attorneys can help you understand your options. We handle cases on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
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.
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 May 21, 2026?
May 21, 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.
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
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