A single-vehicle crash was reported on Jul 28, 2026 at approximately 7:45 PM on Gavina Avenue near Tibbetts Street in Sylmar, California. Clear weather was noted at the time of the crash. 1 person was killed. This crash was classified as a car 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 Car 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 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 January 28, 2027
If a government entity shares responsibility, you have a strict six-month deadline: January 28, 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.
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.
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
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 happened during evening hours (7-10 PM), when reduced visibility starts to play a role. Inadequate street lighting, missing reflective lane markings, and unlit crosswalks all become more dangerous as daylight fades.
Did you lose a loved one in a Sylmar car accident?
If someone in your family was killed in a car accident in Sylmar, 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.
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.
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 28, 2027?
January 28, 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
