Injury Crash

Sideswipe Collision on I-5 at The Tujunga Wash Channel

Injured in a car accident in Van Nuys? See how our UCLA-trained attorneys can help. No fees unless we win.

818-224-7940
Date Nov 19, 2025
Time 2:50 AM
Severity 1 Injured
Collision Type Sideswipe Collision
Weather Clear

A sideswipe collision was reported on Nov 19, 2025 at approximately 2:50 AM on I-5 near The Tujunga Wash Channel in Van Nuys, California. Clear weather was noted at the time of the crash. 1 person was injured. This crash was classified as a 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.

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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.
Arya Firoozmand, Esq.
Founding Partner · UCLA Law, '14
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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 Truck Accident

  1. 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.
  2. Preserve the truck's black box and FMCSA records
    Trucks carry electronic logging devices capturing speed and hours of service, which companies can overwrite fast. A spoliation letter preserves it.
  3. Identify every liable party, not just the driver
    Truck crashes often involve the driver, carrier, freight broker, manufacturer, and maintenance provider, each with separate insurance.
  4. File your government tort claim before May 19, 2026
    If a government entity shares responsibility, you have a strict six-month deadline: May 19, 2026. Miss it and the right to sue is gone.
  5. 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.
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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 happened in the early morning hours (2-6 AM), when low traffic volumes can lead to higher speeds and reduced alertness. Road design features like rumble strips, adequate lighting, and clear lane markings are critical during these hours when fewer visual cues keep drivers oriented.

Injured in a car accident in Van Nuys?

If you or someone you love was hurt in a car accident in Van Nuys, our attorneys can help you understand your options. We handle cases on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Frequently asked questions

Common Questions About This Type of Crash

Who is liable in a truck accident?
Multiple parties can be liable: the truck driver, the trucking company (the carrier), the freight broker who hired the carrier, the company that loaded the cargo, and the maintenance provider. Each may carry separate insurance policies. Identifying all liable parties is essential to maximizing your recovery.
What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?
A spoliation letter is a legal notice sent to the trucking company requiring them to preserve all evidence related to the crash: black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, dashcam footage, and drug test results. Without this letter, trucking companies can legally overwrite electronic data on regular maintenance cycles. Time is critical.
What FMCSA regulations apply to truck accident cases?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets rules on driver hours of service (max 11 hours driving in a 14-hour window), mandatory rest breaks, vehicle maintenance schedules, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol testing. Violations of any of these regulations can be used as evidence of negligence in your case.
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 19, 2026?
May 19, 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.
Commercial truck data

Trucking Companies Involved in Van Nuys Crashes

These commercial carriers have been involved in reported crashes in the Van Nuys area, according to federal FMCSA records.

Source: FMCSA Crash File, U.S. DOT.

Nearby crashes

Other Recent Crashes in Van Nuys

Arya Firoozmand, Esq.

Talk to Arya About This Crash

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