A single-vehicle crash was reported on Jul 8, 2026 at approximately 9:00 PM on SR-170 near Roscoe Boulevard in Van Nuys, California. Clear weather was noted at the time of the crash. 1 person was injured. This crash was classified as a drunk driver accident and motorcycle 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.
Dangerous intersection
Is Roscoe Boulevard & SR-170 a Dangerous Road?
When the same intersection produces crash after crash, the problem may not be the drivers. Roscoe Boulevard & SR-170 has logged 35 crashes in the last 9 months and 18 resulting in injuries. Patterns like this can point to dangerous road design: poor sight lines, bad signal timing, missing turn lanes, or inadequate signage.
35Crashes reported at this intersection in the last 9 months
0.9x#6 most dangerous intersection in Van Nuys, 0.9x the average
↑Injury crashes at this intersection UP 17% in recent months
51% of crashes here result in injuries
Rear End collisions account for 63% of crashes at this intersection
Most crashes here happen around 5 PM on Fris
26Walk Score: Car-Dependent. Car-dependent road design means higher vehicle speeds and fewer pedestrian protections
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 Drunk Driving Crash
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.
Get the BAC results from the police report
The police report includes the driver's blood alcohol concentration, powerful evidence even below the 0.08% threshold with other signs of impairment.
Explore punitive damages and Dram Shop liability
Civil Code 3294 allows punitive damages in drunk driving cases, and a bar that served a visibly intoxicated driver may be liable under BPC 25602.1.
File your government tort claim before January 8, 2027
If a government entity shares responsibility, you have a strict six-month deadline: January 8, 2027. 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.
Drunk driving accident law
Your Legal Options After a Drunk Driving Crash
Being hit by a drunk driver opens extra legal avenues: Civil Code 3294 allows punitive damages for "willful and conscious disregard" of safety, and a bar that served the driver while visibly intoxicated may share liability under the Dram Shop statute, BPC 25602.1.
Motorcycle riders in California have full legal rights on the road, including the right to lane split under Vehicle Code 21658.1. If the rider was lane splitting at the time, the question is whether it was done safely, not whether it happened at all.
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 intersection has recorded 35 crashes in the last nine months. Injury crashes here are trending up 17% compared to the prior period. The most common crash type at this intersection is Rear End, accounting for 63% of incidents.
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.
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.
What are punitive damages in a drunk driving case?
Punitive damages go beyond compensating your losses. They're designed to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior. California Civil Code 3294 allows punitive damages when the defendant acted with "willful and conscious disregard" for others' safety. Driving drunk qualifies. These damages can significantly increase the total value of your case.
What is Dram Shop liability?
Under Business and Professions Code 25602.1, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment that serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person can be held liable if that person then causes a crash. This is called Dram Shop liability. It's especially important when the drunk driver doesn't carry enough insurance to cover your damages, because commercial establishments typically carry larger policies.
Does a DUI conviction help my civil injury case?
Yes. A DUI conviction or guilty plea is admissible evidence in your civil case and essentially proves the driver was negligent. You don't have to wait for the criminal case to finish before filing your civil claim. The two cases are completely separate proceedings with different standards of proof.
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 January 8, 2027?
January 8, 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.
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. Roscoe Boulevard & SR-170 has logged 35 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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