Pacoima, CA - One Person Killed in Overnight Two-Vehicle Crash on the 5 Freeway

Pacoima, California (June 14, 2026) - At approximately 3:39 a.m., a two-vehicle crash on the northbound 5 Freeway at Terra Bella Street left one person dead, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP confirmed one person died at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The identity of the person who died has not been released by authorities.

The circumstances of the collision remain under investigation, and details on what led up to the crash have not been determined, according to CHP.

This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.

A fatal freeway crash can leave a family without answers at the worst possible moment. California law may give your family the right to pursue a wrongful death claim even while the investigation remains open.

What to Do After a Fatal Freeway Accident in California

Can a family file a claim before the investigation closes?

Yes. A civil wrongful death claim runs on its own timeline, separate from any CHP investigation or traffic enforcement proceeding. Waiting for the investigation to close is not required and can cost a family critical evidence.

What can a wrongful death claim cover?

A claim can include funeral and burial costs, the financial support the deceased provided, loss of companionship and guidance, and other damages the family has suffered as a result of the death.

What should the family do right now?

• Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney
• Preserve any evidence connected to the crash, including photos, vehicle records, and communications
• Request a copy of the CHP traffic collision report as soon as it becomes available
• Do not sign anything from an insurance company without legal review

What is the filing deadline?

Under California law, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years of the date of death (CCP § 377.60). The crash occurred on June 14, 2026. The filing deadline is June 14, 2028. Missing that date permanently closes the right to pursue compensation.

Contact Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorneys

Losing someone in a crash with no immediate explanation is a particular kind of grief. Your family deserves to understand what happened and what your legal options are.

At the Law Offices of Christian Contreras, our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys have recovered more than $200 million for clients across Southern California, including a $5 million wrongful death settlement. Freeway fatalities move fast. CHP collision reports, vehicle data, and witness accounts can disappear quickly, and an attorney should begin building your case now.

We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. No upfront costs and no fees unless we win.

Why Injured Clients Trust Christian Contreras Law

• $200M+ recovered for clients
• More than $30M recovered in 2025 alone
• Takes cases to trial with 7+ jury trials each year
• Bilingual representation in English and Spanish
• Featured by ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and Telemundo
• Perfect 5.0 Star Client Rating

Call (866) 836-6588 for a free consultation, available 24/7.

Legal Disclaimer

This page is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Incident information is based on publicly available reports and may change as the investigation continues. The Law Offices of Christian Contreras is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any law enforcement or emergency response agency. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and no outcome is promised or implied.