A man was killed in a multiple vehicle crash on the 405 Freeway in the Westwood area of Los Angeles on Monday morning May 22, 2023.

The crash reportedly took place on the southbound 405 Freeway at Sunset Boulevard at 3:36 AM according to California Highway Patrol (CHP). My News LA reported that four vehicles were involved in the crash, seen by witnesses, as well as “a body in the middle of the freeway.” The man, a pedestrian, was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene and CHP issued a SigAlert at about 4 AM that enforced the shutdown of all southbound lanes north of Sunset Boulevard. The Sunset Boulevard on-ramp to the southbound 405 Freeway was shut down by LAPD officers and drivers were diverted off the freeway at Skirball Center Drive.  

Emergency response team respond to early morning car crash

A video provided by KTLA 5 of the crash scene depicted car parts and debris scattered along the freeway as well as traffic backups extending into the Sepulveda Pass. The presence of the pedestrian at the scene of incident is still under investigation, the cause of the multi-car collision has not yet been reported, and no other injuries have been announced. 

“A crash like this causes injuries, serious property damage and a horrible loss of life, and millions of people in Los Angeles were impacted by the freeway closure,” said Jerry Singleton injury attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “My thoughts are with the victims of the collision and the family of the person we lost to this tragic crash.”

Singleton Schreiber Los Angeles car accident attorneys can be reached at 213-816-0307 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

Fatal 405 Freeway Multi-Car Accidents 

The 405 Freeway, one of the busiest and most vital freeways in Los Angeles County, has gained a reputation for its frequent multi-car crashes, which often result in chaos, congestion, and significant injury. In this article, we delve into the nature of these multi-car crashes, their causes, and the potential measures that can be taken to mitigate the dangers on the 405 Freeway.

The 405 Freeway, stretching across Southern California, serves as a major transportation lifeline for thousands of commuters and travelers every day. Unfortunately, it has also become filled with multi-car crashes due to the high volume of vehicles, complex interchanges, and heavy traffic congestion. These crashes, involving three or more vehicles, often lead to devastating consequences, including severe injuries, loss of life, and substantial property damage.

Several factors contribute to multi-car crashes on the 405 Freeway. Some of the prominent causes include:

  • Distracted Driving: The use of electronic devices, such as smartphones, along with other distractions like eating or interacting with passengers, diverts the drivers’ attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
  • Speeding: The urge to keep up with fast-moving traffic or reach a destination quickly can lead to speeding, reducing the time available for drivers to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
  • Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely limits the necessary stopping distance, amplifying the risk of chain-reaction collisions when sudden braking is needed.
  • Lane Changing and Merging: Frequent lane changing, improper merging, and failure to use turn signals can result in sideswipes, rear-end collisions, and the creation of unsafe conditions for other drivers.

The frequency of fatal multi-car crashes on the 405 Freeway is a grim reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. By addressing reckless driving, combating distractions, improving traffic flow management, upgrading infrastructure, and promoting driver education, we can work towards reducing the devastating toll of these accidents.

The legal complexities of multi-car accident cases can be difficult to manage and understand, it requires the expertise of a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. Their experience in handling multi-car collision cases allows them to develop a strong legal strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. They protect the rights of the victims and pursue a fair settlement or represent the victims in court if necessary.

“Everyday, we read about aggressive drivers, distracted drivers, drivers who are under the influence and others who put the lives of others at risk,” said Mr. Singleton. “We need law enforcement to hold these people accountable. The family of the victim, as well as those injured in the crash, also need to contact Los Angeles personal injury attorneys who can help them fight for justice.”

Singleton Schreiber Los Angeles car accident attorneys can be reached at 213-816-0307 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.