East Oakland I-580 35th Avenue Off-Ramp Crash: Teen Passenger Killed, Driver Arrested

• What we know about the East Oakland I-580 off-ramp crash
• Where it happened and why the 35th Avenue off-ramp area is complex
• Timeline and official statements
• Injuries and loss reported by police
• Safety and legal context Californians ask about after a fatal crash
• How to obtain key records in Oakland and Alameda County
• How liability may be evaluated in a multi-vehicle crash with a teen driver
• Insurance considerations after a fatal crash involving teens
• Preserving evidence near freeways and off-ramps in East Oakland
• Community and victim-support resources
• Data and context on speeding and teen driving risk
• Commentary from Gosuits Oakland, California Personal Injury Attorney
• Why timely action matters now

What we know about the East Oakland I-580 off-ramp crash

On a Friday morning around 9:45 a.m., a serious collision unfolded at the eastbound 35th Avenue off-ramp of Interstate 580 in East Oakland. According to police, a teen boy driving a car that had allegedly fled an earlier collision near 14th Avenue and East 31st Street, close to Highland Hospital, entered I-580 and continued to the 35th Avenue exit. As the vehicle exited, another car struck it, pushing it into a concrete fence. A teen girl riding in the back seat was taken to a hospital and later died. The teen boy was reported in critical but stable condition and was arrested. Investigators stated that alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit at (510) 777-8570. Videos and photos can be sent to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov.

Where it happened and why the 35th Avenue off-ramp area is complex

East Oakland’s 35th Avenue off-ramp sits along a busy I-580 corridor that funnels drivers toward residential streets and business pockets stretching into the Laurel District, Allendale, and parts of Fruitvale. When traffic is moving, this off-ramp can feel quick and tight, especially as drivers transition from highway speeds down to neighborhood limits. If you drive this stretch during the mid-morning, you know how quickly the flow can change from open lanes to dense, stop-and-go conditions at the signal.

Adding to the complexity, there are frequent merges and quick decision points. Drivers exiting to 35th Avenue have limited room to correct mistakes if someone brakes suddenly, tries to change lanes late, or enters faster than expected. The proximity to local destinations, including Highland Hospital a few minutes west via 14th Avenue, brings ambulance traffic and everyday neighborhood trips into the mix. All of that makes defensive driving essential long before you reach the ramp.

Timeline and official statements

Based on the information shared by police:

• Before 9:45 a.m. A collision occurred around 14th Avenue and East 31st Street, near Highland Hospital.
• Vehicle entry to I-580 Police say a teen boy, allegedly fleeing that earlier collision, entered the freeway and drove to the eastbound 35th Avenue off-ramp.
• At the off-ramp Around 9:45 a.m., while allegedly speeding, the car was struck by another vehicle, sending it into a concrete fence.
• After the crash A teen girl riding in the back seat was transported to a hospital and later died. A teen boy was injured and listed as critical but stable. The driver was arrested. Investigators noted drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors.

Police did not specify the number of occupants in the first car involved near 14th and East 31st. The Traffic Investigation Unit is actively gathering information and is asking community members for any footage or eyewitness accounts to help piece together what happened at both scenes.

Injuries and loss reported by police

Police reported that the teen girl, seated in the back, was taken to a hospital and later passed away. A teen boy was injured and is in critical but stable condition. The Oakland community knows this pain all too well; traffic deaths reverberate through families, schools, and neighborhood circles from the San Antonio district up through Dimond and beyond. When the people affected are minors, the heartache is immediate and deep.

While the criminal side may move forward separately, families usually face a parallel set of civil questions. Those include how to learn exactly what happened, who may bear legal responsibility under California law, and what insurance coverage might apply. The sections below address those practical issues with resources and procedures that are specific to Oakland and California.

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Safety and legal context Californians ask about after a fatal crash

Families and community members often want to understand the broad legal landscape after a crash like this. In California, the rights to pursue civil claims related to a death or injury come from state statutes. Here are some general signposts, with links to the official state sources.

• Wrongful death claims arise under California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60. Certain family members may bring a claim for losses they suffer because of a death caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another. See CCP 377.60.
• Survival actions under section 377.30 allow a decedent’s estate to pursue certain claims the person could have brought had they lived. See CCP 377.30.
• General time limits for filing most wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits in California are typically two years from the date of injury or death. See CCP 335.1.
• Claims involving public entities can involve much shorter deadlines. Most claims must be filed within six months under California’s Government Claims Act. See Gov. Code 911.2.
• Vehicle owner responsibility for permissive drivers is addressed in the Vehicle Code. California imposes vicarious liability on vehicle owners for negligence by a person who was driving with the owner’s permission. See Veh. Code 17150. Related provisions govern how this liability interacts with other laws.
• Parents or guardians who sign a minor’s license application can be responsible for damages when the minor negligently operates a vehicle. See Veh. Code 17707 and Veh. Code 1778.

These statutes do not answer every question, especially in a multi-vehicle situation involving a minor driver and a secondary impact. They do, however, frame the core rights and responsibilities, including who may bring a claim and possible theories of responsibility.

How to obtain key records in Oakland and Alameda County

When families need clarity, official records help build an accurate picture. Oakland and Alameda County agencies have specific processes for records that matter in a collision investigation.

Oakland Police Department crash records and updates

For incidents within the City of Oakland, the Oakland Police Department maintains collision reports and related records. The Traffic Investigation Unit is the contact for case information and tips. The OPD Records Division handles public record requests, though access can be limited while an investigation is active.

• Traffic Investigation Unit: (510) 777-8570
• Submit videos or photos: cidvideos@oaklandca.gov
• OPD information and services: oaklandca.gov/departments/police

Some records fall under the California Public Records Act. Access may be limited or delayed if disclosure could interfere with an active investigation or implicate privacy exemptions. The law that governs public records in California is the CPRA. An overview of the Act is maintained by the state, and exemptions are codified in the Government Code. A general starting point is the statute itself at California Government Code, Public Records Act.

Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau and autopsy reports

In fatal incidents, the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau manages investigations into cause and manner of death, and it retains autopsy and related reports. Next of kin can typically request copies after the investigation phase allows release.

• Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Bureau: acgov.org/sheriff/services/coroner

Certified copies of death certificates are issued through California’s vital records system. Families can learn how to obtain certified copies from the California Department of Public Health. See CDPH Vital Records.

Medical records from treating facilities

Hospitals maintain patient medical records, which can be requested by the patient, a personal representative, or in some cases by legal representatives with appropriate authorization. Federal privacy rules provide patients with a right to access their health information. For a plain-language overview, see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidance on medical record access at hhs.gov.

Freeway and ramp jurisdiction questions

Although this crash occurred on a freeway off-ramp, the Oakland Police Department is the identified lead for this investigation. In other incidents on state highways, the California Highway Patrol may be the custodian of collision reports. The CHP’s collision records information is available here: CHP Collision Records.

Submitting roadway or infrastructure concerns

Members of the public sometimes share concerns with Caltrans about signing, striping, or ramp conditions. Caltrans District 4, which covers Alameda County, posts contact information here: Caltrans District 4 Contact. If a claim potentially involves a public entity, special claim deadlines may apply, as noted above at Gov. Code 911.2.

How liability may be evaluated in a multi-vehicle crash with a teen driver

Determining who is responsible in a crash like this usually requires careful fact work. Investigators will look at the original incident near 14th Avenue and East 31st Street, the route onto I-580, speeds at the time of the off-ramp collision, the actions of the other vehicle, and the conditions at the off-ramp itself. Here are some general legal concepts that often come into play.

• Negligence and causation. Civil responsibility in California typically turns on whether one or more parties failed to use reasonable care and whether that failure caused harm. Speeding, unsafe lane changes, or failing to yield can be evidence of negligence if proven.
• Comparative fault. California uses a comparative fault system. If multiple drivers contributed to a crash, responsibility can be divided by percentage. This matters when there is a secondary impact, as described here.
• Minor drivers and family responsibility. If a minor is driving, California law can make parents or guardians who signed the license application responsible for damages arising from negligent driving. See Veh. Code 17707.
• Vehicle owner liability. Separate from parental responsibility, owners are generally liable for negligent driving by someone using the vehicle with permission. See Veh. Code 17150.
• Negligent entrustment. If evidence shows a vehicle owner allowed an unsafe or unlicensed driver to operate the car, that can form a separate theory of liability. This is fact dependent and typically requires records and witness statements.
• Roadway conditions and public entities. While the report here does not suggest a roadway defect, some collisions involve claims about visibility, signage, or ramp geometry. Claims against public entities have strict notice rules, including the six-month deadline in Gov. Code 911.2.

Each of these issues is tied to evidence, including physical damage patterns, event data recorders, traffic cameras, and eyewitness accounts. That is why investigators ask for community photos and videos, and why families often seek help quickly to preserve information from vehicles and third parties.

Insurance considerations after a fatal crash involving teens

Insurance coverage questions can be complicated when a driver is a minor and multiple vehicles are involved. The policies that may be reviewed typically include:

• Liability coverage on the vehicle involved. This is usually the first source of coverage for injuries caused by the driver’s negligence. When a driver is a permissive user of someone else’s car, the vehicle owner’s policy often responds first.
• Household policies. If the driver is a minor, a household policy may interact with the vehicle’s coverage depending on policy language and the ownership of the car.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If an at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks adequate limits, UM or UIM coverage on the injured person’s policy or a resident relative’s policy can sometimes provide additional protection. The California Department of Insurance explains UM and UIM coverage here: insurance.ca.gov on UM/UIM.
• Medical payments coverage. Some auto policies include limited no-fault medical payments coverage that can help with immediate costs regardless of fault.

One practical warning from a civil perspective: statements given to an insurance company can shape the evaluation of fault and damages. Before engaging with any insurer, many people choose to consult with a qualified attorney to understand rights and obligations. What is said to an adjuster can be referenced later, so care and preparation matter.

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Preserving evidence near freeways and off-ramps in East Oakland

Evidence disappears quickly after a crash, especially on or near a freeway. Here are general steps people often consider to help preserve vital information.

• Secure vehicle data. Modern cars frequently store event data, including speed and braking inputs. Preservation requests to towing yards and insurers can help prevent data loss before a download is completed.
• Photograph the scene. If safe and permitted, photos of the ramp area, skid marks, debris fields, and the concrete barrier or fence can be invaluable. Time-stamped images matter.
• Identify cameras. Some intersections have traffic cameras. Nearby businesses often have exterior video that may catch approach paths. Prompt outreach increases the chance footage is still available.
• Track medical documentation. Keep records of treatment, discharge summaries, and follow-up care, especially from Highland Hospital or any Alameda Health System facility, since accurate medical documentation connects injuries to the collision. See the general federal guidance on access to medical records at hhs.gov.
• Follow official channels. Provide relevant photos or video directly to investigators. The OPD Traffic Investigation Unit is collecting digital evidence at cidvideos@oaklandca.gov.

If you are unsure which agency has the records, start with the Oakland Police Department since this investigation is within city limits, then consider CHP only if directed or if a portion of the incident occurred under state patrol jurisdiction.

Community and victim-support resources

In the wake of fatal or severe injury collisions, families in Oakland often need both information and emotional support. While the legal and insurance questions can feel immediate, practical support helps people get through the first weeks.

• Oakland Police Department for case updates: oaklandca.gov/departments/police and (510) 777-8570 for the Traffic Investigation Unit.
• Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau for autopsy status and reports: acgov.org/sheriff/services/coroner.
• California Victim Compensation Board for eligible financial assistance for certain expenses linked to violent crimes, including some vehicular incidents depending on circumstances and law enforcement classification: victims.ca.gov.
• Caltrans District 4 to share roadway concerns or learn about maintenance contacts related to state highway ramps: dot.ca.gov District 4.

Local schools, faith organizations, and youth groups in East Oakland often organize vigils and peer support networks after tragedies like this. Community spaces around the San Antonio-Fruitvale corridor, the Laurel, and nearby parks like Allendale Park can become gathering places for remembrance.

Data and context on speeding and teen driving risk

Speed and inexperience are a dangerous mix, especially during high-stress moments like entering or exiting a freeway. Nationally, speeding continues to be a major factor in fatal crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that speeding has been involved in nearly one-third of traffic fatalities for decades. Learn more from NHTSA’s overview at nhtsa.gov on speeding.

Teen drivers face elevated crash risk for several reasons, including limited experience in complex traffic environments and a greater likelihood of risky driving behaviors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides data-driven guidance on teen driving risks, including the role of speed and the protective effect of graduated licensing. See cdc.gov on teen drivers.

In the Oakland context, high-speed transitions between I-580 and neighborhood streets require split-second judgment. Mid-morning traffic around the 35th Avenue off-ramp can be deceptive, with some days flowing quickly and others slowing abruptly at the bottom of the ramp. The combination of variable flow, limited ramp length, and merging decisions places a premium on patience and adherence to posted speed signs.

Commentary from Gosuits Oakland, California Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts go out to the families and classmates coping with the loss and injuries reported here. We are sharing this article for educational and general informational purposes, to help the community understand the kinds of questions that follow a fatal collision and where to find official information.

In our view, the circumstances described raise difficult liability issues that will hinge on precise sequencing and speed evidence. There appears to have been an initial incident near 14th Avenue and East 31st Street, followed by a secondary collision at the 35th Avenue off-ramp in which another car struck the involved vehicle and pushed it into a concrete fence. Sorting out comparative fault, the role of alleged speeding, and how each driver’s actions influenced the final impact will likely require careful analysis of physical evidence, witness statements, and any available video.

Insurance companies and corporate defendants often move quickly to shape the narrative. Adjusters may ask for statements, request authorizations, or imply that coverage is limited, all before families have a chance to gather facts. That timing can put people at a disadvantage. An insurer’s goals are not always aligned with a full accounting of losses. Without guidance, individuals may inadvertently say things that get taken out of context, or accept inadequate assessments of fault or damages.

That is why early, no-cost consultations can be so important. A conversation with a seasoned attorney can clarify what to request, how to protect critical evidence, and when to speak with insurance representatives. It can also flag special filing deadlines that apply if a public entity might be implicated, since those timeframes are shorter than most people realize.

Why timely action matters now

Here is what should be done in the near term, and why it matters for any serious collision investigation in Oakland and across California.

• Preserve vehicle and scene evidence immediately. Vehicle event data, dashcam footage, and nearby business surveillance can be overwritten within days. Contacting tow yards and potential third-party video holders now increases the odds that critical footage and data remain available for review.
• Request the right records from the right agencies. Collision reports, coroner findings, and medical summaries create the backbone of any civil evaluation. Submitting targeted requests to the Oakland Police Department, the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau, and treating facilities helps ensure there is a reliable, documented timeline.
• Consult an attorney before speaking with insurers. Statements to insurers can be used to evaluate fault and damages. A consultation can help set a plan for when to give a statement, what documents to share, and how to avoid misunderstandings that may affect a claim later.
• Calendar key deadlines. California’s general two-year statute for wrongful death and injury cases is strict, and claims that may involve a public entity can require a claim within six months. Missing a deadline can limit options. Begin tracking dates as early as possible. See CCP 335.1 and Gov. Code 911.2.
• Document the human impact. Keep a contemporaneous record of medical treatment, changes in daily life, funeral or memorial expenses, and counseling needs. These records help ensure the full scope of loss is understood.
• Coordinate with investigators. If community members have dashcam footage or witnessed either the initial collision near 14th Avenue and East 31st or the off-ramp crash, sharing that material with OPD at cidvideos@oaklandca.gov supports a thorough investigation.

Acting on these steps early can protect the integrity of the factual record and preserve legal options. Timing is often the difference between having enough evidence to understand what happened and searching for answers after records are gone.