One Killed, Five Hospitalized in 5-Vehicle Crash on Northbound I-5 at Los Feliz Blvd Off-Ramp in Los Angeles

• What we know about the northbound I-5 crash near Griffith Park
• Local context: Griffith Park, Los Feliz Boulevard off-ramp, and I-5 traffic patterns
• Immediate steps for those impacted by a multi-vehicle freeway crash in Los Angeles
• How to obtain official records: CHP collision report, LA County Medical Examiner records, and hospital records
• Injury pathways and medical care considerations after a high-speed freeway collision
• Potential civil liability and insurance issues in a five-vehicle crash
• Evidence to preserve in a Los Angeles freeway collision case
• Public safety and infrastructure: road closures and community concerns
• Support resources in Los Angeles County
• Call-to-action: why taking timely steps matters after a serious freeway collision
• Commentary from Gosuits Los Angeles, California Personal Injury Attorney
• References

What we know about the northbound I-5 crash near Griffith Park

Early Sunday morning, around 3:18 a.m., a five-vehicle crash occurred on the northbound 5 Freeway at the Los Feliz Boulevard off-ramp near Griffith Park in Los Angeles. According to officials cited in initial reports, a 25-year-old man was ejected from his vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Five others were transported to area hospitals. As reported, a 61-year-old man, a 35-year-old man, and two 22-year-old men were listed in fair condition, while a 28-year-old man was listed in serious condition. The California Highway Patrol stated the cause remains under investigation, and multiple lanes were closed through the midmorning as crews responded and investigated the scene.

In multi-vehicle collisions like this, the initial minutes and hours are chaotic. Emergency responders secure the roadway, triage injuries, and start documenting evidence. The collision location adds complexity, given the proximity to the Los Feliz Boulevard off-ramp and nearby merging patterns. As the CHP’s investigation proceeds, vehicle positions, debris fields, and statements from involved drivers and witnesses will all matter.

Local context: Griffith Park, Los Feliz Boulevard off-ramp, and I-5 traffic patterns

Locals know the stretch of the I-5 that skirts Griffith Park, threading past the Los Feliz Boulevard exit and toward the Glendale corridor, can be unforgiving, especially in the early morning hours. Traffic density may be lighter at 3 a.m., but drivers often travel at higher speeds, and any sudden obstruction can trigger chain-reaction impacts. The Los Feliz Boulevard off-ramp area also sees late-night returns from areas like Atwater Village, Los Feliz, and the park’s winding roads. Road geometry, speed differentials, and visibility conditions are all factors the CHP will consider as they determine what happened.

If you use this corridor regularly, you also know how quickly lane closures back up traffic toward the Golden State Freeway split and over the Los Angeles River. Caltrans and CHP typically coordinate to manage closures and rerouting. Travelers can check official real-time updates and closure maps when incidents occur [7].

Immediate steps for those impacted by a multi-vehicle freeway crash in Los Angeles

It is entirely normal to feel overwhelmed after a violent crash. Still, certain steps help protect health and preserve important information:

• Prioritize medical evaluation. Even if injuries seem minor, seek an exam. Adrenaline can mask serious harm. Many collision injuries are not immediately apparent, and prompt documentation of injuries is essential for both health and any future claims.
• Document what you can. Photos of vehicle positions, skid marks, debris, and roadway conditions can be vital. If the scene is already cleared, photograph your vehicle’s damage, any visible injuries, and any property damage at home resulting from the crash. Keep a pain journal to track symptoms and limitations day by day.
• Gather basic information. Involved driver names, plate numbers, insurance details, and witness contacts can quickly go missing once vehicles are towed.
• Do not rush to speak on the record to insurers. Statements can be used to minimize or shift fault later on. It is wise to consult an attorney before providing recorded statements or signing any forms.
• Request the official collision report. The CHP report is foundational to understanding the investigating officer’s initial findings and the evidence collected [1].
• Comply with California vehicle accident reporting rules. In California, certain crashes, including those with injuries or death, must be reported to the DMV within 10 days using form SR-1 [5].

In incidents with significant injuries or a fatality, many families speak with Los Angeles car accident lawyers to understand timelines, deadlines, and how insurance coverage can apply when multiple vehicles and policies are involved. That conversation can happen before any contact with insurers.

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How to obtain official records: CHP collision report, LA County Medical Examiner records, and hospital records

California Highway Patrol collision report

The CHP typically handles freeway collisions in Los Angeles. Involved parties and legal representatives can request the collision report using CHP’s process. Requests are usually made with a completed CHP 190 form and required fee, submitted to the appropriate Area office. The CHP explains how to obtain a report on its official site [1]. If you are unsure which Area office handled this crash, the agency’s office locator can help you find the correct contact [2].

LA County Department of Medical Examiner records

For a death investigated in Los Angeles County, the LA County Department of Medical Examiner oversees decedent investigations and related records. Families can find information about requesting autopsy reports, investigator’s notes when available, and cause-of-death documentation on the department’s site [3]. A certified death certificate is issued by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, with instructions for ordering available online [4]. Hospitals may provide medical records directly to the patient or authorized next of kin upon request. It is often helpful to keep your requests organized, note dates submitted, and retain proof of any fees paid for records.

Hospital records after emergency transport

Los Angeles County’s trauma network includes multiple verified trauma centers that receive serious crash victims. LA County Department of Health Services provides an overview of the county’s trauma system and designated centers [6]. If you or a family member were transported by the Los Angeles Fire Department to a trauma center, the hospital’s Health Information Management department can advise on medical records requests and authorization requirements. Be prepared to provide identification, dates of service, and any authorization documents needed for a loved one’s records.

Injury pathways and medical care considerations after a high-speed freeway collision

High-speed impacts on the freeway can produce a range of injuries, from whiplash and soft tissue harm to fractures, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal trauma. Ejection from a vehicle is strongly associated with severe or fatal injuries. Federal safety authorities emphasize seat belt use because it significantly reduces the risk of ejection in a crash [8]. Of course, every crash is unique and involves many variables, including impact angles, speeds, vehicle safety features, and whether restraints were used.

After discharge, it is wise to follow up with primary care or a specialist and closely track changes in symptoms. Keep all discharge papers, imaging reports, and physical therapy notes. If persistent headaches, dizziness, neck pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, or numbness appear or worsen, seek medical care promptly. Documentation is a key part of both continuity of care and any potential injury claim.

Potential civil liability and insurance issues in a five-vehicle crash

Five-vehicle collisions raise challenging questions. Was there an initial negligent act that set off a chain reaction, or were there multiple contributing factors? Did any vehicle make an unsafe lane change, travel too fast for conditions, or follow too closely? Sometimes a breakdown or debris in the roadway complicates the picture. The CHP investigation will explore vehicle positions, damage patterns, and witness accounts. Civil fault can be apportioned among multiple drivers under California’s comparative fault framework. In these cases, different insurers may dispute liability and claim their insured was a secondary impact or could not reasonably avoid the collision.

When multiple policies are in play, individuals often face confusing questions about which coverage applies first or whether underinsured motorist coverage may be triggered. A practical overview can be found here: Which insurance pays first after a multi car crash. The order of coverage can depend on liability determinations, policy language, and whether any commercial vehicles were involved.

Before speaking to any insurer, consider talking with a lawyer about rights and obligations. Insurers may seek recorded statements early and can use statements to limit payouts later on. This is one reason many people consult with car accident lawyers before engaging in detailed claim discussions. It can also help to have someone coordinate the exchange of medical records and repair estimates, so nothing is submitted without context.

In matters involving serious injury or a fatality, families may also want to understand wrongful death and survival claim frameworks in California. California law authorizes certain family members to bring a wrongful death action for losses they suffer due to a death caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another [9]. There is a general two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in California [10], and a separate, much shorter claim deadline applies when a government entity is a potential defendant [11]. It is important to get individualized guidance on how these timelines apply to a specific situation.

Evidence to preserve in a Los Angeles freeway collision case

Evidence can fade fast after a major freeway crash. Towing yards cycle vehicles, road crews clear debris, and witnesses disperse. Consider the following:

• Vehicle inspections. Post-crash vehicle inspections, including data downloads when available, can be critical. Modern vehicles often contain event data recorders that log limited pre-crash information.
• Photographs and video. Crash scene photos, dashcam footage, and bystander videos provide context for lane positions, lighting, and driver actions. Some local businesses or residential buildings facing the freeway ramps may have exterior cameras that captured approach roads or feeder streets. Requests must be made quickly because many systems overwrite footage within days.
• Official reports. Obtain the CHP report and any supplemental diagrams or narratives [1].
• Public records. Caltrans lane closure logs and CHP incident logs can sometimes provide timing details about closures and on-scene activity. Consider making timely public records requests through the appropriate agencies.
• Medical documentation. Keep emergency department records, imaging studies, specialist notes, and receipts for medications or medical devices.

Some families also speak with Los Angeles car accident lawyers to coordinate preservation letters, guide requests to public agencies, and ensure timely access to records. Strategic early steps often prevent evidence gaps that otherwise become hard to fill months later.

Public safety and infrastructure: road closures and community concerns

Traffic closures following a serious crash are disruptive but essential for safety and investigation. On I-5 at Los Feliz Boulevard, a partial closure can ripple toward Glendale and into the downtown connectors. Caltrans QuickMap provides real-time detours, closure locations, and congestion patterns that help drivers avoid secondary crashes and keep lanes clear for responders [7]. These closures also allow investigators to document the scene and reduce the risk to crews working near high-speed traffic.

As a community, Los Angeles contends with a mix of high-speed corridors and dense urban interchanges. In recent years, agencies have emphasized enforcement of seat belt use and safer driving behaviors because these steps reduce the severity of injuries and the rate of ejection in serious crashes [8]. Nighttime driving on freeways can be particularly unforgiving, where a single miscalculation can lead to multi-vehicle impacts.

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Support resources in Los Angeles County

In the aftermath of a serious collision, practical questions pile up quickly. These resources can help orient next steps:

• California Highway Patrol. Start with the CHP collision report process and identify the correct Area office for requests [1] [2].
• Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Families can locate case status information and request autopsy reports when authorized [3].
• Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. For official death certificates and certified copies, follow the county’s instructions [4].
• California DMV. If the crash meets the reporting criteria, file the SR-1 within 10 days to remain compliant [5].
• LA County trauma system. If you are unsure where a loved one was transported, the county’s trauma network overview can help you identify major receiving centers and contact them for medical record requests [6].

Community organizations near Los Feliz, Atwater Village, and Silver Lake often provide grief support and practical assistance, especially after high-profile incidents. Hospitals may also offer social work services to help families navigate records, billing, and follow-up care.

Call-to-action: why taking timely steps matters after a serious freeway collision

Here is what should be done in the near term, and why it matters:

• Secure official records promptly. Request the CHP collision report early to understand the investigative baseline. Records can take time to process, and insurers often ask for them.
• Preserve private evidence immediately. Back up dashcam video and ask nearby businesses if they captured relevant footage. Many systems overwrite within days or weeks, so delays can permanently erase valuable evidence.
• Organize medical documentation. Keep all ER visit summaries, imaging, prescriptions, and follow-ups in one file. Accurate records help physicians coordinate care and support any injury-related claims.
• Consult counsel before contacting insurers. Early recorded statements can be used to limit or contest claims later. Independent guidance helps avoid avoidable mistakes and ensures coverage issues are evaluated before forms are signed.
• Calendar legal deadlines. California’s civil deadlines are strict, including for wrongful death actions and claims that involve a government entity [10] [11]. Understanding these timelines early reduces the risk of missing a filing window.
• Use official traffic information. If travel is necessary near the crash area, rely on official closure maps to avoid secondary hazards and unplanned detours [7].

Acting within the first days and weeks is often the difference between having a complete picture and struggling to reconstruct events later. When multiple vehicles and insurers are involved, clarity and documentation prevent misunderstandings and help ensure that those affected can make informed decisions.

Commentary from Gosuits Los Angeles, California Personal Injury Attorney

We are deeply sorry to learn of the life lost and the injuries in this crash near Griffith Park. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. This article is intended for general information and education during a difficult moment for the community.

From a civil injury perspective, a five-vehicle collision at freeway speeds presents a complex scene. Investigators will look at vehicle positions, lane-use decisions around the Los Feliz Boulevard off-ramp, and any sudden changes in speed or direction. Multi-car crashes can have multiple contributing causes, and fault may be shared. In our view, careful reconstruction, prompt preservation of footage, and attention to debris and skid patterns are crucial in determining how responsibility is allocated.

Insurance companies and corporations often move quickly after events like this. They may request recorded statements, push for broad medical authorizations, or interpret ambiguous facts in ways that minimize their own exposure. Without guidance, it is easy to say something that later gets framed against the claimant’s interests. Insurers are well resourced, and they do not hesitate to contest liability in multi-vehicle freeway collisions.

Obtaining a free consultation can make a real difference. It gives people a chance to understand potential coverage, the order of policies in a multi-car crash, and the practical steps to safeguard their options. It also clarifies timelines for civil claims, including wrongful death and any related survival claims, so no one is caught off-guard by deadlines.

References

1. How to Obtain a Traffic Collision Report – California Highway Patrol
2. Find a CHP Office – California Highway Patrol
3. Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner
4. Death Records – Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
5. Accident Reporting Requirements – California DMV
6. Trauma System – Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
7. Caltrans QuickMap – California Department of Transportation
8. Seat Belts – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
9. Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60 – Wrongful Death
10. Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 – Statute of Limitations
11. Government Code section 911.2 – Government Claims Act

Note: Before contacting any insurer regarding this collision, it is generally prudent to consult with car accident lawyers. What is said to an insurance representative can be used to diminish or dispute claims later. Understanding rights and obligations at the outset often prevents avoidable issues.