One Killed, Several Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash on 210 Freeway Near Sunland Boulevard in Shadow Hills

• What Happened on the 210 Freeway Near Sunland Boulevard
• Known Details, Agencies Involved, and Traffic Impacts
• The First 24 to 48 Hours After a Serious Freeway Crash
• How to Obtain Official Reports and Records
• When a Loss Becomes a Wrongful Death Case
• Serious Injury Cases From Multi-Vehicle Crashes
• Evidence to Preserve After a Multi-Car Collision
• Insurance Issues That Commonly Arise
• Typical Components of Compensation in California Injury and Wrongful Death Matters
• Safety, Visibility, and Seasonal Conditions Along the Foothill Freeway
• A Local Lens: Shadow Hills, Sunland-Tujunga, and the San Fernando Valley
• By the Numbers: Freeway Collisions and Why Reports Matter
• Why Timely Action Matters After a Freeway Crash
• Commentary from Gosuits Los Angeles, California Personal Injury Attorney

What Happened on the 210 Freeway Near Sunland Boulevard

On a Sunday night in the San Fernando Valley, a multi-vehicle crash on the westbound lanes of the 210 Freeway near Sunland Boulevard in the Shadow Hills area led to a tragic outcome. According to first responders, at least four vehicles were involved. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, and several others were hurt. Three of those injured — a 61-year-old woman and two men approximately 30 and 40 years old — were reported in serious condition. Additional people sustained injuries of varying severity, and at least one person declined transport to the hospital.

The collision happened a little before 8 p.m., a time when the Foothill Freeway often carries steady Sunday traffic returning across the Valley. After the crash was reported, fire crews and paramedics arrived to triage victims, provide life-saving care, and secure the scene. California Highway Patrol officers initiated an investigation into what caused the chain of events that led to the multi-car collision. A SigAlert was issued for all westbound lanes while the scene was stabilized and documented. Within a couple hours, officers reportedly re-opened the far left lane to ease the backup.

In the days ahead, investigators typically piece together a timeline using vehicle positions, physical evidence like debris fields and tire marks, witness statements, and any video that may be available. For many families and injured community members, the most pressing questions are straightforward: what exactly happened, who may be responsible, and how can important information be secured quickly. The sections below are designed to help with the practical steps and local resources that matter right now.

Known Details, Agencies Involved, and Traffic Impacts

What we know so far

Based on official updates about the emergency response and traffic control, the crash:

• Occurred: Shortly before 8 p.m. on a Sunday night.
• Location: Westbound 210 Freeway near Sunland Boulevard in the Shadow Hills area of the San Fernando Valley.
• Vehicles involved: At least four.
• Casualties: One person died at the scene, and several people were injured, including three reported in serious condition.
• Agencies responding: Los Angeles Fire Department and California Highway Patrol. Caltrans typically assists with traffic management, lane closures, and debris clearance.
• Traffic impacts: A SigAlert temporarily closed westbound lanes. The No. 1 lane was later re-opened to traffic to relieve congestion.

This corridor of the 210 sees regular closures for investigations when serious collisions occur. The goal is to preserve evidence and ensure the safety of responders and other drivers.

Why the cause can take time to determine

CHP’s investigative process often includes mapping the scene, measuring distances, checking for mechanical defects, reviewing potential impairment factors if suspected, and analyzing driver accounts. Multi-vehicle collisions can involve chain reactions and simultaneous factors. Timelines published later in a CHP collision report tend to be the most reliable record for civil claims and insurance decisions.

The First 24 to 48 Hours After a Serious Freeway Crash

Right after a major collision, events move quickly. Hospitals are contacted, vehicles get towed, and lanes re-open. Key evidence can vanish if steps are not taken early. Here are common priorities families and injured people consider in the first two days:

• Confirming medical status and treatment plans. Emergency departments across the Valley, including facilities in the North Valley and near Burbank, may be involved. Ask treating providers how to obtain records later.
• Identifying the correct investigating agency. For freeway incidents in this area, California Highway Patrol is usually the lead. Knowing the CHP Area Office that is handling the investigation helps when requesting the collision report.
• Locating the vehicles. Cars are often taken to CHP impound lots or contracted tow yards. Preservation is important if a later inspection is needed.
• Documenting the basics. Dates, times, locations, lane numbers, and any known witnesses. This information becomes essential when correlating medical records and insurance claims to the collision report.
• Planning for insurance communications. Before giving recorded statements, consider speaking with a qualified attorney. Statements can affect liability determinations and settlement discussions later.

How to Obtain Official Reports and Records

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CHP collision report

The collision report is typically prepared by California Highway Patrol for freeway crashes. It contains the responding officer’s narrative, diagrams, witness notes, and vehicle information — the backbone of insurance liability decisions and many civil claims.

• How to request: CHP provides instructions for requesting a collision report, including who is eligible, required forms, and where to file the request. See CHP Collision Reports and the area office directory at Find a CHP Office.
• What to have ready: Date, time, location, names of involved parties if known, and the CHP report number once available. If the number is not yet assigned, the area office can search by time and place.
• Why it matters: Insurers often will not finalize liability without the report. Medical providers sometimes request it to confirm the mechanism of injury.

Caltrans traffic and closure information

For verification of lane closures or travel conditions, Caltrans provides real-time and archived details. This is useful to understand whether late-night traffic control, debris, or emergency closures might have affected visibility or congestion around the time of the crash.

• Check Caltrans QuickMap for lane closures, incidents, and camera snapshots. The 210 corridor in the foothills has several monitored segments.

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records

When a fatality occurs, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner handles decedent examination, identification, and release. Families can check case status and request reports such as the autopsy and toxicology once available.

• Case lookup and status: LA County Medical Examiner Case Status
• Requesting records and reports: LA County Medical Examiner Request Records

DMV accident reporting requirements

California requires individuals to report a traffic collision to DMV using an SR-1 form within 10 days if anyone is injured, if there is a fatality, or if property damage meets the statutory threshold. Many people do not realize this duty is separate from any insurance claim.

• Learn more: California DMV — SR-1 Accident Reporting

Before filing anything or speaking to any insurer, consider consulting with an attorney. Statements and filings can affect liability and coverage determinations, and what is said may be used later by an insurance company.

Mental health and grief resources

Serious crashes can shake entire families and neighborhoods. Accessing support early can help lessen trauma.

• Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: dmh.lacounty.gov
• Information on 988 and crisis support from a federal resource: SAMHSA 988 Resource

When a Loss Becomes a Wrongful Death Case

In California, a fatal crash can give rise to a civil wrongful death claim. That claim seeks to hold the legally at-fault party responsible for the harm their negligence caused to surviving family members and, in related actions, to the estate. Wrongful death law is specific about who may bring a claim, what damages are recoverable, and how they are calculated.

Who may be able to bring a claim

Generally, a spouse, domestic partner, children, and sometimes other dependents or heirs may have standing. If there is a question about who qualifies, the probate court process and state statutes guide the answer. These issues are sensitive, and timelines should be watched carefully.

What must be shown

• Duty and breach: That a driver or another party owed a duty of care on the roadway and failed to meet that duty.
• Causation: That the breach caused the collision and the loss.
• Damages: The economic and non-economic harms suffered by eligible family members, as well as certain damages in a survival action brought on behalf of the decedent’s estate.

Evidence may include the CHP collision report, scene photography, vehicle inspections, witness statements, medical examiner findings, and, when relevant, electronic data from vehicles. Because freeway scenes change quickly, early preservation is important.

Serious Injury Cases From Multi-Vehicle Crashes

Multi-car collisions often produce complex injury patterns. Some people experience immediate and obvious trauma. Others discover symptoms in the days after, once adrenaline fades. Documenting everything from the first hospital visit forward helps connect the medical picture to the mechanism of injury in the collision report.

Common issues in multi-vehicle claims

• Disputed fault allocations. With multiple impacts, insurers may point fingers at each other. The initial CHP diagrams and narratives can anchor later negotiations.
• Underinsured drivers. If at-fault drivers do not carry adequate liability limits, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on a victim’s own policy may be critical.
• Gaps in treatment. Care should be consistent with medical recommendations. Long gaps can prompt insurers to argue that an injury is unrelated or minor.
• Multiple claim files. Each insurer might open a separate file, creating a maze of adjusters and deadlines. Tracking claim numbers, adjuster contacts, and correspondence is key.

Evidence to Preserve After a Multi-Car Collision

Evidence fades and vehicles get repaired or scrapped. Preserving data can be the difference between a clear liability picture and a contested, drawn-out claim.

• Vehicles and black box data. Modern cars often store collision-related data. Preservation letters can request that a vehicle not be altered until an inspection occurs.
• Scene documentation. Photos of the roadway, skid marks, debris, and lane numbers help recreate the event. If first responders captured images, request processes can be discussed with the lead agency.
• Witnesses. Names, phone numbers, and even short summaries of what they recall are invaluable, since memories fade quickly.
• Medical records and bills. Start a file for discharge summaries, imaging reports, physical therapy notes, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.
• Employment records. Pay stubs and employer letters can substantiate wage loss claims when injuries keep someone off the job.

Insurance Issues That Commonly Arise

Insurance companies evaluate liability, coverage, and damages. Communications with adjusters often begin early, sometimes while people are still in shock. It is understandable to want to cooperate and move quickly, but caution helps protect rights and future options.

• Recorded statements. Adjusters may ask to record a statement. It is prudent to talk with an attorney first. Statements can be used to dispute liability or minimize injuries later.
• Property damage totals. If a vehicle is declared a total loss, valuation can be contested. Keep purchase records, maintenance logs, and receipts for recent upgrades.
• Medical payment coverage. Policies may include MedPay regardless of fault, subject to limits and exclusions.
• Good faith claims handling. California requires insurers to handle claims fairly. If there are concerns about delays or denial practices, the California Department of Insurance explains complaint options at insurance.ca.gov.

If a claim needs to be opened, consider contacting a lawyer first for a free consultation. Insurers may later use statements to challenge how the collision occurred, the severity of injuries, or the necessity of certain treatment.

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Typical Components of Compensation in California Injury and Wrongful Death Matters

Every case is unique, but civil claims in California often involve the following categories. None of this is a promise of outcome. It is general information about how damages are commonly evaluated.

• Medical expenses. Emergency care, imaging, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical needs if applicable.
• Lost income and earning capacity. Time missed from work, reduced hours, or long-term inability to perform job duties.
• Non-economic damages. Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life in injury cases. In wrongful death, eligible heirs may seek loss of the decedent’s love, companionship, and support.
• Property damage. Vehicle repair or total loss valuation, plus damaged personal items inside the car.
• Out-of-pocket costs. Transportation to medical appointments, medical devices, and home modifications when needed.

Safety, Visibility, and Seasonal Conditions Along the Foothill Freeway

The 210 Freeway at the foothills above Sunland-Tujunga and Shadow Hills can present unique conditions. Evening glare as the sun drops behind the ridgelines, quick changes in wind, and pockets of reduced visibility are part of the local driving experience. Winter evenings bring earlier darkness, and Sunday traffic can be uneven with pockets of faster travel followed by sudden slowdowns. None of this explains what caused this specific crash, but it underscores why investigations examine speed, spacing, lane changes, and reaction times alongside roadway factors.

Drivers in the area know landmarks like the Sunland Boulevard on and off-ramps, the equestrian trails around Shadow Hills, and the spans that carry the freeway toward La Crescenta and La Cañada Flintridge. It is a corridor locals share with commuters, trucks, and visitors crossing the Valley. When tragedy strikes here, it touches many neighborhoods.

A Local Lens: Shadow Hills, Sunland-Tujunga, and the San Fernando Valley

Shadow Hills is a semi-rural pocket known for its equestrian heritage and quiet streets winding up into the hills. Just down the way, Sunland-Tujunga blends small-town storefronts with longtime family homes, with easy access to the Foothill Freeway. Hansen Dam Recreation Area sits nearby, and on a clear day the Verdugo Mountains rise in the background. When a major collision shuts down the westbound lanes here, it does more than create a traffic snarl. It sparks concern in a tight-knit community where neighbors watch out for each other and news travels fast.

That community response is often visible in the hours after a crash: texts among friends checking in, posts offering to detour around closures, neighbors sharing updates. For those directly affected, the outpouring matters. So does straightforward guidance about logistics — how to get the right reports, where to ask questions, and what steps to avoid that could unintentionally complicate a claim.

By the Numbers: Freeway Collisions and Why Reports Matter

California freeways carry millions of vehicle miles of travel every day, and the unfortunate truth is that serious crashes occur on familiar routes like the 210. Understanding the broader safety backdrop can help explain why investigators and insurers rely so heavily on official documentation.

• National context. Federal data sources track fatal and serious-injury crashes so agencies can identify trends. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and publishes annual summaries and early estimates. For more, see NHTSA’s data portal at crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov.
• California statewide safety priorities. The California Office of Traffic Safety provides data dashboards and county rankings that inform enforcement and prevention efforts across the state. See ots.ca.gov/data for statewide and local trends.

These datasets are not about this specific collision. They do, however, show why detailed, reliable reports are essential. In multi-vehicle freeway cases, the CHP collision report becomes the anchor for insurance decisions, medical causation analyses, and, when necessary, civil claims seeking accountability.

Why Timely Action Matters After a Freeway Crash

Time matters after a serious freeway collision. Evidence can be lost, deadlines can pass, and insurance narratives can harden quickly. The following time-sensitive steps often make a difference in the clarity and strength of any future claim or civil case:

• Secure the official collision report. Identify the CHP Area Office and request the report as soon as it is available. This document frames nearly every later decision by insurers and treating providers.
• Preserve vehicles before repairs or disposal. If fault is disputed or injuries are significant, preserving each involved vehicle until an inspection occurs helps keep key evidence intact.
• Organize medical records from day one. Keep discharge paperwork, imaging reports, prescriptions, and follow-up recommendations together. Consistent care aligned with medical advice strengthens documentation.
• Track expenses and lost income. Save receipts and verify wage loss with employer documentation so those losses can be clearly presented.
• Consult an attorney before speaking with insurers. A no-cost consultation can help avoid statements that might later be used to dispute liability or minimize injuries.
• Know required filings and deadlines. California’s SR-1 reporting rule, claim notice periods for certain entities, and statutes of limitation can affect options if missed. Understanding what applies early prevents avoidable setbacks.

Acting sooner rather than later improves access to information, protects critical evidence, and reduces the risk of missteps that can change the trajectory of a claim.

Commentary from Gosuits Los Angeles, California Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the collision on the westbound 210 near Sunland Boulevard. For neighbors across Shadow Hills and Sunland-Tujunga, this is close to home. Please consider this article educational in nature and for general information. Every situation is different, and the details of this investigation will matter.

From a civil-injury perspective, multi-vehicle freeway crashes raise immediate questions about lane positions, speed differentials, sudden slowdowns, and whether any single action set off a chain reaction. The CHP report is essential to sorting out liability. Vehicle inspections and, when appropriate, medical examiner findings often fill in critical gaps. What stands out here is the combination of a fatality and multiple serious injuries on a high-speed corridor at night, conditions that typically lead investigators to look closely at visibility, reaction time, and the dynamics of traffic flow in the minutes before impact.

Insurance companies and corporate defendants frequently move fast to shape the narrative. Adjusters may request recorded statements, seek broad medical authorizations, or suggest a quick property settlement while injury issues are still unfolding. That tempo can leave people at a disadvantage, especially when they are grieving or undergoing treatment. Without guidance, it is easy to say something that is later used to reduce or deny parts of a claim, or to accept a valuation that does not account for future medical needs or wage impacts.

This is why a free consultation can be so important before any substantive conversation with an insurer. A brief, no-cost discussion helps people understand their rights, the role of the CHP report, how to preserve evidence, and what to expect from the claims process. It also gives space to ask questions and to plan, rather than react. In our experience serving the Valley, that early clarity can make a meaningful difference in how a case progresses — and in the confidence families feel as they navigate a difficult time.

Helpful Government Resources Referenced

• California Highway Patrol — Collision Reports
• California Highway Patrol — Find an Office
• Caltrans QuickMap — Traffic and Closures
• LA County Medical Examiner — Request Records
• LA County Medical Examiner — Case Status
• California DMV — SR-1 Accident Reporting
• California Department of Insurance — Consumer Complaints
• NHTSA — Crash Stats and FARS
• California Office of Traffic Safety — Data
• LA County Department of Mental Health
• SAMHSA — 988 Lifeline Information