Panorama City Three-Vehicle Crash at Terra Bella and Woodman Leaves 3 Dead, 1 Injured

• What happened at Terra Bella Street and Woodman Avenue in Panorama City
• What investigators may look at in a three‑vehicle crash
• What’s confirmed and what remains unknown
• Safety context: intersections, nighttime driving, and Valley corridors
• Immediate, practical steps families can take
• How to obtain key documents: police report, medical examiner/autopsy, death certificate, and related records
• Preserving crucial evidence after a serious crash
• Insurance and liability basics in California multi‑vehicle collisions
• Local public agencies and services that can help
• Sources and data
• Commentary from Gosuits Panorama City, California Personal Injury Attorney
• Why timely action matters and what to do next

What happened at Terra Bella Street and Woodman Avenue in Panorama City

On Friday night, December 12, 2025, around 9:37 p.m., a three‑vehicle crash occurred at Terra Bella Street and Woodman Avenue in Panorama City, as reported by a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson, Officer Tony Im. Early accounts indicate a blue Mustang came to rest against a light pole, a minivan collided with parked vehicles, and a sedan stopped along a corner curb. Three people lost their lives at the scene, and a fourth person was transported to a hospital by ambulance. As of the latest public update, additional details were not available.

For those who live or work nearby, the intersection sits along a busy stretch of Woodman Avenue, a corridor that carries steady San Fernando Valley traffic day and night. Many Valley residents are familiar with late‑evening traffic patterns in this area, with nearby residences, small businesses, and cross‑streets feeding into Woodman. News of multiple fatalities at a neighborhood intersection strikes close to home, and our hearts are with the families processing sudden loss during the holiday season.

What investigators may look at in a three‑vehicle crash

When a serious multi‑vehicle collision happens at night at a Valley intersection, investigators typically assess a wide set of factors. While no conclusions have been released here, the process often includes:

• Right‑of‑way and traffic control Investigators determine who had the right‑of‑way and whether a red light, stop sign, or yield control was disregarded. They may analyze signal phasing and timing, lane markings, and visibility of signs.
• Speed and stopping distance Skid marks, vehicle crush damage, and event data recorder information can help reconstruct approach speeds and braking. California’s “basic speed law” requires drivers to travel at a speed safe for conditions, even below the posted limit when necessary.
• Lighting and nighttime visibility Darkness, headlight use, glare, reflective signage, and street lighting conditions can affect perception and reaction.
• Impairment and distraction Toxicology testing and phone records can be part of the inquiry where appropriate.
• Roadway and environment Investigators may look at pavement conditions, lane geometry, obstructions, debris, roadside hazards like poles, and whether parked cars contributed to the crash sequence.
• Vehicle condition Brake systems, tires, airbags, and potential defects may be examined, particularly if a mechanical failure is suspected.
• Occupant protection Seat belt use, airbag deployments, and seating positions are assessed to understand injury mechanisms.
• Witnesses and video Statements from bystanders, nearby residents, or workers, along with camera footage from businesses or residences along Woodman or Terra Bella, can be critical.

In a three‑vehicle series of impacts, reconstruction can be complex. Investigators often map out the scene, take measurements, and use software to analyze angles, speeds, and timing between impacts. The aim is to determine how the chain of events unfolded and where fault may lie.

What’s confirmed and what remains unknown

Confirmed details based on the initial report include the location, time, number of vehicles involved, the fact that three people died, and one person was transported for medical care. Vehicle rest positions were also described: a blue Mustang against a light pole, a minivan into parked cars, and a sedan along a curb.

Unknowns, pending official updates, include the identities and ages of those involved, whether any driver was impaired or speeding, whether traffic signals or signs were present or functioning as intended, and the exact sequence of impacts. It’s also unknown whether all decedents were drivers or passengers, and whether any pedestrians were affected. These are the kinds of details that typically emerge from formal collision reports and the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner’s findings.

Safety context: intersections, nighttime driving, and Valley corridors

Intersections pose well‑documented risks. According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately one‑quarter of all traffic fatalities and about half of all traffic injuries in the United States occur at or near intersections. Nighttime conditions compound risk by reducing visibility and narrowing reaction windows. National data consistently show increased severity of crashes under low‑light conditions and at higher speeds.

San Fernando Valley arterials like Woodman Avenue carry high volumes and mix local trips with cut‑through traffic. Even after the evening rush, speeds can fluctuate, and drivers may face difficult judgment calls at crossings and turns. Calm, careful approaches, complete stops, and scanning for cross‑traffic help, but systemic safety improvements also matter. Evidence‑based measures like signal timing updates, high‑visibility crosswalks, improved lighting, and speed management strategies are proven to reduce severe crashes at intersections.

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Immediate, practical steps families can take

After a sudden loss, it can be hard to know where to begin. The following steps are practical, not exhaustive, and are offered to help community members start organizing information and protecting their rights.

• Obtain the incident details Write down the LAPD report number, the responding division, and the names or badge numbers of any officers who contacted you. If you don’t have them, note the exact location and time and the vehicles involved; this helps records units locate the correct file.
• Confirm Medical Examiner case information The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner opens a case when a death is sudden or unexpected. You can search for a case, request services, and later obtain autopsy or examination findings, if applicable.
• Gather medical and funeral records Keep invoices and receipts related to medical care, funeral arrangements, transport, and memorial services. These may be important for insurance claims or other benefits.
• Preserve evidence If you have access to a vehicle or personal effects, do not authorize disposal. Ask the tow yard to hold the vehicle without dismantling. Preserve phones, dashcams, and clothing. See the “Preserving evidence” section below.
• Identify potential witnesses Note names, phone numbers, and addresses of anyone who saw the crash or the aftermath, including nearby residents or shop staff along Woodman Avenue and Terra Bella Street.
• Consider a consultation before speaking to insurers Before making any recorded statements or signing documents for an insurance company, consider first speaking with a qualified attorney for a free consultation about your rights. What is said to an insurer can be used later and may affect responsibility assessments.

How to obtain key documents: police report, medical examiner/autopsy, death certificate, and related records

Police traffic collision report

For a collision within Los Angeles city limits, the responding agency is typically the Los Angeles Police Department. The report is usually prepared by the relevant traffic division. For Panorama City, that’s often the Valley Traffic Division. You can request a copy once the report is approved. You’ll generally need:

• Report number or incident details date, time, location, and involved parties
• Proof of identity and relationship for next of kin where decedents are involved
• Applicable fees for report copying and processing

If the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded instead of LAPD, requests are made using the CHP 190 form, with identification and fees. You can review the collision report request process through the CHP’s official guidance at CHP Collision Report (CHP 190).

Autopsy and Medical Examiner documentation

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner manages sudden and unexpected deaths and keeps official records. Families can review available services, including case status, examination reports, and next‑of‑kin guidance, at the department’s site: Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner – Services. Not every case requires a full autopsy; the Medical Examiner determines the appropriate level of examination. Turnaround time can vary depending on testing, such as toxicology.

Death certificate

Certified death certificates for events in Los Angeles County are issued by the Registrar‑Recorder/County Clerk. Ordering instructions and eligibility requirements are available at Los Angeles County Registrar‑Recorder/County Clerk – Death Records. Funeral homes often assist with the initial order, but families may need additional certified copies for life insurance, employer benefits, financial institutions, and settlement documentation.

911 call audio and dispatch logs

Some families seek 911 recordings or dispatch logs. Access may be limited by privacy and investigative exemptions. In general, public records requests can be made to the appropriate agency under California’s Public Records Act. Availability, timing, and redactions will vary based on the status of the investigation and the nature of the records.

Traffic signal timing and roadway records

When a crash involves an intersection, records about signal programming, maintenance, or work orders can be relevant. These are typically maintained by the city’s transportation department. Requests may be possible through the city’s public records channels. If considering this step, consulting an attorney first can help target the correct records and avoid inadvertent issues.

Preserving crucial evidence after a serious crash

Evidence can disappear quickly after a collision, especially in busy corridors like Woodman Avenue. Practical steps to consider include:

• Secure the vehicles Ask the tow yard in writing not to dismantle or release any involved vehicle until an inspection can be arranged. Vehicle condition, crush patterns, airbag modules, and tire wear may be important.
• Event data recorder (EDR) Many modern vehicles store pre‑crash speed, braking, and throttle data. Access generally requires specialized tools and proper chain‑of‑custody. Learn more about EDRs from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at NHTSA: Event Data Recorder.
• Photographs and video Scene photos, vehicle positions, debris fields, and nearby property damage (like struck poles or parked cars) help reconstruct sequence. Businesses and residences along Woodman and Terra Bella frequently have cameras; footage may overwrite within days.
• Witness outreach Collect names and contact information for anyone who saw or heard the crash or who arrived moments after. Document what each person observed and when.
• Personal items and digital records Preserve phones, dashcams, GPS data, and clothing worn at the time. These can corroborate timelines and conditions.
• Spoliation letters Where appropriate, formal notices can be sent to preserve evidence held by others (tow yards, businesses, fleet owners, or public entities).

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Insurance and liability basics in California multi‑vehicle collisions

In multi‑vehicle crashes, responsibility can be shared among several drivers or entities, and insurers will typically assess fault apportionment based on the facts, physical evidence, and applicable traffic laws. Here are core concepts that often apply in intersection crashes:

• California’s basic speed law Even when a driver is below the posted limit, speed must be safe for conditions such as darkness, traffic, and road surface. This is set out in the California Vehicle Code at CVC § 22350.
• Right‑of‑way and turning Intersections often involve left turns across oncoming traffic or entering from a side street. California law outlines duties for left turns and yielding. See, for example, CVC § 21801 on turning movements and yielding before turning left or making a U‑turn.
• Comparative fault California uses a comparative fault system in civil cases, meaning compensation can be adjusted in proportion to each party’s responsibility. The California courts’ civil jury instructions address comparative fault principles in allocating responsibility among multiple parties.
• Wrongful death and survival actions After a fatal crash, certain family members may bring wrongful death claims, and the decedent’s estate may pursue a survival claim for harms suffered before death. These are separate claims with different damages.
• Deadlines In California, many wrongful death and personal injury claims must be filed within two years, per Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. When a potential claim involves a public entity (for example, allegations about a dangerous roadway condition), special claim deadlines can be as short as six months. See Government Code § 911.2. Because timeframes are strict, consider acting promptly.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) If an at‑fault driver has little or no insurance, a household UM/UIM policy may apply. These claims have specific notice and cooperation requirements. Before contacting any insurer, consider speaking with an attorney to understand obligations and potential pitfalls.
• Commercial or governmental vehicles If any involved vehicle is a company car, rideshare, delivery van, or public entity vehicle, different insurance layers and claim rules can apply. Early identification of vehicle ownership is key.

When insurers call quickly, it’s natural to want to cooperate. Still, recorded statements and early settlements can affect how fault is assigned and which damages are covered. A free consultation with a qualified attorney before speaking to insurers can help people understand their rights and obligations.

Local public agencies and services that can help

• Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner Case information, autopsy/examination services, and guidance for next of kin are available at me.lacounty.gov/services.
• Los Angeles County Registrar‑Recorder/County Clerk Certified death certificates can be ordered through lavote.gov.
• California Highway Patrol If CHP handled the scene, collision reports can be requested using CHP 190: chp.ca.gov.
• Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Bereavement and crisis support resources are available for county residents at dmh.lacounty.gov.
• California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) Financial assistance may be available for qualifying expenses like funeral costs; see victims.ca.gov.

For the police report in this Panorama City case, the responding agency was LAPD. Reports are requested through LAPD’s records process; if unsure where to start, note the incident details and ask for the traffic collision report from the Valley Traffic Division.

Sources and data

• Intersection safety Federal Highway Administration overview: safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection
• Speeding risk National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding
• National injury burden Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Transportation Safety: cdc.gov/transportationsafety
• California roadway data California Office of Traffic Safety: ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/data-and-statistics/
• Event Data Recorders National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: nhtsa.gov/research-data/event-data-recorder
• Statute of limitations for wrongful death California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
• Public entity claim deadline Government Code § 911.2: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
• California Basic Speed Law Vehicle Code § 22350: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
• Left turn yield requirements Vehicle Code § 21801: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

Commentary from Gosuits Panorama City, California Personal Injury Attorney

We’re deeply sorry for the families and neighbors affected by the Friday night crash at Terra Bella and Woodman. Losing community members at a familiar intersection is heartbreaking. This note is shared for educational purposes and general information, not as a substitute for personalized guidance about any specific situation.

From a personal injury perspective, a three‑vehicle, nighttime intersection collision demands careful, methodical analysis. It’s common for speed, right‑of‑way, and visibility to be scrutinized, but it’s equally important not to jump to conclusions before the facts are developed. In the Valley, corridors like Woodman can see wide speed variation after dark. Whether this tragedy involved speed, a missed signal, a risky turning movement, or something else entirely is a question for investigators and, ultimately, for evidence.

In our experience, insurance carriers and large companies move quickly after severe crashes. Adjusters may request recorded statements before all facts are known. Corporate defendants may start defending the case before a family has even received the police report. This imbalance can leave people at a disadvantage, especially when they’re grieving. Understanding the process, preserving evidence right away, and having a knowledgeable advocate in your corner levels the playing field.

That’s why a free consultation can be so important. It helps people understand timelines, evidence needs, and insurance layers without pressure. And because multi‑vehicle crashes can implicate multiple policies and parties, early guidance can prevent missteps that might affect later responsibility assessments.

Why timely action matters and what to do next

• Document the basics now Write down the incident date, time, exact location, and known vehicle descriptions. Small details fade quickly but can be vital when requesting records or contacting witnesses.
• Request the right records in the right order The Medical Examiner case status and the police collision report usually drive the next steps. Knowing which agency has which record avoids delays and duplicate requests.
• Preserve vehicles and digital data before it disappears Tow yards may dispose of vehicles without advance notice. Surveillance systems routinely overwrite footage, sometimes within days. Early preservation can be the difference between a clear reconstruction and guesswork.
• Consider a free legal consultation before talking to insurers Insurance questions often come fast. A brief consultation first helps clarify what to share and what to avoid, since recorded statements can influence fault determinations later.
• Track expenses and losses in real time Keep receipts for funeral, travel, counseling, and related costs. Maintain notes on time missed from work and other impacts. Accurate records support claims and assistance applications.
• Be mindful of deadlines Some claims must be filed within months, not years, especially if roadway design or maintenance may be involved. Staying ahead of these deadlines protects options while facts are still developing.

Acting promptly doesn’t mean rushing to conclusions. It means preserving choices, protecting evidence, and making informed decisions when you’re ready. In the aftermath of a serious crash, those steps make a real difference.