Two Killed in Fiery Sedan and Big Rig Crash on 605 Freeway in Irwindale

The crash was reported at about 2:05 a.m. on the northbound San Gabriel River (605) Freeway at the eastbound Foothill (210) Freeway, the CHP said, as reported by MyNewsLA. A BMW sedan ended up underneath the big rig and caught fire. Citing CHP incident logs, SGV CityWatch reported that the BMW struck the rear of the tractor-trailer, that the truck also burned, and that the vehicles came to rest where the transition road splits from the freeway.

Two people were killed, and SGV CityWatch’s account indicates they were in the BMW. Reports so far do not say whether anyone else was hurt or describe the condition of the big rig’s driver. Their names are being withheld until relatives are notified, CityWatch reported.

According to SGV CityWatch, the CHP was also told in the minutes after the crash that the BMW had entered the northbound 605 going the wrong way from Live Oak Avenue, made a U-turn, and was driven erratically at high speed. The CHP has not confirmed those reports or said what caused the crash. Several northbound lanes and the transition to the eastbound 210 stayed closed for hours and had reopened by 11:41 a.m., CityWatch reported. This article may be updated as the CHP shares its findings.

Early accounts of a crash are not findings of fault. Who is responsible depends on what the investigation shows, and in a crash involving a commercial truck, the trucking company’s driver, maintenance, and dispatch records can also matter.

When someone dies in a crash caused by another’s negligence, California gives a wrongful death claim to the spouse or domestic partner and children, or, if there are none, to the relatives who would inherit, such as parents (Code of Civil Procedure §377.60). The general deadline is two years (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). Our guide to big rig accidents in California covers underride and other big rig crashes.

This summary of California law is general information, not legal advice. The facts the CHP confirms will shape which claims, if any, are available.

Wilshire Law Firm may be able to help families and anyone hurt in the 605 Freeway crash. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers work from the firm’s Los Angeles office and handle truck accident claims and wrongful death cases throughout Los Angeles County.

In a truck case, we can send preservation letters for the truck’s electronic data and the carrier’s records, obtain the CHP report, and deal with the insurers involved. You can meet our attorneys or read about our Los Angeles personal injury practice. We also covered two big rig crashes on the 5 Freeway in Sun Valley in October.

Losing someone in a crash like this is overwhelming, and the questions come fast. A Wilshire Law Firm legal professional can talk them through with you at no cost, day or night, and there are no fees unless you get paid.

Contact Wilshire Law Firm today.