Published: August 17, 2026
By: Yaghmai Law Firm, APC
(Van Nuys, CA) – Five people were hurt Saturday evening after two vehicles left the San Diego (405) Freeway and plunged roughly 200 feet down an embankment, coming to rest near Woodley Park in Van Nuys.
The California Highway Patrol reported the collision at 7:03 p.m. Saturday on the southbound 405 Freeway just south of Victory Boulevard. Footage from the location showed crews using hydraulic rescue tools to extract an injured man from a pickup truck that had flipped over.
A sedan had also overturned along the embankment a short distance away. In addition to the man freed from the pickup, video captured three women and a second man near the sedan.
All five people were transported by ambulance to hospitals, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Jennifer Middleton, though their conditions were not immediately known. A witness told the CHP that one of the vehicles had been moving quickly and weaving between lanes shortly before the wreck, but it was not clear which vehicle. Every lane had reopened by 9:20 p.m.
Know Your Rights After a Crash
After a serious crash, California law gives injured people and families limited time to act. Evidence like vehicle data, camera footage, and witness memories fades quickly. A free, no-obligation case review can help you understand your options. Call or text (888) 800-6731, or start a free case review online. Asistencia en español disponible.
Analysis of the 405 Freeway Embankment Collision
Investigators looking into a multi-vehicle freeway crash like this one typically work to establish the speed, lane position, and movements of each vehicle in the moments before the collision. Under California's Basic Speed Law, Vehicle Code section 22350, a driver may not travel faster than is reasonable and prudent for the conditions of the roadway. Because a witness described one vehicle weaving through traffic at speed, examiners may consider whether either driver's conduct is relevant here, though which vehicle was involved remains undetermined.
If evidence eventually shows that a driver violated a traffic statute and that the violation was a substantial factor in producing injury, Evidence Code section 669 can create a presumption of negligence when the injured people fall within the class the statute was meant to protect. That framework only applies once the underlying facts are established; nothing in the current record assigns fault to anyone.
More broadly, California liability rests on Civil Code section 1714, which holds a person responsible for harm caused by a lack of ordinary care. Where more than one party may share responsibility, Civil Code section 1431.2 directs that non-economic damages be allocated in proportion to each party's percentage of fault, and Civil Code section 3333 defines the measure of compensable damages as the detriment proximately caused by the wrongful act.
What Survivors and Their Families Can Do
People injured in a serious freeway crash should obtain the CHP collision report, keep medical records documenting the treatment they received, and preserve any photos, dashcam footage, or witness information while it is still available. Drivers involved in an injury crash have reporting duties, including a written report to law enforcement within 24 hours under Vehicle Code section 20008 and a report to the DMV under Vehicle Code section 16000, and injury claims are generally subject to the two-year deadline in Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. Because circumstances differ and because a crash near a public roadway can raise added questions, it can help to speak with a legal professional early. Were you, or someone you love, involved in this crash? A Van Nuys Personal Injury Lawyer at Yaghmai Law Firm can explain your options and deal with the insurance companies for you. Call or text (888) 800-6731 or request a free case review.
About the Author
Houtan Yaghmai, Esq., President & Managing Attorney of Yaghmai Law Firm, APC. California State Bar No. 298487. Speaks English, French, and Persian. The firm represents personal injury clients throughout Southern California – consultations by phone, text, or video, no office visits required.
This post was assembled with AI assistance from publicly reported news sources cited below. All California Vehicle Code references were verified against leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Facts were re-checked via additional web searches before publication. This post is based on initial news reports and may be updated as new facts develop. Nothing in this article is legal advice. Yaghmai Law Firm, APC is not associated with the investigating agencies and does not represent any party named in this post unless explicitly stated.
Sources:
1. Patch – 5 Injured When 2 Vehicles Tumble Off 405 Freeway
