Car Accident at the 101/405 Interchange in Sherman Oaks: What to Do

Arya Firoozmand, Esq. — Founding Partner

Local Sherman Oaks Injury Attorney · UCLA Law

Arya Firoozmand is the founding partner at L&F Brown. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from El Camino Real High School and UCLA Law School, and has spent his career representing injured clients across the Valley — including Sherman Oaks and the 405 corridor.

The US-101/I-405 interchange in Sherman Oaks is one of the most congested and collision-prone freeway junctions in all of California. Daily traffic backups, high-speed merges, distracted drivers, and aggressive lane changes combine to make this stretch of road the site of serious crashes every week. If you were involved in a car accident at or near the 101/405 interchange, the steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days that follow can determine whether you receive fair compensation.

Step 1: Get to Safety and Call 911

If your vehicle is drivable, move it to the right shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. Call 911. On a freeway like the 101 or 405, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has jurisdiction, not LAPD. CHP will respond to the scene, create an official report, and document what happened. That report is a critical piece of evidence for your claim.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay immediately after the crash, adrenaline can mask pain. Injuries like whiplash, spinal trauma, and internal bleeding may not be apparent for hours or days. If you are unsure about your condition, ask paramedics to transport you or go to Sherman Oaks Hospital at 4929 Van Nuys Blvd as soon as possible. Medical records linking your injuries to the crash are essential for your case.

Step 3: Document the Scene

If it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of:

• All vehicles involved, from multiple angles
• Damage to your car
• Skid marks, debris, and the position of vehicles on the road
• Any visible injuries
• Traffic signs and road conditions
• The freeway junction area itself

The 101/405 interchange is covered by CHP cameras. Your attorney can subpoena this footage before it is deleted, but only if they act quickly.

Step 4: Exchange Information

Collect the other driver's name, license number, vehicle registration, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, get their contact details as well. Do not apologize or admit fault, even casually. Statements made at the scene can be used against you.

Step 5: Report to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurer that the accident occurred, but be careful. Stick to the basic facts and avoid giving a recorded statement until you have spoken with an attorney. Insurers will use your own words to minimize your claim.

Why the 101/405 Interchange Creates Complex Claims

Freeway accidents often involve multiple vehicles, disputed liability, and severe injuries. The speed differential at the interchange means rear-end and sideswipe collisions frequently cause spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones. CHP may cite one driver, but insurance companies and defense attorneys will still look for ways to shift blame to you.

Cases from the 101/405 interchange can involve more than one at-fault party. If a commercial truck, a rideshare vehicle, or a defective vehicle contributed to the crash, multiple defendants and multiple insurance policies may be in play. That complexity is exactly why working with a Sherman Oaks car accident lawyer makes a difference.

What Compensation Might Be Available

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage. High-speed freeway crashes at the 101/405 interchange often result in six-figure or seven-figure settlements when injuries are severe.

Do not wait to get legal help. Contact L&F Brown serving Sherman Oaks today for a free consultation. We are familiar with the 101/405 interchange, the CHP process, and what it takes to build a strong claim after a freeway accident.