A single-vehicle crash was reported on Mar 6, 2026 at approximately 3:20 AM on US-101 near Coldwater Canyon Avenue in North Hollywood, California. Clear weather was noted at the time of the crash. 1 person was injured. This crash was classified as a drunk driver accident and motorcycle accident case.
If you were involved, the other driver's insurance company may have already contacted you with a settlement offer. Early offers are almost always lower than what your claim is actually worth. Insurers count on people settling before they understand the full extent of their injuries. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California, but key evidence like surveillance footage and witness memories doesn't last that long. A free consultation with our senior attorneys costs you nothing and helps you understand your options.
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I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from El Camino Real High School and UCLA Law School, and I've spent my career representing people who were hurt because someone else wasn't paying attention. I take these cases personally because I've watched families in this community deal with the aftermath of serious crashes. If you were injured, I want to hear what happened.
Arya Firoozmand, Esq.
Founding Partner · UCLA Law
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Dangerous intersection
Is Coldwater Canyon Avenue & US-101 a Dangerous Road?
When the same intersection produces crash after crash, the problem may not be the drivers. Coldwater Canyon Avenue & US-101 has logged 17 crashes in the last 9 months and 9 resulting in injuries. Patterns like this can point to dangerous road design: poor sight lines, bad signal timing, missing turn lanes, or inadequate signage.
17Crashes reported at this intersection in the last 9 months
↓Injury crashes at this intersection DOWN 25% in recent months
53% of crashes here result in injuries
Side Swipe collisions account for 47% of crashes
Most crashes here happen around 6 PM on Mons
69Walk Score: Somewhat Walkable. High foot traffic increases pedestrian exposure at this intersection
In California, cities and counties can be held liable for dangerous road conditions they knew about or should have known about. A pattern of crashes is exactly the kind of evidence that establishes notice.
Injured at a Dangerous Intersection? The City May Owe You Compensation.
When a road or intersection is poorly designed, the government agency responsible for maintaining it can be held liable. If you were seriously hurt, talk to a senior attorney about whether a dangerous road design claim applies to your case.
Government claims are often subject to strict filing deadlines. An attorney can help you understand what applies to your situation.
Next steps
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Crash
Get medical attention immediately
Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Some of the most serious injuries from crashes, like internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries, don't always show symptoms right away. A medical record from the day of the crash also becomes critical evidence later.
Get the BAC results from the police report
If the other driver was arrested for DUI, the police report will include their blood alcohol concentration. A BAC above 0.08% is powerful evidence, but even a lower reading combined with other impairment evidence can support your claim. Request a copy of the full report, not just the exchange of information.
Explore punitive damages and Dram Shop liability
Drunk driving cases are one of the few areas where California allows punitive damages under Civil Code 3294. If the driver was served alcohol at a bar or restaurant while visibly intoxicated, the establishment may also be liable under Business and Professions Code 25602.1. Both avenues increase what you can recover.
File your government tort claim before September 6, 2026
If a government entity is responsible for this crash, whether because of road design, missing signals, or a government vehicle, you have a strict six-month deadline to file a tort claim. That deadline is September 6, 2026. Miss it and you lose your right to sue entirely, no matter how strong your case is.
Talk to a personal injury attorney before the insurance company
Insurance adjusters will reach out quickly, and they're not calling to help you. They want a recorded statement and a fast settlement before you understand what your case is actually worth. A free consultation with an attorney costs you nothing and protects everything.
Drunk driving accident law
Your Legal Options After a Drunk Driving Crash
Being hit by a drunk driver opens legal avenues that don't exist in typical car accident cases. California Civil Code 3294 allows punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was "despicable" and done with "willful and conscious disregard" for others' safety. Driving drunk fits that definition. Punitive damages go beyond compensating your losses. They're designed to punish.
If the drunk driver was served alcohol at a bar, restaurant, or event while already visibly intoxicated, the establishment may also be liable under California's Dram Shop statute, Business and Professions Code 25602.1. This is especially relevant when the driver doesn't carry enough insurance to cover your damages, because the establishment's commercial liability policy is often much larger.
The DUI criminal case and your civil injury case are separate proceedings. You don't have to wait for the criminal case to finish before pursuing your civil claim. In fact, a DUI conviction or guilty plea becomes admissible evidence in your civil case, making liability almost automatic.
Motorcycle riders in California have full legal rights on the road, including the right to lane split under Vehicle Code 21658.1. If the rider was lane splitting at the time, the question is whether it was done safely, not whether it happened at all.
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Dangerous road design
Fixed Object Crashes and Roadside Design
When a vehicle leaves the road and strikes a fixed object like a pole, tree, or barrier, the severity of injury often depends on roadside design. The "clear zone" concept requires that the area alongside the road be free of rigid obstacles or protected by crash-attenuating barriers. Missing guardrails, unshielded utility poles, and improperly placed sign posts within the clear zone are all design deficiencies.
Breakaway sign supports and energy-absorbing barriers exist precisely because engineers know vehicles will leave the road. When a public entity fails to install these countermeasures at a location with a history of run-off-road crashes, that failure can support a claim under Government Code 835.
This intersection has recorded 17 crashes in the last nine months. Injury crashes here have trended down 25% compared to the prior period, but the intersection still has an active crash history. The most common crash type at this intersection is Side Swipe, accounting for 47% of incidents.
This crash happened in the early morning hours (2-6 AM), when low traffic volumes can lead to higher speeds and reduced alertness. Road design features like rumble strips, adequate lighting, and clear lane markings are critical during these hours when fewer visual cues keep drivers oriented.
Were You Injured in This Crash?
If you or someone you love was hurt in this crash, our attorneys can help you understand your options. We handle cases on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
Frequently asked questions
Common Questions About This Type of Crash
What are punitive damages in a drunk driving case?
Punitive damages go beyond compensating your losses. They're designed to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior. California Civil Code 3294 allows punitive damages when the defendant acted with "willful and conscious disregard" for others' safety. Driving drunk qualifies. These damages can significantly increase the total value of your case.
What is Dram Shop liability?
Under Business and Professions Code 25602.1, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment that serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person can be held liable if that person then causes a crash. This is called Dram Shop liability. It's especially important when the drunk driver doesn't carry enough insurance to cover your damages, because commercial establishments typically carry larger policies.
Does a DUI conviction help my civil injury case?
Yes. A DUI conviction or guilty plea is admissible evidence in your civil case and essentially proves the driver was negligent. You don't have to wait for the criminal case to finish before filing your civil claim. The two cases are completely separate proceedings with different standards of proof.
How do I know if my injuries are serious enough to file a claim?
There's no minimum injury threshold for filing a personal injury claim in California. If someone else's negligence caused your injuries and you have medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, you likely have a valid claim. Many injuries that seem minor at first, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, can develop into chronic conditions. Get a medical evaluation and a legal consultation.
What is the government tort claim deadline of September 6, 2026?
If a government entity shares responsibility for this crash, whether through road design, a government vehicle, or maintenance failures, you must file a government tort claim within six months of the incident. For this crash, that deadline is September 6, 2026. This is separate from the two-year statute of limitations. Miss it and your claim against the government is gone permanently, even if the road design was clearly at fault.
Can I sue the city if the road design caused this crash?
Yes. In California, cities, counties, and Caltrans can be held liable for dangerous road conditions they knew about or should have known about. Coldwater Canyon Avenue & US-101 has logged 17 crashes in the last 9 months. A pattern like that can be evidence the government was on notice and failed to act. Common road design problems include poor sight lines, missing turn lanes, bad signal timing, and inadequate signage. If a government entity is responsible, you must file a claim within 6 months of the accident, not the usual 2-year statute of limitations.
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