A broadside collision was reported on Oct 18, 2025 at approximately 2:55 AM on US-101 near Whitsett Avenue in Studio City, California. Clear weather was noted at the time of the crash. 2 people were injured. This crash was classified as a car accident and drunk driver accident and hit and run 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.
Your attorney
An Attorney Who Knows Studio City Firsthand
I previously lived in Studio City and know this neighborhood, the Ventura Boulevard dining strip, Cahuenga Pass, Coldwater Canyon, from years of daily life here. I've spent many nights on the patio at Black Liquor Market and Firefly, and watched Ventura evolve into what it is today, especially the stretch near Laurel Tavern. I earned my law degree at UCLA and now practice as a founding partner at L&F Brown.
Brian Liu, Esq., Founding Partner
UCLA Law · Former Studio City Resident
I lived in Studio City, and the familiarity with these streets and traffic patterns is something you only get from actually living here.
Could the road be at fault?
Not Every Crash Is the Driver's Fault
Some crashes are caused by dangerous road conditions: poor sight lines, missing signage, bad signal timing, or roads that weren't designed for the traffic they carry. In California, cities, counties, and Caltrans can be held liable when they knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it. If the road played a role in this crash, you may have a claim against the government agency responsible for maintaining it.
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 Car Accident
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.
Document the scene while you can
Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and the overall scene from multiple angles. Get the other driver's insurance info and license plate. If there are witnesses, get their contact information before they leave.
Don't give a recorded statement to any insurance company
The other driver's insurer will call you, sometimes within hours. They'll ask you to describe what happened "for their records." What they're actually doing is looking for anything they can use to reduce or deny your claim. You are not obligated to give a recorded statement.
File your government tort claim before April 18, 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 April 18, 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.
California car accident law
How Fault Works in a California Car Accident
California uses a "pure comparative fault" system. That means even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault, but it doesn't disappear. If you're found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you'd recover $80,000.
Insurance companies love to use comparative fault as a bargaining chip. They'll throw out a high fault percentage early in negotiations to justify a low offer. That initial number isn't based on evidence. It's a negotiation tactic. Don't accept a fault determination from an adjuster without having your own attorney review the facts.
Soft tissue injuries, the kind adjusters love to minimize, often require the most careful documentation. MRI results, consistent treatment records, and a clear connection between the crash and your symptoms are what move the needle. Gaps in treatment give adjusters ammunition to argue you weren't really hurt.
Because this crash involved a suspected drunk driver, additional legal options may be available. Punitive damages under Civil Code 3294 and potential Dram Shop liability under Business and Professions Code 25602.1 can significantly increase the value of your case beyond standard negligence claims.
The hit-and-run circumstances of this crash mean your claim may involve uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy. California law requires UM coverage unless you specifically waived it. Your attorney can help navigate whether to pursue the at-fault driver directly (if identified) or through your own policy.
Our founding partners trained at UCLA Law and built L&F Brown on a simple idea: take fewer cases, fight harder on each one. You work directly with a senior attorney from your first call through settlement. No hand-offs, no assembly line.
6,000+ Cases75+ Years CombinedMartindale-Hubbell Preeminent
Dangerous road design
Why Broadside Collisions Happen Here
Broadside collisions, sometimes called T-bone crashes, happen when one vehicle strikes the side of another. At intersections, these are often caused by inadequate sight lines, poorly timed signals, or missing protected left-turn phases. When a driver can't see oncoming traffic until it's too late, the intersection design shares responsibility.
Under California Government Code 835, a public entity can be liable for a "dangerous condition" on public property. An intersection with a history of broadside crashes, especially one where the signal timing hasn't been updated to match current traffic volumes, may qualify. Crash history data is key evidence in these claims.
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
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim from a car accident in California is two years from the date of the crash. If a government entity is involved (for example, a city vehicle or a road design defect), you have only six months to file a government tort claim. Waiting too long can permanently bar your case.
What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?
California uses pure comparative fault. You can recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 30% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you'd recover $70,000. Insurance companies often exaggerate your fault percentage to lower their payout.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Almost never. First offers are designed to close your claim cheaply before you understand its full value. You may not know the extent of your injuries for weeks or months. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you can't go back for more, even if your condition worsens. Get an attorney's opinion before signing anything.
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 April 18, 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 April 18, 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.
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