A rear-end collision was reported on Feb 4, 2026 at approximately 9:20 PM on US-101 From Westlake Boulevard near Westlake Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, California. Clear weather was noted at the time of the crash. 2 people were injured. This crash was classified as a car 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 Thousand Oaks, graduated from Thousand Oaks High School and UCLA Law School, and I've spent my career fighting for people who were seriously hurt in crashes across the Conejo Valley and greater Los Angeles. These cases aren't just files on a desk. I know what families go through after a serious accident, and I take that responsibility seriously.
Curt Brown, Esq.
Founding Partner · UCLA Law
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Dangerous intersection
Is US-101 & Westlake Boulevard a Dangerous Road?
When the same intersection produces crash after crash, the problem may not be the drivers. US-101 & Westlake Boulevard has logged 15 crashes in the last 9 months and 6 resulting in injuries. Patterns like this can point to dangerous road design: poor sight lines, bad signal timing, missing turn lanes, or inadequate signage.
15Crashes reported at this intersection in the last 9 months
↓Injury crashes at this intersection DOWN 33% in recent months
40% of crashes here result in injuries
Rear End collisions account for 67% of crashes
Most crashes here happen around 4 PM on Suns
62Walk 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 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 August 4, 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 August 4, 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.
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.
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Dangerous road design
What Causes Rear-End Crashes at This Location
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash on California roads, and they're not always the trailing driver's fault. Short yellow intervals at traffic signals, sudden grade changes that hide stopped traffic, and inadequate advance warning signs all contribute to rear-end crashes. When the road design creates conditions where stopping distances are insufficient, the entity responsible for the road may share liability.
High-speed arterials are particularly prone to these crashes when signal timing doesn't account for approach speeds. California's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) sets standards for yellow-light duration based on speed limits, but many intersections haven't been updated as traffic patterns changed.
This intersection has recorded 15 crashes in the last nine months. Injury crashes here have trended down 33% compared to the prior period, but the intersection still has an active crash history. The most common crash type at this intersection is Rear End, accounting for 67% of incidents.
This crash happened during evening hours (7-10 PM), when reduced visibility starts to play a role. Inadequate street lighting, missing reflective lane markings, and unlit crosswalks all become more dangerous as daylight fades.
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 August 4, 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 August 4, 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. US-101 & Westlake Boulevard has logged 15 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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