Families File Legal Claim Against California Highway Patrol Following Fatal 605 Freeway Collision
The devastating consequences of traffic collisions often extend beyond the immediate physical and emotional trauma. When negligence is suspected, families may seek legal recourse to hold responsible parties accountable. Currently, the families of victims of a tragic crash on the 605 Freeway in Norwalk, California, are filing a legal claim against the California Highway Patrol (CHP), alleging negligence that led to the deaths of their loved ones. Understanding the complexities of such cases, including the legal grounds for claims against law enforcement agencies, is crucial for anyone affected by similar tragedies.
The 605 Freeway Collision: A Chain of Events
On July 20, 2025, a chain of events unfolded on the southbound 605 Freeway near the Firestone Boulevard onramp, resulting in a catastrophic collision. According to reports, a Nissan sedan, occupied by four individuals, was initially involved in a collision with a CHP vehicle. This initial impact disabled the Nissan, leaving it stranded in the HOV lane of the freeway.
Tragically, a few minutes later, a Kia, driven by a person suspected of driving under the influence, collided with the rear of the disabled Nissan. The impact caused the Nissan to erupt in flames, trapping all four occupants inside. Julie Harmori, Armand Del Campo, Jordan Partridge, and Sam Skocilic were all pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Kia, Iris Salmeron, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Negligence Claimed Against the CHP
The families of Julie Harmori and Armand Del Campo, along with their attorney, Thomas Feher, are alleging that the CHP officer involved in the initial collision acted negligently. Their claim centers around the approximately seven minutes that elapsed between the first and second collisions. The families assert that after the initial collision, the CHP officer failed to secure the scene properly, leaving the disabled Nissan stranded in the fast lane without flares or warning lights to alert oncoming traffic.
According to the families, this failure to secure the scene created a dangerous situation that directly contributed to the subsequent fatal collision. They argue that the CHP had a duty of care to protect motorists on the freeway and that the officer’s negligence in this instance had tragic consequences. The claim alleges the CHP officer moved his patrol car to safety but failed to deploy flares or warning lights, leaving the victim’s vehicle sitting in the lane.
Legal Grounds for Claims Against Law Enforcement
Filing a claim against a law enforcement agency like the CHP involves navigating complex legal principles. Generally, to succeed in a negligence claim, the plaintiff must prove the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant (in this case, the CHP) owed a duty of care to the plaintiff (the victims).
- Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty of care through negligent actions or omissions.
- Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries or damages.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages as a result of the defendant’s negligence.
In this specific case, the families will need to demonstrate that the CHP officer had a duty to ensure the safety of motorists after the initial collision, that the officer breached that duty by failing to secure the scene, and that this failure directly led to the fatal collision.
Wrongful Death Claims in California
In California, families can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for the losses they have suffered due to the death of a loved one caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct. California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 specifies who can file a wrongful death lawsuit, typically prioritizing the deceased’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or other dependents.
Damages recoverable in a wrongful death case can include:
- Economic damages, such as lost income, burial expenses, and loss of financial support.
- Non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
The Importance of Evidence and Investigation
In cases like this, thorough investigation and preservation of evidence are crucial. This may include:
- Accident reports and official investigations
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Vehicle data recorders
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists
The families’ attorney has emphasized the need for access to key evidence, including the vehicles involved, data recorders, and video footage. However, they claim there is a block due to an ongoing CHP investigative hold.
CHP’s Response and Potential Outcomes
The CHP has released a brief statement expressing condolences to the families and stating that both crashes remain under investigation. However, they have declined to comment further due to the pending investigation.
The CHP has 45 days to respond to the government claim. They can either offer a settlement or reject the claim, in which case the families may file a lawsuit.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
The families of the victims are seeking answers, accountability, and justice for the loss of their loved ones. Filing a legal claim is the first step in a potentially long and complex legal battle. By pursuing this claim, they hope to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the collision, hold the responsible parties accountable, and prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a traffic collision involving potential negligence, it is essential to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. A qualified attorney can help you understand your rights, investigate the circumstances of the collision, and pursue the compensation you deserve.