[08-31-2025] Los Angeles County, CA – Woman Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Southbound 405 Freeway in Palms

A 39-year-old woman was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the southbound San Diego (405) Freeway in the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles early Sunday morning, August 31, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 3:10 a.m. just north of West Pico Boulevard.

The victim, identified as Crystal M. by the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A SigAlert was issued at 3:44 a.m., closing all southbound lanes, and was later canceled at 7:13 a.m. while authorities cleared the wreckage and investigated the crash.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA

Multi-vehicle accidents can result in fatal or serious injuries, leaving victims’ families with significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Learning about possible legal options may help you make informed decisions after a collision.

Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles can help you explore available legal avenues following an accident. This may include reviewing official reports, assisting with insurance matters, and explaining the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Early legal guidance may help families navigate the aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash more effectively.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a freeway accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Car Accident In Los Angeles, CA

Being involved in a fatal car accident can be overwhelming, especially when fatal injuries occur. Taking the right steps afterward may help protect your rights and preserve important evidence:

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Care
   Contact emergency services immediately and ensure anyone injured receives prompt medical attention. Even injuries that do not appear severe should be checked for hidden trauma.
2. Document The Scene And Vehicle Damage
   If it is safe, take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible damage. This documentation may assist with insurance claims and potential legal matters.
3. Gather Witness Information
   Collect names and contact details of any witnesses. Their statements can help clarify the circumstances of the crash.
4. Consult Car Accident Lawyers
   Los Angeles accident lawyers can explain potential legal options, assist with insurance communications, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early legal involvement may help ensure the case is handled appropriately.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the total number of deaths from motor vehicle crashes fell by nearly 11 percent, from 4,539 in 2022 to 4,061 in 2023. The Mileage Death Rate (MDR), which measures fatalities per 100 million miles traveled, also decreased from 1.34 in 2022 to 1.26 in 2023, reflecting a 6 percent drop. This indicates that, on average, the risk of dying per mile driven declined, even as millions of miles were driven across the state.

Alcohol-impaired driving continues to be a significant factor in traffic deaths, but there was a small improvement in 2023. Fatalities involving drivers or motorcycle riders with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher decreased by 4.5 percent, falling from 1,419 in 2022 to 1,355 in 2023. Drug-impaired driving also remains a concern. Data from 2021 shows that over half of the tested drivers killed in crashes (50.3 percent) were positive for legal or illegal drugs, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by substance use while driving.

Another area of progress is occupant protection. Fatalities among unrestrained passengers in all seating positions dropped by 8.6 percent, from 853 in 2022 to 780 in 2023, showing that wearing seat belts continues to save lives. Overall, these figures demonstrate that California has made measurable progress in reducing traffic deaths and improving road safety, though alcohol and drug-impaired driving remain important challenges.