Last updated: October 29, 2026
A five-vehicle crash at North La Brea Avenue and West Beach Avenue in Inglewood killed 90-year-old Jacqueline Davis and 69-year-old Angela Davis on the morning of August 8, 2026. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office identified both victims, who died of blunt force injuries at the scene, while two other victims were hospitalized. Here is what investigators know so far, why multi-vehicle intersection crashes keep happening across California, and what legal rights the victims' families hold.
A five-vehicle crash in Inglewood killed two women on Saturday morning, August 8, 2026. The Los Angeles County Fire Department said firefighters and paramedics were dispatched at about 8:45 a.m. to the area of North La Brea Avenue and West Beach Avenue. County authorities have identified the victims as Jacqueline Davis, 90, and Angela Davis, 69, who both died at the scene from blunt force injuries. Two other victims were hospitalized, one in critical condition and one with minor injuries. If you or your family suffered harm in a California crash, we are ready to help. Fairmont Law Firm offers free case evaluations, 24/7 availability, and zero fees until we win.
Contact Fairmont Law Firm for a free case evaluation.
Details in this report come from MyNewsLA, CBS Los Angeles, and the original Los Angeles Times report.
What Happened in the Inglewood Crash?
The crash occurred at the intersection of North La Brea Avenue and West Beach Avenue in Inglewood, California.
Los Angeles County Fire Department public information officer Jonathon Torres confirmed that five vehicles were involved. Multiple firefighters responded around 8:45 a.m.
The collision caused a deadly emergency response at the busy intersection. Firefighters and other responders treated victims trapped in the wreckage. Crews worked to secure the scene and provide emergency care.
Firefighters found two people trapped inside their vehicles after the collision. Crews pronounced two of the victims dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office identified the victims on Monday, August 10, 2026, as Jacqueline Davis, 90, and Angela Davis, 69. Both suffered fatal blunt force injuries, according to county officials.
Paramedics took two other people to a hospital — one critically injured and one with minor injuries. The gender and ages of those victims were not provided.
The Inglewood Police Department is investigating the cause. Details of the crash have not been released, and calls and emails to the department about the status of the other patients were not immediately returned.
That means investigators have not announced whether speed, distraction, impairment, a traffic violation, or another factor caused the crash. No official fault determination has been released.
You can read the follow-up report through MyNewsLA and CBS Los Angeles.
Why Do Multi-Vehicle Intersection Crashes Turn So Deadly?
This crash happened at a busy Inglewood intersection, and the numbers show why those locations demand extra care.
The Federal Highway Administration reports that roughly one-quarter of traffic fatalities and about one-half of all traffic injuries in the United States are attributed to intersections.
Federal crash data shows 12,036 traffic fatalities involved an intersection in 2022 alone. Of those, 4,204 deaths involved a signalized intersection and 1,272 involved red-light running at a signalized intersection.
Nationally, an estimated 2.44 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023, according to NHTSA's overview of motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023.
A five-vehicle collision multiplies those dangers. Every additional vehicle adds another driver's decisions, another set of sightlines, and another insurance company that may point blame somewhere else.
A crash involving five vehicles creates more than physical pain. It creates confusion about who caused what.
Each driver may tell a different story. Insurance companies may blame the injured person. One driver may claim another vehicle started the collision. A commercial insurer or rideshare company may also become involved.
You should not accept the first version of events. You need evidence.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means more than one person can share responsibility for a crash. You can still pursue compensation even if someone claims you contributed to the collision.
Your recovery may decrease based on your assigned percentage of fault. Insurance companies use this rule to shift blame. We fight back with evidence, legal strategy, and a complete investigation.
Your Legal Rights After an Inglewood Car Accident
Your injuries can affect every part of your life. You may face hospital bills, missed work, pain, and a long recovery.
The negligence anchor
California's Vehicle Code defines the conduct that typically causes multi-vehicle intersection crashes. Vehicle Code § 21453 requires drivers facing a red signal to stop and not enter the intersection. Vehicle Code § 21703 prohibits following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent. A driver who violates these rules and causes a crash commits negligence, and that violation can anchor every claim an injured person brings.
Wrongful death claims for the Davis families
Because Jacqueline Davis and Angela Davis died at the scene, their surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. Recoverable damages include funeral and burial costs, final medical expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of love, companionship, and guidance.
Shared fault does not bar recovery
California follows pure comparative negligence under Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal. 3d 804 (1975). Even if an insurer argues a victim shares some fault, the family can still recover the percentage attributable to the other drivers.
Deadlines that can end your claim
Wrongful death claims generally carry a two-year deadline under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Personal injury claims face the same two-year limit. Miss it and the claim is gone.
California law allows injured people to seek compensation for losses caused by another person's negligence. Your potential recovery may include:
- Emergency treatment and hospital expenses
- Future medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Physical pain and emotional trauma
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Out-of-pocket accident expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value of your case depends on the injuries, evidence, insurance coverage, and long-term impact. Serious injuries require serious representation.
A California car accident lawyer will identify every responsible party. That may include another driver, a vehicle owner, an employer, a vehicle manufacturer, or another party whose conduct contributed to the crash.
You Have Rights Even If the Investigation Continues
The police investigation may take time. You do not need to wait before protecting your claim.
Evidence disappears quickly. Vehicles get repaired or destroyed. Surveillance footage gets overwritten. Witnesses forget important details. Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately.
We can work to preserve:
- Crash reports and emergency response records
- Vehicle damage and inspection evidence
- Traffic-camera or business-surveillance footage
- Witness names and statements
- Cellphone and electronic data
- Medical records and treatment history
- Photos of the crash scene and injuries
Your attorney should investigate before the evidence disappears.
Road Safety Lessons From the Inglewood Collision
This crash also highlights two essential driving habits: intersection awareness and safe following distance.
Watch Every Direction at Intersections
Intersections create multiple points of danger. Drivers approach from different directions. Turning vehicles cross travel paths. Traffic signals change quickly. Pedestrians and cyclists may enter the roadway.
Protect yourself by scanning before entering an intersection. Check left, right, and left again. Watch for vehicles that appear too fast or fail to stop.
Do not assume another driver sees you. Do not assume another driver will obey the light. Slow down when visibility is limited.
Leave Enough Following Distance
Rear-end impacts can trigger chain-reaction crashes. A safe following distance gives you time to react when traffic stops suddenly.
Use at least three seconds of space behind the vehicle ahead. Increase that distance at night, during rain, or near heavy traffic. Give yourself more room behind motorcycles and large trucks.
Avoid tailgating. Avoid staring at your phone. Keep both hands ready and your attention on the roadway.
What You Should Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash
Your first priority is safety and medical care. Your next priority is protecting your legal rights.
Step 1: Call 911 and request medical care.
Report the crash immediately. Tell emergency personnel about every symptom. Some serious injuries appear hours or days later.
Step 2: Move away from traffic when it is safe.
Stay away from leaking fuel, broken glass, fire, and moving vehicles. Follow directions from police and firefighters.
Step 3: Document the scene.
Take photos and videos when you can do so safely. Capture the vehicles, roadway, traffic signals, debris, skid marks, and visible injuries.
Step 4: Collect information.
Obtain driver names, insurance details, license plates, and contact information. Identify witnesses. Do not argue about fault at the scene.
Step 5: Avoid recorded statements.
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement before you understand your injuries. Do not guess about what happened. Do not sign a release without legal advice.
Step 6: Speak with a California injury attorney.
Contact us before accepting an insurance settlement. The first offer rarely reflects your full losses.
Your Post-Crash Checklist
[ ] Call 911 and request medical assistance
[ ] Follow all medical instructions
[ ] Photograph the crash scene and vehicle damage
[ ] Save medical bills, receipts, and wage records
[ ] Keep a written record of symptoms
[ ] Avoid posting about the crash online
[ ] Do not provide a recorded statement without advice
[ ] Contact Fairmont Law Firm for a free case evaluation
California Deadlines Can Affect Your Claim
California law limits the time available to file a personal injury lawsuit. The deadline for a personal injury claim is generally two years from the injury date under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
Different deadlines can apply. Claims involving a government agency may require an earlier administrative claim. Wrongful death and property damage claims also involve specific rules.
Do not rely on a deadline found online. A missed deadline can destroy your right to compensation.
We identify the deadlines that apply to your case. We act quickly and build your claim before critical evidence is lost.
How Fairmont Law Firm Fights for You
After a catastrophic crash, you need more than an insurance phone number. You need an advocate who understands California injury law.
Fairmont Law Firm represents people injured in car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, and rideshare crashes. We serve clients across all 58 California counties.
We investigate the crash. We document your injuries. We identify every available source of compensation. We confront insurers that minimize your losses.
Our commitment includes:
- Zero Fee Until We Win: You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
- Free Case Evaluation: Learn your rights without paying for a consultation.
- 24/7 Availability: Reach our team when you need help.
- Millions Recovered: Our results demonstrate our commitment to injured clients.
- Bilingual Support: Se habla español.
Contact a car accident lawyer in California for a free case evaluation today.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in California Today
The Inglewood crash left two families grieving and two injured people facing an uncertain recovery. The investigation will determine more about what happened. Your rights require protection now.
Do not let an insurer decide what your claim is worth. Do not let another driver’s story erase your experience.
If you were injured in this crash or another California collision, contact Fairmont Law Firm today. Our car accident lawyer California team will review your situation and explain your next steps.
You pay zero fees until we win. Your case evaluation is free. We are available 24/7.
Call Fairmont Law Firm now. We are ready to fight for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held responsible in a five-vehicle crash?
More than one driver or party can share responsibility. A complete investigation may identify negligent drivers, vehicle owners, employers, manufacturers, or other responsible parties.
Can I recover money if someone blames me?
Yes. California uses pure comparative negligence. Your recovery may continue even if another party claims you contributed to the crash. Your compensation may change based on your percentage of fault.
What if I only have minor injuries?
Seek medical care immediately. Minor symptoms can develop into serious conditions. You still have rights when another person caused your injuries.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Do not accept an offer before understanding your medical needs and total losses. Early offers often fail to account for future treatment, lost income, and lasting pain.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
At Fairmont Law Firm, you pay zero attorney fees unless we win your case. We also provide a free case evaluation.
How soon should I contact an attorney?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible. Early action helps preserve evidence, protect deadlines, and prevent insurers from controlling the narrative.
By Ben Marmont, Fairmont Law Firm
This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and no fault determination has been made in this crash. Consult a licensed California attorney about the specifics of your situation.