California is changing how it watches our roads. If you’ve driven through Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Jose lately, you might have noticed new hardware on the poles. You aren't imagining things. Automated traffic enforcement is making a massive comeback, but it isn't just about red lights anymore.
A new era of speed cameras is here. While these systems aim to make our streets safer, they also bring new legal complexities for drivers. At Fairmont Law Firm, we see the devastating results of high-speed collisions every single day. We know that technology can help, but it doesn't change the fact that a single mistake can turn your life upside down in seconds.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, you need a personal injury lawyer california residents trust to fight for them. We are available 24/7 to hear your story. We offer a ZERO Fee Until We Win promise because you shouldn’t have to worry about legal bills while you are trying to heal.
Tragedy on Highway 70: A Devastating Reminder of Road Risks
Before we dive into the new camera laws, we must address a horrific incident that occurred yesterday. It serves as a somber reminder of why road safety is the most important conversation we can have in California right now.
Yesterday afternoon, around 3:15 p.m., a catastrophic head-on collision occurred on Highway 70 near Boyer Road in Yuba County. According to the California Highway Patrol, an 18-year-old driver from Brentwood was traveling southbound in a Toyota Camry when he suddenly lost control of the vehicle.
The Camry veered violently across the center line. It entered the northbound lanes directly into the path of a Honda CR-V. The impact was head-on and absolutely devastating.
The Human Toll of the Highway 70 Crash
The results of this collision are nothing short of a nightmare for the families involved. The driver of the Honda, 41-year-old Puneet Singh Sohi of Roseville, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. A 41-year-old female passenger in the same vehicle, Premjeet Brar, was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
Inside that same Honda were two young children, ages 4 and 8. Both suffered major, life-altering injuries. They are currently fighting for their lives in the hospital. The teen driver of the Toyota and his 18-year-old passenger also sustained major injuries and remain hospitalized.
This is the reality of California's roads. In one second, two lives were lost, and four others were changed forever. Highway 70 was shut down for hours as investigators tried to piece together what went wrong. Was it speed? Was it a mechanical failure? Was it a momentary lapse in judgment?
Understanding the Investigation Process
When an accident of this magnitude happens, the investigation is intense. The CHP is currently looking into all factors. At this stage, it is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a role. However, the legal implications for the survivors and the families of the deceased are massive.
In a head-on collision where one vehicle crosses the center line, liability often seems clear-cut. But insurance companies will fight to minimize what they pay. They look for any reason to deflect blame or lower the value of a claim. This is why you cannot handle these cases alone.
The families of the victims in the Honda CR-V are facing a mountain of challenges:
- Mounting Medical Bills: The costs for specialized pediatric trauma care for the two surviving children will be astronomical.
- Funeral Expenses: Burying two loved ones at once is an emotional and financial burden no one is prepared for.
- Lost Income: The loss of two adults in a household often means the loss of primary breadwinners.
- Lifelong Trauma: The emotional scars for the surviving children will require years of support and therapy.
We stand with victims of such senseless tragedies. If you find yourself in a similar position, we are here to hold the negligent parties accountable. Our team has recovered millions for our clients because we don't back down.
California’s New Speed Camera Pilot (AB 645)
The tragedy on Highway 70 highlights why California is pushing for stricter enforcement. The state has launched a major pilot program known as Assembly Bill 645 (AB 645). This law allows six major California cities to install speed safety systems: commonly known as speed cameras.
These aren't the red light cameras of the past that were often criticized for being "money grabs." These systems are specifically designed to target speeding in high-injury areas.
Where are the cameras located?
The pilot program is currently authorized in:
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Oakland
- Long Beach
- Glendale
By mid-2026, most of these cities have fully operational systems. San Francisco led the way, installing cameras at 33 locations known for high crash rates. Los Angeles followed with a massive rollout of 125 systems across the city's most dangerous corridors.
How the Speed Cameras Work
These systems use radar to detect how fast you are going. If you are traveling at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit, the camera captures your license plate.
What you need to know about the tickets:
- Civil Penalties: These are civil violations, not criminal ones.
- No DMV Points: A camera ticket will not add points to your driver's license.
- Fine Amounts: Fines typically start at $50 for going 11-15 mph over the limit and can go up to $500 for extreme speeding (100 mph+).
- Owner Liability: The ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving.
The law also includes privacy protections. The cameras are forbidden from using facial recognition. They only look at your plate. Data must be deleted if no violation is found, or after the fine is paid.
Why Speed Enforcement Matters for Your Safety
Speed is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes in California. When a car travels faster, the force of impact increases exponentially. A pedestrian hit by a car going 20 mph has a 90% chance of survival. If that car is going 40 mph, the survival rate drops to only 10%.
The goal of AB 645 is to change driver behavior. In San Francisco, early data showed a consistent week-over-week decline in violations once the cameras were activated. People slow down when they know they are being watched.
However, cameras cannot stop every accident. They cannot stop a driver from losing control on a rural highway like the one in Yuba County. When the "automated" safety net fails and someone gets hurt, that’s when the legal battle begins.
Your Legal Rights After a California Accident
If you are injured by a speeding driver, whether they were caught by a camera or not, you have rights. You are entitled to seek compensation for everything you have lost.
We represent victims across all 58 California counties. Whether you were hit in a bustling LA intersection or on a quiet road in Northern California, we are ready to fight.
What We Can Recover For You
We don't just ask for a settlement; we demand what you are truly owed. This includes:
- Medical Treatment: Coverage for ER visits, surgeries, and future physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for the time you couldn't work while recovering.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional agony you've endured.
- Property Damage: Full repair or replacement of your vehicle.
Our "Zero Fee Until We Win" Promise
Most people hesitate to call a lawyer because they fear the cost. We’ve removed that barrier completely.
The Fairmont Law Firm Advantage:
- No Upfront Costs: You don't pay a penny out of pocket to start your case.
- Contingency Basis: We only get paid if we win your case and secure a settlement for you.
- Free Evaluation: Your first consultation is 100% free and comes with no obligation.
What to Do Immediately After a Crash
If you find yourself at the scene of an accident, your actions in the first few minutes can dictate the success of your future legal claim.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your health is the priority. Ensure the police and paramedics are on their way. A police report is vital evidence.
Step 2: Document the Scene
If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, and any nearby traffic signs or cameras. These details disappear quickly.
Step 3: Exchange Information
Get names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved. Also, get contact info from any witnesses.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel "fine," the adrenaline of a crash can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding or whiplash. See a doctor immediately.
Step 5: Contact Fairmont Law Firm
Do not talk to the other driver's insurance company before speaking with us. They are not your friends. They want you to settle for less than you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fight a speed camera ticket?
Yes. You have the right to an administrative hearing to contest the ticket. Common defenses include proving you weren't the owner at the time or showing the camera equipment was faulty. However, the process is different from a standard traffic ticket.
Is the pilot program permanent?
Currently, AB 645 is a pilot program set to run until January 1, 2032. The state will evaluate the data to see if these cameras actually reduce fatalities and injuries before deciding to make them permanent statewide.
What if I was injured by a driver who was caught on a speed camera?
The footage or record of that violation can be powerful evidence in your personal injury case. It proves the driver was breaking the law at the moment of the crash. We can help subpoena this data to strengthen your claim.
How much is my injury case worth?
Every case is different. It depends on the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage available, and the level of negligence involved. We have recovered millions for our clients, and we will fight to maximize your recovery too.
We Are Your Advocates for Justice
The roads in California are becoming more monitored, but they aren't necessarily safer yet. Tragedies like the Highway 70 crash show that we still have a long way to go. If you are suffering because of someone else's recklessness, you shouldn't have to carry the weight alone.
At Fairmont Law Firm, we are more than just your attorneys; we are your protectors. We take on the big insurance companies so you can focus on your family and your health.
Why Choose Fairmont Law Firm?
- Available 24/7: We are here when you need us most.
- Bilingual Support: Se Habla Español.
- Fast & Aggressive: We don't wait around; we push for results.
- Millions Recovered: Our track record speaks for itself.
Don't wait. The law limits the time you have to file a claim. Contact us today for your free case evaluation. We will help you navigate the system and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call Fairmont Law Firm at (800) 500-0000 or visit us at fairmontlawfirm.com to get started.
Author: Ben Marmont