By Ben Marmont
You have likely seen the headlines. Automated cameras are returning to California streets. Many drivers call them "red light cameras." However, the new law, AB 645, is different. It focuses on speed. This change aims to stop the rising tide of traffic violence. Tragically, we saw exactly why these laws exist just yesterday. A horrific crash in South Los Angeles reminded us of the stakes.
We are seeing more speed-related deaths than ever before. Families are being torn apart in seconds. At Fairmont Law Firm, we see the aftermath every day. We fight for the victims who were just trying to get home. If you were hurt, we are your shield. We hold reckless drivers accountable. This post explains the new camera laws and your rights after a devastating crash.
The Tragedy at 78th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard
Yesterday morning, July 10, 2026, the silence of a South Los Angeles neighborhood was shattered. At approximately 10:44 a.m., a multi-vehicle collision erupted near the intersection of 78th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard. This is a busy corridor. It is a place where families walk and people commute. In an instant, it became a scene of absolute devastation.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived to find twisted metal and shattered glass. The impact was catastrophic. Two people lost their lives at the scene. Four others were rushed to hospitals with various injuries. This wasn't just a "fender bender." This was a violent, life-altering event.
According to reports from local news outlets like KTLA, the crash involved multiple vehicles. The force of the collision suggests high speeds or severe negligence. When you see a car mangled beyond recognition, you know the human toll is high. These victims weren't just statistics. they were parents, children, and neighbors. Their lives were cut short because of a moment on the road.
Why This Intersection Matters
78th and Crenshaw is part of a broader network of dangerous streets. In Los Angeles, these are known as "High-Injury Networks." These streets account for a disproportionate number of fatal crashes. The speed limits are often ignored. Drivers treat these city streets like personal racetracks.
When a multi-vehicle crash occurs, the legal complexity skyrockets. You have multiple insurance companies involved. Each one will try to point the finger at someone else. They want to protect their bottom line. We want to protect you. We investigate the physics of the crash. We look at skid marks and vehicle black boxes. We find out who was truly at fault.
The Emotional and Physical Cost
The survivors of the 78th and Crenshaw crash face a long road. Physical injuries like broken bones or traumatic brain injuries are obvious. The emotional trauma is often invisible but just as heavy. You might feel a sense of dread every time you get behind the wheel. You might wake up from nightmares about the sound of crunching metal.
We understand this pain. We don't just see a case number. We see a person whose life was turned upside down. Our job is to carry the legal burden so you can focus on healing. If you were involved in this crash or one like it, you need a personal injury lawyer in California who isn't afraid to fight.
Understanding AB 645: The Return of the Cameras
The tragedy in South LA highlights the need for better enforcement. This is why California passed AB 645. Many people think this is just about red lights. It isn't. This law creates a pilot program for automated speed safety systems. These cameras are designed to catch speeders automatically.
The program is currently limited to specific cities. These include:
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Oakland
- Glendale
- Long Beach
These cities were chosen because of high fatality rates. The goal is simple: slow down drivers to save lives. If these cameras had been active and effective, would the 78th and Crenshaw crash have happened? It is a question that haunts many families today.
How the Speed Cameras Work
The system uses radar or laser technology. It detects when you are speeding. If you go 11 mph or more over the limit, it triggers a camera. The camera takes a photo of your license plate. You then receive a civil citation in the mail.
Here is how the fines are structured:
- 11–15 mph over: A $50 fine (the first offense is often just a warning).
- 16–25 mph over: A $100 fine.
- 26+ mph over: A $200 fine.
- 100 mph or more: A $500 fine.
These are civil penalties. They do not add points to your driving record. However, they are a clear message. The state is watching. They want you to slow down in school zones and high-injury corridors.
Privacy and Fairness
The law includes protections. The cameras focus on the license plate, not your face. The data is confidential. There are also income-based fine reductions. If you earn less than 250% of the federal poverty level, your fine can be cut by 50% or more. This ensures the law doesn't unfairly punish those who are struggling financially.
Your Legal Rights After a California Car Accident
A speed camera might issue a ticket, but it can’t help you after a crash. If you are injured, the law is your only tool for recovery. In a multi-vehicle accident like the one at 78th and Crenshaw, you have specific rights.
You have the right to seek compensation for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Emotional distress
In California, we follow "comparative negligence" rules. This means even if you were 10% at fault, you can still recover 90% of your damages. Insurance companies will try to maximize your fault to minimize their payout. We don't let them.
When a Crash Becomes a Wrongful Death Case
Tragically, two people died in the South LA crash. When a loved one is killed, the surviving family can file a wrongful death claim. This won't bring your family member back. But it can provide the financial security you need. It covers funeral costs and the loss of financial support. Most importantly, it holds the negligent party accountable for the life they took.
What to Do Immediately After a Severe Crash
The moments following a collision are chaotic. You are likely in shock. However, the steps you take now will determine your ability to recover later. Follow this action plan to protect yourself.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel "fine," your adrenaline is masking pain. Internal bleeding or concussions often don't show symptoms right away. A medical record created on the day of the crash is vital evidence.
Step 2: Call the Police
An official police report is the foundation of your claim. The officers will document the scene, interview witnesses, and note any violations. This report is hard for insurance companies to dispute later.
Step 3: Document Everything
Use your phone. Take photos of the cars, the intersection, and your injuries. If there are cameras nearby, note their location. Your car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can use this footage to prove what happened.
Step 4: Do Not Give a Statement to Insurance Adjusters
The other driver's insurance will call you. They will sound friendly. They are not your friends. They want you to say something that hurts your case. Tell them to speak to your attorney at Fairmont Law Firm.
Your Safety Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you are prepared for the legal battle ahead:
[ ] Check for Witnesses: Did anyone stop to help? Get their names and phone numbers.
[ ] Save All Receipts: Keep a folder for every medical bill, pharmacy receipt, and repair estimate.
[ ] Journal Your Recovery: Write down your daily pain levels and how the injury affects your life.
[ ] Do Not Post on Social Media: Insurance companies will scan your profiles for photos of you "having fun" to use against you.
[ ] Contact Fairmont Law Firm: Call us before you sign anything from an insurance company.
Why Fairmont Law Firm is the Choice for Californians
The legal system is a maze. You shouldn't walk it alone. We are dedicated solely to injury cases. We don't do divorce. We don't do criminal defense. We do one thing: we fight for accident victims.
Option 1: The Zero Fee Guarantee
You are already facing medical bills. You shouldn't have to worry about legal fees. We work on a contingency basis. This means we charge ZERO fees until we win your case. If we don't recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
Option 2: 24/7 Availability
Crashes don't happen during business hours. The tragedy at 78th and Crenshaw happened mid-morning. Others happen at 3:00 a.m. We are available 24/7 to take your call. We provide a Free Case Evaluation so you can know where you stand immediately.
Option 3: Millions Recovered
We have a proven track record. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients across California. We know the tactics insurance companies use. We know how to beat them. Whether you are in Los Angeles, San Diego, or a rural county, we cover all 58 counties in the state.
Conclusion: Take Action Today
The return of automated enforcement is a sign that our roads are getting more dangerous. Accidents like the one in South LA yesterday prove that we must remain vigilant. If you or a loved one were hurt, don't wait for the insurance companies to "do the right thing." They won't.
You need a protector. You need a team that sees you as a person, not a file. At Fairmont Law Firm, we are ready to stand by your side. We have the resources, the aggression, and the compassion to see your case through.
Contact us now for your free consultation. Let's start the fight for the justice you deserve.
