Hit-and-Run Collision Reported on US-101 Near Reseda Boulevard in West Valley
A hit-and-run accident on US-101 near Reseda Boulevard was reported on the morning of Tuesday, March 11, 2026, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The incident occurred on eastbound US-101 in the West Valley area of Los Angeles, where a driver was struck from behind by another vehicle that then fled the scene. CHP dispatch records indicate that the reporting party, driving a white Nissan Sentra, was rear-ended by the suspect vehicle, which left the area immediately after the collision.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, contact DC Law Group at (310) 571-8860 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and charge no fees unless we win your case.
According to CHP logs, the victim was able to capture photographs of the suspect vehicle’s license plate before the driver departed. CHP officers were dispatched to investigate the incident on US-101 near the Reseda Boulevard interchange. The circumstances of the collision remain under investigation by CHP.
US-101, also known as the Ventura Freeway through the San Fernando Valley, is one of the most heavily traveled corridors in Los Angeles County. The stretch near Reseda Boulevard in Tarzana and the West Valley sees significant daily commuter and commercial traffic, making it a frequent site for rear-end collisions and other traffic accidents. Hit-and-run crashes on this stretch of freeway leave victims dealing with vehicle damage, potential injuries, and the added burden of tracking down a driver who fled.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents on US-101 in the San Fernando Valley
Hit-and-run collisions on US-101 through the San Fernando Valley are an ongoing challenge for law enforcement and commuters alike. The Ventura Freeway carries hundreds of thousands of vehicles per day, and the congestion between the I-405 interchange and Woodland Hills creates conditions where rear-end collisions are common. Drivers may flee for a variety of reasons, including driving without insurance, operating on a suspended license, outstanding warrants, or impairment from drugs or alcohol.
The Reseda Boulevard corridor in particular experiences heavy merge-and-exit traffic as drivers access the commercial and residential areas of Tarzana, Reseda, and Encino. Distracted driving remains one of the leading contributing factors in rear-end collisions statewide, with drivers texting, adjusting navigation, or otherwise taking their attention from the road in dense freeway traffic.
Your Legal Rights After a Hit-and-Run on US-101 in California
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in California are protected by several important laws. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20002, any driver involved in an accident that causes property damage must stop at the scene, identify themselves, and exchange insurance information. When a driver causes injuries and flees, the offense escalates to a felony under Vehicle Code Section 20001, carrying potential prison time.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. For claims involving only property damage, victims have three years to file suit. Acting quickly is critical in hit-and-run cases because time-sensitive evidence, such as freeway surveillance camera footage, dashcam recordings from nearby vehicles, and witness memories, degrades rapidly.
Even if the at-fault driver is not immediately identified, victims may pursue compensation through their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. California law requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage, and many policies include it by default. When plate information or other identifying details are available, as in this case, an experienced car accident attorney can work with law enforcement to identify and hold the responsible driver accountable.
Do not wait to get legal help after a hit-and-run. Call DC Law Group at (310) 571-8860 or (833) DC LAW 4 U for a free case evaluation today.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run on US-101 or Any California Freeway
- Move to safety and call 911. Pull over to the shoulder or the nearest safe location and report the hit-and-run immediately. A CHP report is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Document the fleeing vehicle. Capture photos or video of the suspect vehicle, including the license plate, make, model, color, and any distinguishing features. In this incident, the victim was able to photograph the plate, which significantly increases the chances of identifying the at-fault driver.
- Photograph the scene and your vehicle. Take detailed photos of damage to your vehicle, the roadway, debris, skid marks, and any surrounding landmarks or highway signs that establish the location.
- Gather witness information. Other motorists who witnessed the collision may be able to provide descriptions of the suspect vehicle or corroborate your account. Ask for names and phone numbers before they leave.
- Seek medical evaluation. Rear-end collisions frequently cause whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and concussions that may not show symptoms for hours or days. Prompt medical attention creates a documented connection between the accident and your injuries.
- Notify your insurance company. Report the hit-and-run promptly. Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply even if the at-fault driver is not immediately identified.
- Contact an experienced accident attorney. A qualified personal injury lawyer can investigate the incident, work with CHP to track down the responsible driver, and pursue full compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses.
How DC Law Group Can Help
At DC Law Group, we represent hit-and-run victims throughout Los Angeles County, the San Fernando Valley, and all of California. Our Managing Attorney, David Cohan, takes a hands-on approach to every case, providing the personalized attention that factory-style firms cannot offer. As a boutique personal injury firm, we fight aggressively for our clients while treating them with the respect and compassion they deserve during a difficult time.
We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you owe no fees unless we win your case. DC Law Group also offers 24-hour cash advances to help cover immediate needs while your claim is being resolved. Our team coordinates medical care, assists with vehicle repairs, and manages every aspect of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. We serve all of California from offices in Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, Sacramento, Modesto, and San Diego. Hablamos Español.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents in California
What should I do after a hit-and-run on US-101?
Call 911 immediately, move to a safe location, and document everything you can about the fleeing vehicle, including the license plate, make, model, and color. Take photos of your vehicle damage and the scene. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, and contact a personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights.
Can I get compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Yes. California law allows victims to pursue compensation through their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage even if the at-fault driver is never identified. Most California auto insurance policies include UM coverage. An experienced attorney can help you file and negotiate this claim with your insurer.
What is the statute of limitations for hit-and-run claims in California?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. For property damage only claims, the deadline is three years. It is critical to act quickly because evidence such as surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, and witness memories degrades over time.
Does my insurance cover hit-and-run damage?
If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your policy should cover injuries and damages from a hit-and-run. Collision coverage may pay for vehicle repairs. California insurers are required to offer UM coverage, and many drivers carry it by default. Review your policy or consult an attorney to understand your specific coverage.
Is a hit-and-run a felony in California?
A hit-and-run that causes only property damage is a misdemeanor under California Vehicle Code Section 20002. However, if the hit-and-run causes injuries or death, it becomes a felony under Vehicle Code Section 20001, carrying potential prison time of up to four years.
If you or a loved one was involved in a hit-and-run accident on US-101 near Reseda Boulevard or anywhere in California, contact DC Law Group at (310) 571-8860 for a free consultation. You can also call (833) DC LAW 4 U. We are available 24/7 and charge no fees unless we win your case.
Related: Hit-and-Run Reported on I-80 Near Norwood Avenue in Sacramento