Northbound 605 Freeway south of the 91: an SUV struck vehicles already stopped after an earlier crash, and a 27-year-old man trapped inside died
CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA (October 6, 2026): James Vazquez, 27, was killed early Tuesday, October 6, in a multi-vehicle crash on the northbound 605 Freeway just south of the 91 Freeway in Cerritos, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, as reported by City News Service and OnScene.TV. The crash happened shortly after midnight; City News Service, citing the CHP, placed it at about 12:30 a.m., while OnScene.TV reported the CHP received calls at about 12:47 a.m.
According to OnScene.TV, the CHP was told a vehicle was blocking lanes. A tow truck driver arrived first and found three vehicles that had collided, with people reportedly trapped, and he went into the lanes to slow traffic. A gold Cadillac Escalade then approached at high speed and struck the crashed vehicles and the tow truck, pushing one vehicle into an embankment. The tow operator jumped out of the way. City News Service reported that video shows a Cadillac SUV at high speed hitting a sedan stopped behind a tow truck.
Los Angeles County firefighters freed a trapped person, who was pronounced dead at the scene, OnScene.TV reported. The Medical Examiner identified the man who died as Vazquez; his city of residence was not available. OnScene.TV reported five vehicles were involved and that one was found unoccupied, with its driver unaccounted for. What caused the first collision is unclear.
Video showed one driver being evaluated for sobriety, but no arrests have been announced, City News Service reported. The CHP South Los Angeles office is investigating. A SigAlert was issued at 2:01 a.m., and lanes were cleared at 4:45 a.m.
Liability for the Cerritos 605 Freeway Crash
Under California Civil Code § 1714, every driver must use ordinary care, and that includes watching for vehicles stopped ahead after an earlier crash. Vehicle Code § 22350 prohibits speeds that are unsafe for the conditions, including darkness and traffic stopped in the lanes. When several vehicles are involved in separate impacts, responsibility may be divided among more than one driver. Based on what has been reported, the questions include:
- The speeding SUV: Video described by City News Service and OnScene.TV shows a Cadillac SUV approaching at high speed. Its speed and whether its driver braked will be central to the CHP reconstruction.
- The first collision: Three vehicles had already collided before the SUV arrived, and OnScene.TV said the cause is unclear. Whoever caused that first crash may also share responsibility for what followed.
- The sobriety evaluation: City News Service reported that one driver was evaluated for sobriety. No arrest has been announced, and the results have not been released.
- The unoccupied vehicle: OnScene.TV reported that one vehicle was found empty and its driver unaccounted for. Identifying who was driving it, and its role in the crash, is part of the investigation.
Vazquez’s family may be able to bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 against any driver found responsible. With several drivers involved, more than one auto policy may apply, and uninsured motorist coverage may matter if a responsible driver is never identified. These civil claims are separate from any criminal case.
Steps to Take After a Cerritos Freeway Crash
Safety agencies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, warn that drivers and responders stopped on a freeway after a crash face serious danger from approaching traffic, especially at night. In multi-vehicle crashes, evidence should be preserved quickly.
- Request the CHP report: Ask the CHP South Los Angeles office for the case number and the traffic collision report, including diagrams of each impact.
- Preserve the vehicles: Ask that every vehicle, including the SUV, be kept until its event data recorder can be downloaded.
- Find the videos: City News Service and OnScene.TV referred to video of the crash. Dashcam footage and Caltrans cameras can also help. Request copies in writing.
- Request Medical Examiner records: The family can ask the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner for the autopsy report and toxicology results.
Wrongful death and personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If freeway lighting or design maintained by Caltrans is examined, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Cerritos 605 Freeway Crash
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of James Vazquez. Important questions remain: What caused the first collision on the northbound 605 before the SUV arrived? And how fast was the Cadillac traveling when it reached the stopped vehicles and the tow truck?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 8, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 6, 2026.
