The collision occurred on the 405 Freeway, just north of West Pico Boulevard
PALMS, CA, (August 31, 2025) - One person was killed in a multi-vehicle collision early Sunday on the San Diego (405) Freeway in the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles, according to authorities.
A 39-year-old woman, identified by the medical examiner’s office as Crystal Diaz Martinez, died in a crash early Sunday morning in the Palms area.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 39-year-old Crystal Diaz Martinez. Her city of residence was not immediately available.
The California Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred at about 3:10 a.m. on the southbound 405, just north of West Pico Boulevard. Officials have not confirmed how many vehicles were involved.
The incident is under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Several factors are to blame for the surge in traffic fatalities, but at the heart of it is driver behavior—including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and distracted driving, especially due to cellphone use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that 8,055 lives were lost in motor vehicle collisions during the first quarter of 2025.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for The Legal Advocate.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this one, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Crystal Diaz Martinez may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney to get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
“Insurance companies may try to take advantage of a family’s lack of legal knowledge by offering low settlements or even denying valid claims. An experienced attorney can protect your rights and help ensure you receive fair compensation.”
Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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