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LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Jose Depaz dies in two-vehicle wreck on Pearblossom Highway

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Authorities said the accident happened east of 165th Street East in Llano

June 20, 2026 | Llano, CA

What happened in the crash?

Llano, CA — A 62-year-old man died in a two-vehicle collision on Pearblossom Highway just east of 165th Street East at approximately 4:45 a.m. on June 20.

police lightsJose Depaz, 62, died after a two-vehicle crash involving a Nissan Sentra on Pearblossom Highway east of 165th Street East.

  • Victim: Jose Depaz, 62, of Llano
  • Vehicles: Nissan Sentra and one additional vehicle
  • Agency: California Highway Patrol
  • Location: Pearblossom Highway, Llano, CA
  • Time and date: 4:45 a.m., June 20

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

Why do these accidents happen?

Speeding remains a leading factor in fatal crashes nationwide, followed by impairment, lane departures, failure to yield, and distraction.

RankPrimary CauseSource
1SpeedingFederal Highway Administration
2ImpairmentFederal Highway Administration
3Failure to stay in laneFederal Highway Administration
4Failure to yieldFederal Highway Administration
5DistractionFederal Highway Administration

Each year approximately 36,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes across the United States.

Legal insights

National analyst candice bond noted that determining fault after a collision often requires careful review because multiple agencies may reach separate conclusions.

“Determining who is the at-fault party in an auto collision means identifying if a motorist acted carelessly or negligently. Often it is clear who the responsible driver is following an accident. However, sometimes it can be difficult to identify who may have caused it.”

In cases such as this, of counsel stefano formica explained that families may explore options to recover costs related to the loss of a loved one.

“Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the costs of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. However, in the event of losing a loved one, families can file a wrongful death suit for funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.”

Key takeaways

  • An independent review can clarify fault when agency findings differ
  • Insurance companies may undervalue claims following serious collisions
  • Legal guidance helps protect family rights during the claims process

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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.

(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).

Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Fatal Crash, Llano, Pearblossom Highway, 165th Street East, Nissan, Los Angeles County

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Jose Depaz and family

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