[02-19-2026] Los Angeles County – Driver Killed After Car Crashes Into Parked Big Rig on the 14 Freeway in Newhall Pass
Los Angeles County, California — A driver was killed Wednesday afternoon after their vehicle crashed into a parked tractor trailer along the northbound 14 Freeway in the Newhall Pass, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The fatal collision occurred on February 18, 2026, just before Newhall Ave., when a passenger vehicle slammed into a big rig that had been parked on the right shoulder of the freeway. Authorities reported that the car became partially wedged underneath the rear end of the trailer upon impact.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Tragically, the driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. No additional injuries have been confirmed at this time, and the identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The incident prompted CHP officials to shut down two northbound lanes on the 14 Freeway as they conducted an on-site investigation. The resulting lane closures caused significant traffic delays extending through the Newhall Pass and onto the northbound 5 Freeway during the early afternoon commute.
Aerial footage from the scene showed the extent of the damage, with the smaller vehicle lodged beneath the trailer. Authorities worked for several hours to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and safely clear the wreckage from the roadway.
All lanes were reopened by approximately 3:00 p.m. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Source: KTLA5
Who Is Liable When a Driver Dies After Hitting a Parked Big Rig on the Freeway?
Determining liability after a fatal crash involving a parked big rig on the freeway is not always straightforward. While it may initially appear that the driver of the smaller vehicle is at fault, multiple parties could share legal responsibility depending on the circumstances surrounding the truck’s presence on the shoulder.
Truck drivers and commercial carriers are required to follow strict federal and state safety regulations when stopping on a freeway shoulder. These rules often include activating hazard lights and placing reflective warning triangles at specific distances behind the vehicle to alert approaching drivers. If the truck was improperly parked, lacked required warning devices, or stopped in a dangerous location without justification, the trucking company or driver may be held partially liable for creating a hazardous condition.
In these cases, a qualified Los Angeles car accident lawyer can investigate whether violations of roadway safety laws or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations contributed to the crash. Likewise, a truck accident attorney in Los Angeles may review maintenance logs, emergency stop protocols, and vehicle lighting data to determine whether the commercial vehicle complied with applicable safety standards at the time of the incident.
If negligence on the part of the truck driver or company played a role in the fatal collision, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. A skilled Los Angeles wrongful death attorney can help families seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering caused by the sudden loss of a loved one.
If you lost a family member in a fatal freeway crash involving a parked commercial truck, contact J&Y Law today at (877) 718-5027 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.