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SAN FERNANDO, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 27, 2026 — A two-vehicle collision reportedly left at least one person injured on Friday night, September 25, near northbound I-5 close to the Sunland area, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash was initially logged as a collision with no injuries before being upgraded to an injury crash.
The collision was reported near Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Chatsworth Drive, along northbound I-5 near Sunland, CHP dispatch records show. Both vehicles involved reportedly ended up off the freeway at a nearby gas station, according to the report.
Dispatch notes indicate a white Jeep involved in the crash attempted to leave the scene and that the reporting party followed the vehicle before both cars came to a stop at the station. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene, according to the CHP log, which listed an LAFD incident number separate from the CHP's own case number.
A tow truck was requested to remove at least one vehicle from the scene. The extent of injuries has not been released, and the circumstances that led to the crash remain under investigation.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why Do Crashes Cluster Near Freeway Off-Ramps and Gas Stations
Crashes near freeway exits and the surface streets that feed them usually trace back to the sudden mix of speeds in a small space. Vehicles moving at highway pace merge into slower local traffic, and drivers behind them may not react in time to lane changes, sudden braking, or a car pulling off the road unexpectedly.
These locations also see more turning movements and quick decisions, drivers cutting across lanes to reach a gas station or side street, or reacting to another vehicle's unexpected move. When one driver tries to flee a scene or avoid a stop, the risk multiplies for everyone nearby, since sudden acceleration or erratic steering near an intersection gives other drivers little time to adjust.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure is a reminder that people outside the vehicles involved, whether on foot, on a bike, or in another car nearby, carry real risk when a crash happens in a busy, mixed-traffic area like an off-ramp or gas station lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does speed affect how bad a crash turns out? Higher speed means more distance needed to stop and more energy released on impact. Even a modest increase in speed can turn a minor collision into one with serious injuries.
Why is distracted driving such a common factor in these crashes? A driver looking at a phone or reacting late to traffic ahead loses the seconds needed to brake or steer clear. Near exits and merges, those seconds usually make the difference between a near-miss and a collision.
Do weather and road surface conditions play a role? Wet pavement, poor lighting, or glare can reduce traction and visibility, making it harder for drivers to judge distances and react to sudden stops or lane changes.
What should someone do right after being in a car accident? Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, call 911, and exchange information with the other driver. Photograph the scene if it's safe to do so, and seek a medical check even if injuries seem minor at first.
What to Do After a Car Accident in San Fernando, CA
If you're involved in a collision in San Fernando, stay as calm as you can and check yourself and any passengers for injuries before doing anything else. Call for emergency help right away if anyone is hurt or if a vehicle is blocking traffic.
Once it's safe, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and note details like time and location while they're fresh. Even if you feel fine, a medical evaluation in the days after a crash can catch injuries that aren't obvious right away, such as whiplash or internal bruising. Keep a copy of any police or CHP report for your records.
