On March 17, 2025, just before sunrise, two young men in a Volkswagen Jetta were struck and killed on northbound Highway 101 near Carmen Drive in Camarillo. Their vehicle had reportedly stalled in the center median when a 19-year-old driver in a Ford Mustang collided with them from behind. The crash was violent, and both men—aged just 21—died at the scene.
As a Camarillo car accident lawyer serving Ventura County, we, at Bojat Law Group, have seen firsthand how cases like this unfold—and how often families are left in the dark. This wasn’t just another accident. It’s the kind of collision that raises serious questions about liability, driver responsibility, and whether the victims’ families have any recourse under California law.
Liability in Crashes Involving Disabled Vehicles
One of the most common misconceptions we encounter as personal injury attorneys is that accidents involving disabled vehicles are simply “unavoidable.” That isn’t true.
When a vehicle becomes disabled on a highway, drivers behind still have a legal duty to maintain control of their vehicles. The California Vehicle Code doesn’t exempt them from responsibility simply because a car was stalled. If the Mustang driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to maintain a proper lookout, he could be found liable—even though the Jetta was stopped.
And it’s not just about fault. It’s about what can be proven.
Why Independent Investigations Matter
In a fatal crash like this, CHP and law enforcement will investigate. But their reports are often limited in scope. They may not explore things like:
- Whether poor lighting or road conditions played a role
- If either vehicle had mechanical defects
- The exact visibility at the time of impact
- Cell phone records showing possible distraction
- Data pulled from the Mustang’s onboard computer
That’s where legal teams step in. When we represent families in fatal crash cases, we launch a parallel investigation. We bring in crash reconstruction experts, preserve physical evidence, and subpoena digital records. We don’t rely solely on what’s in the police report.
Wrongful Death Claims in California: What Families Can Do
Under California law, certain family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim if someone else’s negligence contributed to a fatal crash. This includes spouses, children, and in some cases, parents or legal guardians.
Wrongful death lawsuits are about more than financial compensation. They can help families:
- Cover funeral and burial costs
- Replace lost household income
- Account for loss of companionship
- Gain answers they won’t get from a police report
In a case like the March 17 crash, a wrongful death claim could proceed even if the Mustang driver isn’t charged criminally. Civil liability operates on a different standard—preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Isn’t Just “Another Accident”
Camarillo isn’t a high-profile city, but it sees its share of serious wrecks. Highway 101 in particular is a dangerous stretch, especially at night. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, multiple crashes have occurred between Central Avenue and Carmen Drive, including:
- A January incident involving a head-on collision
- A February motorcycle accident that sent a rider to the hospital
- A March rollover with two hospitalizations near Santa Rosa Road
None of this is random. It’s a reminder that roads are only as safe as the people driving on them.
If You’ve Been Affected, Here’s What to Do
If you lost someone in a crash like this—or were injured yourself—you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.
At Bojat Law Group, we represent families who are dealing with grief, trauma, and financial uncertainty after preventable tragedies. We’re not just here to file paperwork. We’re here to help you get real answers, and if appropriate, hold the responsible parties financially accountable.
Speak With a Camarillo Car Accident Lawyer at Bojat Law Group
We’re currently reviewing cases involving serious and fatal crashes in Ventura County. If you have questions, we’ll answer them—no pressure, no obligation. If you’re grieving, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next, start by talking to someone who’s handled cases just like yours across Camarillo and Ventura County. The consultation is free. The guidance is real. And we don’t get paid unless you win.