Most of us pass through the same Los Angeles intersections every day without thinking twice. But these familiar spots are also where many of the city’s most serious crashes happen. Heavy traffic, rushed drivers, and confusing signals can create danger even when you’re paying close attention.
When a crash happens, everything changes fast. You may be dealing with pain, doctor visits, car repairs, insurance calls, and lost income, all while trying to understand who was responsible. What many people don’t realize is that if another driver’s careless or unsafe actions caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
Knowing why Los Angeles intersections are so dangerous and understanding your legal rights after an accident can make a big difference in your recovery. And you don’t have to navigate any of this alone.
How LA’s Congested Roads Create High-Risk Crash Zones
Los Angeles is one of the busiest cities in the country. With 3.88 million people living here and 64% of city workers commuting in from outside LA, the roads stay crowded from early morning until late at night. Add in tourists, rideshare drivers, delivery vans, cyclists, and scooters, and the streets become packed with people all trying to move at once.
This constant mix of traffic creates unpredictable and unsafe conditions, especially at some of the most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles, where one small mistake can lead to a serious crash. Understanding these risks can help you stay aware and know your rights if someone else’s careless driving causes your injuries.
2024 Los Angeles Crash Highlights
→ 11,243 Total Crashes
→ 302 Fatalities
→ 5,869 Injuries
Crashes happened everywhere, near schools, in business districts, tourist areas, and along major commuter routes. Heavy congestion, stop-and-go traffic, and high speeds played a major role in many of these incidents.
2024 Car Crash Trends Across Los Angeles
Driving through Los Angeles intersections can be unpredictable, especially in crowded areas like South LA, Echo Park, and Downtown. In 2024, the city saw 7,248 car accidents, leading to 79 deaths and 11,202 injuries. These numbers show just how quickly a normal commute can turn dangerous.
Rear-end collisions made up 52% of all crashes, a common sight on busy streets like Figueroa, Manchester, and Glendale Boulevard. Another estimated 3,363 crashes involved unsafe speed, often drivers trying to beat the light or weave through traffic. These patterns highlight why certain roads consistently rank among the most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles.
-
High-Risk Intersections for Car Crashes
- Figueroa Way & Figueroa St
- Glendale Blvd & Palo Alto St
- Grand Ave & Vernon Ave
- Figueroa St & Florence Ave
- Manchester Ave & San Pedro St
These intersections sit near schools, homes, and local businesses, where thousands of people travel daily. One moment of distraction or impatience can cause a crash strong enough to result in serious injuries.
Where Pedestrians Face the Most Danger in Los Angeles
Walking in Los Angeles shouldn’t feel dangerous, but in many neighborhoods, it is. Busy streets in South LA, Downtown, and the Westside force pedestrians to navigate fast traffic, wide intersections, and drivers who often fail to look before turning. In 2024, the city collision data recorded 1,402 pedestrian crashes, along with 158 deaths and 1,415 injuries.
A large number of these collisions happened because drivers didn’t yield, even when pedestrians had the right-of-way. Areas with heavy foot traffic, such as intersections along Figueroa, Florence, and La Cienega, see constant activity from students, commuters, and families walking to local shops and transit stops.
Recommended Reading: How Fault Is Determined in Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents
-
Intersections with the Highest Pedestrian Accident Rates
- Figueroa St & Florence Ave
- Figueroa St & Manchester Ave
- Florence Ave & San Pedro St
- Hope St & Olympic Blvd
- La Cienega Blvd & Rodeo Rd
The Most Hazardous Places for Cyclists in Los Angeles
For cyclists, Los Angeles intersections come with challenges that drivers rarely notice. Narrow lanes, heavy traffic, and frequent blind spots make it easy for drivers to overlook someone on a bike. In 2024, LA reported 435 bicycle crashes, resulting in 12 deaths and 438 injuries, many in neighborhoods like South LA, Echo Park, Downtown, and Mid-City.
Improper turns caused 17% of these crashes, while 15% involved drivers misjudging or ignoring traffic signals. This kind of split-second mistake is common on busy corridors like MLK Jr. Blvd, Venice Blvd, and Sunset Blvd, where cyclists have little room to escape danger.
-
Top LA Intersections with the Most Bicycle Accidents
- Figueroa St & Florence Ave
- Figueroa St & Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
- Gage Ave & Main St
- Hoover St & Venice Blvd
- Manzanita St & Sunset Blvd
Cyclists in these areas often share the road with fast-moving cars, making every ride a careful balance of awareness and caution.
Recommended Reading: Can I File a Police Report After an E-Bike Accident?
Why Riding in Los Angeles Can Be Risky for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists face risks on LA streets that others don’t. Fast traffic on Olympic, tight merges near Mission, and unpredictable turns in Hollywood make intersections especially dangerous. In 2024, Los Angeles recorded 890 motorcycle crashes, leading to 31 deaths and 996 injuries.
A large portion of these crashes occurred because drivers didn’t see the motorcycle or misjudged their speed. Unsafe lane changes accounted for 19% of collisions, while 24% involved unsafe speed. In crowded areas like Downtown, Hollywood, and Lincoln Heights, just one careless merge or sudden turn can have devastating results.
-
Intersections Every Motorcyclist Should Watch Out For
- Flower St & Olympic Blvd
- Gallardo St & Mission Rd
- Georgia St & Olympic Blvd
- Highland Ave & Hollywood Bowl Rd
- Lamar St & Mission Rd
These areas are filled with tourists, commuters, and rideshare drivers, all moving quickly, often without noticing a rider nearby.
Recommended Reading: Why Los Angeles Insurance Companies Blame Motorcyclists — And How We Fight Back
Common Causes of Intersection Crashes in Los Angeles
Intersection crashes are rarely true “accidents.” They often happen because a driver was not careful, acted negligently, or made a dangerous choice. Knowing how these crashes happen gives injured victims the tools to recognize negligence and understand their rights.
- Some of the leading causes include:
- Speeding or aggressive driving, especially when lights are about to change
- Failing to yield, both to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Distracted driving, such as texting, using GPS, or looking for rideshare pickups
- Improper turns, including right-hook and left-turn crashes involving cyclists and motorcycles
- Running red lights or stop signs, which remains a major cause of severe injuries
- Blocked visibility, often caused by large vehicles or tight intersections
- Unsafe lane changes, especially near multi-lane intersections
These dangerous behaviors show up repeatedly in Los Angeles traffic data and can explain why so many people are hurt at intersections each year. If another driver caused your crash by doing any of the above, you may be entitled to compensation.
Injured in Los Angeles?
What to Do If You’re Injured at a Dangerous Intersection
A crash can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. If your injuries happened at one of the many dangerous intersections in Los Angeles, taking the right steps early can make a big difference in your recovery and your claim. You don’t have to handle everything perfectly; focus on staying safe and gathering the essentials.
- Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 to ensure the Los Angeles Police Department and medical responders can arrive and create an official report.
- Get medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some symptoms take hours or days to appear.
- Take photos and videos of the crash scene, traffic lights, vehicle positions, skid marks, and your injuries.
- Get names and contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.
- Save all medical records and track your symptoms as you recover.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters until you speak with a lawyer. Anything you say may be used against your claim.
- Contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney to protect your rights and guide you through the next steps.
Why Traffic Crashes in LA Often Lead to Conflicts and Confusion
Intersection crashes can be confusing because everything happens in just a few seconds. Drivers often remember the crash differently, especially when it comes to who had the green light or who had the right-of-way. This leads to conflicting stories that make it difficult to prove what happened.
Visibility also plays a big role. Large vehicles, tight corners, and busy lanes can block your view, making it easy for drivers to miss someone before turning or changing lanes. Many intersection collisions involve multiple cars, which adds even more confusion.
Because of this, insurance companies often try to use the uncertainty to their advantage. They may attempt to deny responsibility or push a false narrative to avoid paying what you deserve. This is why getting legal help early can make a major difference. A Los Angeles personal injury attorney can sort through the facts and protect your rights.
Related Content: Most Dangerous Collision Intersections in Huntington Beach
How Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Most people don’t expect a simple drive or walk through an LA intersection to end in an ambulance ride. But after the shock wears off, reality sets in: medical bills, insurance demands, and uncertainty about what comes next. You shouldn’t have to face all of this alone.
- A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can step in and help by:
- Preserve Key Evidence — Collect traffic camera footage, photos, and important digital records before they disappear.
- Find and Interview Witnesses — Reach out to people who saw the crash to support your version of events.
- Investigate What Really Happened — Review police reports and crash details to determine fault.
- Handle the Insurance Company — Communicate and negotiate on your behalf so you’re not pressured or misled.
- Protect You From Low Offers — Push for fair compensation that reflects your injuries and losses.
- Guide You Through the Claims Process — Answer questions, manage paperwork, and help you avoid mistakes.
The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your case can be.
Injured in an LA Intersection? We Can Help!
A serious crash can leave you hurting, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. You shouldn’t have to fight insurance companies while you’re trying to heal. Our lawyers will handle the complex aspects such as investigation, paperwork, and negotiations, so you can focus on getting better.
El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers brings over 60 years of combined experience and a proven record of success for California accident victims. We’ll work tirelessly to recover the compensation you need for medical care, lost wages, and long-term recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation! You don’t pay unless we win.
SHERIF EDMOND EL DABE
Founder / Partner / Attorney
Sherif Edmond El Dabe, founding partner of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers in Los Angeles and Huntington Beach, is a seasoned trial attorney focused on catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and insurance bad faith cases. He has recovered over $224 million for clients and spoken at leading legal conferences, including CAALA and TBI Med Legal.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.