Huntington Beach may be one of Orange County’s most scenic cities, but it’s also home to some of its most collision-prone intersections. According to 2023 crash data, hundreds of people were injured on local roads, many in the same high-traffic areas year after year.
From Pacific Coast Highway to Beach Boulevard, the numbers tell a story about patterns, risks, and preventable tragedies. Here’s what the data reveals about the most dangerous intersections in Huntington Beach and how accident victims can protect themselves.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Huntington Beach Accident Statistics
Huntington Beach recorded hundreds of crashes citywide in 2023, many occurring at busy intersections where locals, tourists, and commuters all cross paths. With so many people moving through the city, whether driving, riding, biking, or walking, congestion and sudden changes in traffic flow make these areas especially unpredictable.
These numbers help explain why the most dangerous intersections in Huntington Beach continue to see repeated accidents. Short yellow lights, sun glare, faded lane markings, and speeding all add to the risk. In this kind of environment, even a small mistake can quickly turn into a serious, life-changing collision.
Where Drivers Face the Highest Risk in Huntington Beach
In 2023, Huntington Beach reported 780 car crashes, leading to 13 deaths and 1,097 injuries. Many of these collisions didn’t happen on major freeways; they happened on roads locals use every day, from the busy Five Points intersection to the traffic-heavy corridors around Bella Terra and the beach.
-
Most Dangerous Intersections for Car Crashes:
- Pacific Coast Hwy & Warner Ave
- Beach Blvd & Yorktown Ave
- Edinger Ave & Beach Blvd
- Beach Blvd & Talbert Ave
These areas become especially dangerous during weekend beach traffic, after-school rushes near Edison and Marina High School, and during heavy evening glare facing west. Tight turns, heavy merging, and limited visibility make mistakes easy and crashes severe.
Our Huntington Beach car accident attorneys know how quickly these crashes disrupt lives. We’ll take on the insurance companies, handle every detail, and help you rebuild with confidence.
Why Riders Are at Greater Risk on Huntington Beach Roads
Huntington Beach is a favorite for motorcyclists, especially along the coastline and the long stretches connecting Huntington Harbour, downtown, and the Wetlands. But in 2023, that freedom came with risk: 50 motorcycle crashes, 4 deaths, and 49 injuries were reported across the city.
-
Most Dangerous Intersections for Motorcyclists:
- Pacific Coast Hwy & Warner Ave
- Beach Blvd & Garfield Ave
- Brookhurst St & Meredith Dr
- Los Patos Ave & Warner Ave
These intersections often mix fast-moving coastal traffic with drivers leaving shopping centers, parks, and residential neighborhoods. Many crashes happened when drivers turned left near the Wetlands or merged abruptly near the Bella Terra corridor, failing to notice an approaching rider.
Riders deserve respect on the road and fairness in the claims process. Our legal team stands up to insurers that undervalue motorcycle cases and fights to ensure your recovery reflects the full impact of your injuries.
When Bike Lanes Aren’t Enough: Dangers Facing Huntington Beach Cyclists
Cycling is part of Huntington Beach culture, whether riding along the beach path, commuting through Seacliff, or biking downtown. But in 2023, 178 bicycle crashes left 194 riders injured, revealing the risks even in bike-friendly areas.
-
Most Dangerous Intersections for Cyclists:
- Beach Blvd & Pacific Coast Hwy
- Main St & Yorktown Ave
- Warner Ave & Goldenwest St
- Main St & Orange Ave
These trouble spots sit near busy beach access points, schools, coffee shops, and residential streets where cars, cyclists, and pedestrians frequently interact. “Right-hook” collisions are especially common downtown and near the piers, and “dooring” often happens on neighborhood streets lined with parked cars.
Our bicycle accident lawyers help injured cyclists get the respect and recovery they deserve. We’ll work to prove fault, challenge unfair blame, and make sure you’re supported throughout your recovery.
When Walking Turns Risky: Huntington Beach’s Most Dangerous Crossings
From Main Street’s busy sidewalks to the neighborhoods surrounding Central Park, Huntington Beach is designed for people who love to walk. Yet in 2023, 51 pedestrian crashes resulted in 3 deaths and 53 injuries, many in areas where drivers were distracted or visibility was poor.
-
Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians:
- Edinger Ave & SR 39
- Edwards St & Warner Ave
- 16th St & Orange Ave
- 17th St & Acacia Ave
These intersections sit near parks, schools, and residential streets where people regularly walk dogs, push strollers, or head to local shops. These crossings are not only some of the most dangerous intersections in Huntington Beach, but also areas where visibility and driver attention are often compromised.
Crashes often happen when drivers turn quickly through crosswalks near the beach or rush to beat a light near shopping centers like Five Points.
Pedestrians deserve to feel safe in their own community. If a careless driver struck you or someone you love, our pedestrian accident attorneys will stand by your side, demand accountability, and help you get the justice you deserve.
What to Expect After a Huntington Beach Intersection Crash
Even low-speed collisions can cause more damage than most people realize. The sudden jolt of an impact can twist the body in unnatural ways, leading to painful and sometimes lasting injuries that don’t always show up right away.
Common injuries after a crash include:
- Whiplash and severe neck strain
- Broken bones or fractures
- Concussions or other head trauma
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
It’s normal to feel shaken or confused after an accident. You might think you’re fine, but symptoms like headaches, stiffness, or dizziness often appear hours or even days later. That’s why it’s important to take quick, careful steps to protect both your health and your legal rights.
-
Here’s what to do after an intersection accident:
- Move to safety and call 911 right away.
- Exchange information with the other driver and collect contact details from any witnesses.
- File a police report as soon as possible. Officers will document the scene, which can serve as key evidence later.
- Document the scene yourself with photos or videos showing vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries.
- See a doctor immediately, even if the pain seems minor. Medical records can be crucial for your claim.
- Contact a Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters or signing any paperwork.
Taking these steps can make all the difference in your recovery and your case. For example, if you were injured at Beach and Warner, your attorney can use the police report, intersection footage, and traffic data to build a strong claim and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Injured at a Dangerous Intersection in Huntington Beach?
Who May Be Liable for Dangerous Intersection Accidents
After an intersection crash, figuring out who’s truly responsible isn’t always simple. In many cases, more than one party may have played a role, from careless drivers to city agencies that failed to maintain safe roads.
Identifying all sources of liability is key to getting the full compensation you deserve. Those who may be liable include:
- Negligent drivers who speed, text, or ignore signals.
- Rideshare or delivery companies whose drivers cause collisions while on duty.
- The city or county, if poor road design, broken lights, or faded paint contribute to dangerous conditions.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers, if a defect caused a loss of control.
Most victims in California have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. However, if your crash involved government negligence, such as unsafe road design, poor maintenance, or missing traffic signs, the time to file a claim is significantly reduced. Under the California Tort Claims Act (CTCA), you typically have just six months to take legal action.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for Your Accident Case
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped countless crash victims across Huntington Beach and Orange County recover the compensation they need to move forward.
We know how stressful it is to deal with insurance companies and medical bills; that’s why we handle every detail for you.
When you work with our firm, we:
- Investigate your crash to determine exactly what happened and who’s at fault.
- Work with safety and reconstruction experts to strengthen your case with solid evidence.
- Hold negligent drivers, companies, and even cities accountable for unsafe conditions or careless behavior.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to pursue the full amount you deserve.
- Fight for justice in court, if necessary, to secure the best possible outcome.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis; you don’t pay unless we win. With our bilingual team (English and Spanish), you’ll have dedicated support every step of the way.
Let El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
Every day you wait, valuable evidence can disappear. Whether your collision happened at one of the most dangerous intersections in Huntington Beach or any other intersection across the city, our attorneys can guide you through your claim and help you pursue full compensation.
If you’ve been hurt in a Huntington Beach crash, don’t delay! Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers now. We’ll take on the insurance companies, uncover the truth, and fight for every dollar you’re owed. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing 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.