Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury throughout the United States each year. Every state faces unique challenges when it comes to motor vehicle accidents and their resulting damages. California is notorious as one of the worst states for driving for several reasons, including a very high rate of uninsured drivers and surging traffic accident rates over the past several years.

If you drive in the Los Angeles area, reviewing recently published accident statistics can make you more aware of the risks you face on the roads in the area.In 2024 alone, Los Angeles County saw over 58,000 crashesinvolving death or injury, and 653 people lost their lives While these numbers reflect a decline from previous years, they highlight just how dangerous the area’s roads remain.

Accidents may happen unexpectedly, but regardless of how an accident occurs, the victim must know their options for legal recourse that can help them recover. Amendt Law is a team of experienced attorneys who have helped many past clients secure appropriate compensation for car accident damages, and we can put this experience to work in your accident case.

Recent Los Angeles Car Accident Data

In 2024,653 people died in traffic crashes in Los Angeles County, a 25% decrease from the 868 deaths in 2022. Over the past five years, the county has averaged nearly 788 traffic-related deaths per year, making it one of the deadliest in California. In addition, 58,659 crashes in 2024 caused death or injury, which is about a 10% drop from the 65,377 crashes reported in 2020. Despite these declines, the numbers remain high, with speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving continuing to cause serious harm on Los Angeles roads.

Accident data from various government sources and independent organizations can help drivers understand the risks they face on the road. These reports can also help drivers know the behaviors that would be most likely to result in them incurring liability for other drivers’ damages. While you cannot always predict how other motorists will behave around you in Los Angeles, you can uphold your own duty of care to drive responsibly, so you do not incur liability for someone else’s damages.

Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Los Angeles by Frequency

All Los Angeles drivers must be aware of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents so they can lower their risk of causing one. According to the most recent accident data from various sources, a few of the most common causes of motor vehicle crashes in Los Angeles include:

• Pedestrian Accident – Pedestrian accidents due to car crashes are a serious issue in Los Angeles, with over 260 deaths reported in 2024 alone. Despite a slight decline in recent years, the city consistently sees some of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the state, often due to speeding, distracted driving, and poor visibility at intersections.
• Bicycle accidents: Bicycle accidents due to car crashes continue to be a serious risk in Los Angeles, with 22 cyclists killed in 2024. While that marks a decline from recent years, biking in LA remains dangerous due to limited bike lanes, aggressive driving, and dense traffic. Even experienced riders are vulnerable when road infrastructure doesn’t prioritize cyclist safety.
• Motorcycle accidents – Los Angeles saw an average of 115 motorcycle deaths annually from 2020–2024 due to car crashes. In 2024 alone, 78 motorcyclists died in such collisions. Motorcycle accidents involving cars often result in devastating injuries, especially to riders. Without proper helmet use, the risk of head trauma increases significantly.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and alcohol. In 2024, the county saw over 6,300 DUI-related injuries and deaths, combining alcohol- and drug-impaired incidents. California law enforces strict penalties for any form of DUI, but this behavior continues to cause devastating accidents in Los Angeles County and throughout the state on a daily basis. A driver convicted of DUI faces fines, jail time, and a loss of driving privileges. These penalties increase significantly when the at-fault driver has hurt or killed someone with intoxicated driving.
• Distracted driving. There has been a 41% drop in reported injuries related to distracted driving from 2020 (3,422) to 2024 (2,010) in Los Angeles County. This is the one of the top causes of motor vehicle accidents across the country, and texting while driving is the most commonly reported form of distracted driving that results in accidents. Any distraction is dangerous for the distracted driver and everyone around them.
• Speeding. Speeding-related car accident fatalities in Los Angeles County have shown a downward trend over the past five years, with deaths decreasing from a peak of 322 in 2021 to 196 in 2024—a reduction of nearly 40%. Whenever a driver exceeds the speed limit, they automatically increase their risk of causing an accident. Additionally, speeding increases the risk of an accident resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries. Speeding is especially dangerous for motorcyclists and pedestrians, who are most vulnerable to speeding drivers.

No matter how a motor vehicle accident happens, the at-fault driver will face civil liability for any damages they cause as well as potential criminal prosecution. Therefore, determining the cause of your recent accident will be an important first step in securing the compensation you need to recover your losses.

Most Common Injuries From Car Accidents in Los Angeles

Any car accident has the potential to cause one or more serious injuries. In fact, Los Angeles County reported over 58,000 injury crashes in 2024 alone, highlighting just how common these outcomes are. A few of the most commonly reported car accident injuries in the Los Angeles, CA area include broken bones, facial and dental injuries, and injuries to the internal organs. In addition, drivers are likely to suffer many minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises from a crash, even at low to moderate speeds.

Soft tissue injuries can also occur from any car accident. A soft tissue injury is any injury to the muscle, ligaments, or tendons of the body. For example, whiplash is very likely whenever a crash occurs, and this condition is characterized by damage to the soft tissues in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

Catastrophic injuries are likely to occur whenever a car accident occurs at high speed. Traumatic brain injury is the most commonly cited fatal injury in Los Angeles and throughout the state. This type of injury occurs whenever crash impact forces damage the victim’s brain. While some people who suffer traumatic brain injuries are able to make nearly full recoveries, others are not as fortunate and suffer a host of medical complications from these incidents. They can also develop permanent disabilities.

Common Insurance Problems After Los Angeles Car Accidents

California law requires drivers to carry auto insurance or equivalent financial responsibility (Vehicle Code § 16020). Despite this requirement, the state’s uninsured-driver rate remains relatively high, approximately 16–17% in recent years. According to Insurance Research Council data, California’s uninsured driver rate was about 17% in 2022, well above the national average of 14%.

When another driver has caused an accident with your vehicle, you can file a claim against their insurance, but if they do not have insurance, you will need to proceed directly to a personal injury claim if you want to hold them accountable for the damages they caused.

An experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney can help an injured driver file an insurance claim and maximize their claim settlement. While all insurance companies are legally required to handle claims in good faith, every claim they pay to settle diminishes profits. Unfortunately, this encourages some insurance company representatives to engage in unethical tactics to coerce injured claimants into accepting the lowest settlement offers possible. They will also look for any justifications to deny claims entirely, often leaving claimants wondering how they can secure the compensation they are rightfully owed.

When a car accident victim has experienced legal counsel on their side, they are far less likely to encounter any bad faith handling of their insurance claim. The right attorney can help a client file their demand letter to an at-fault driver’s insurance company, review the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, and ensure that their client receives the fairest possible settlement from the insurer.

FAQs About Los Angeles, CA Car Accident Statistics

Which City Has the Most Car Accidents Reported in California?

Los Angeles consistently reports the highest number of car accidents in California, with over 40,000 crashes recorded annually in recent years. This trend is not surprising given the city’s dense population, heavy traffic congestion, and expansive road network. High volumes of daily commuters, tourism, and a strong car-dependent culture all contribute to the elevated risk of crashes. While other counties like San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino also report high accident numbers, Los Angeles remains at the top, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and safe driving practices throughout the region.

Are car crashes increasing or decreasing in Los Angeles over the last five years?

While overall reported car crashes in Los Angeles County have remained relatively stable—hovering around 41,000 annually from 2020 to 2024—traffic-related deaths have steadily declined. Fatalities dropped from 769 in 2020 to 653 in 2024, suggesting that while the number of collisions has not significantly changed, improved vehicle safety, enforcement, and emergency response may be reducing the severity of outcomes.

What are the most dangerous roads and intersections for car accidents in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is crisscrossed by some of the busiest and most complex freeways in the U.S., making certain stretches more prone to crashes. High-traffic routes like the 405 (San Diego Freeway), 10 (Santa Monica Freeway), and 110 (Harbor Freeway) are known for congestion and frequent accidents. Interchanges such as the East L.A. Interchange (I-5, I-10, US 101, and SR 60) and the Four Level Interchange (I-110 and US 101) are hotspots for collisions due to heavy volume and complex merges. These roadways are vital to the city’s movement but require extra caution from drivers navigating through them.

What Are the Chances of Dying in a Car Accident in Los Angeles?

While most crashes in California result in injuries rather than death, Los Angeles remains one of the most dangerous areas to drive due to traffic volume and road complexity. In 2024 alone, there were 58,659 crashes involving injury or death statewide, but only 653 were fatal, indicating that most crashes are survivable, though often serious.

Still, the sheer number of daily incidents in Los Angeles means drivers face an elevated risk of being involved in a crash. Defensive driving and awareness are crucial for staying safe on LA’s crowded roads.

Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident in Los Angeles?

While no law requires you to hire legal counsel after a car accident in Los Angeles, doing so will significantly improve the results you reach in all of the recovery efforts you pursue. Your car accident attorney can help file your auto insurance claim and maximize your claim payout, and if this is not sufficient to fully cover your losses, you will need their help to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Reliable legal counsel is an invaluable asset for any injured driver in Los Angeles.

Amendt Law has helped many Los Angeles area drivers overcome the damages inflicted by others. Whether your recent accident occurred because of negligence behind the wheel or any form of intentional misconduct, it is crucial that you have an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer so you can reach the best outcome possible in your recovery efforts. Contact Amendt Law today and schedule a consultation with our team to learn more about the professional legal services we provide.