Most Dangerous Intersections in Los Angeles, CA, for Car Accidents

Los Angeles has a reputation as being one of the most challenging and dangerous places to drive in the state. Each year, Los Angeles County reports higher countywide accident rates than any other county, and the Los Angeles metropolitan area is full of high-risk intersections that all drivers must know. A California car accident lawyer could help you recover if you experienced an accident in Los Angeles.

Most Dangerous Intersections in LA

According to LAPD data and a 2023 MoneyGeek analysis of more than 13,800 crashes from 2020 to 2022, certain intersections in Los Angeles consistently rank among the most hazardous for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. Many of these intersections are located in South Los Angeles, where traffic volumes, multi-lane roads, and limited pedestrian infrastructure increase the risk of collisions.

1. South Vermont Avenue & West Florence Avenue

Located in the Vermont-Slauson neighborhood, this intersection is officially the most dangerous in Los Angeles, with 19 reported injury or fatal crashes between 2020 and 2022. It’s a busy commercial corridor with high pedestrian foot traffic, multiple lanes, and frequent left turns—all contributing to a high collision risk.

2. West Manchester Avenue & South Normandie Avenue

This intersection in South Los Angeles saw 18 injury or fatal collisions over the same three-year period. With a dense urban layout, limited visibility, and fast-moving traffic, this area is particularly hazardous during peak commuting hours.

3. Victory Boulevard & Lindley Avenue

Situated in the Reseda neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, this intersection also reported 18 serious crashes. It’s a major thoroughfare with a mix of residential and commercial traffic. Speeding and failure to yield are common contributing factors here.

4. West Manchester Avenue & South Vermont Avenue

Another high-risk intersection in South LA, just a few blocks from the top-ranked Vermont & Florence location. It recorded 18 serious crashes, underscoring how this corridor along Manchester Avenue is a hotspot for traffic incidents.

5. East Manchester Avenue & Avalon Boulevard

This junction in the Green Meadows area of South LA saw 18 injury or fatal crashes between 2020 and 2022. High speeds and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure increase its danger, especially for people crossing the street.

6. Highland Avenue & Hollywood Boulevard

Located in the heart of Hollywood, this intersection had 17 serious crashes according to LAPD’s West Traffic Division reports. It’s a tourist-heavy zone with constant pedestrian activity and a known hotspot for pedestrian-involved accidents. Over a five-year period, the city recorded 21 pedestrian-related incidents at this intersection alone.

7. San Pedro Street & Washington Boulevard

In Downtown LA, this intersection was the most dangerous in the Central Bureau, with 14 injury or fatal crashes. It’s part of a busy industrial and commercial corridor where heavy truck traffic and poorly timed signals pose significant risks to both drivers and pedestrians.

A few of the most common causes of accidents at these intersections include speeding, moving violations such as running red lights, illegal turns, and driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.

What Makes These Los Angeles Intersections So Dangerous?

• Heavy traffic volume: More vehicles increase the likelihood of collisions.
• Complex layouts: Intersections with multiple lanes, turns, and merging points can be confusing.
• High pedestrian and cyclist activity: Increases the risk of vehicle-pedestrian/cyclist collisions.
• Driver behavior: Distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence are significant factors.
• Visibility issues: Blocked views, poor lighting, or adverse weather conditions can contribute.

What to Do After an Accident in Los Angeles

The first steps you take following a car accident in Los Angeles are very important. California law requires you to remain at the scene of any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage, and you must report the incident to law enforcement. Calling 911 is the most reliable way to fulfill these obligations and ensure emergency services are dispatched.

You should seek medical attention immediately, even if you think you only suffered minor injuries. You may have been hurt worse than you realize because some injuries aren’t immediately noticeable.

Once you have resolved the immediate aftermath of your accident, you should reach out to a California car accident lawyer as soon as possible. If another driver is directly responsible for causing the accident, you can file a claim against their auto insurance policy to seek compensation for your damages. However, if they do not have insurance or they do not have enough coverage to fully compensate you, you will need to file a personal injury claim.

An experienced personal injury attorney can be crucial not only for constructing your case but also for maximizing your recovery. You may have grounds to claim more compensation than you realize, and the right attorney can help streamline and maximize your receipt of compensation for your damages. The sooner you connect with an attorney, the more time they will have to work on your case.

FAQs

Where do most car accidents happen in Los Angeles?

Most car accidents in Los Angeles occur at high-traffic intersections in areas like South LA, Downtown, and the San Fernando Valley. Intersections such as S Vermont Ave & W Florence Ave, W Manchester Ave & S Normandie Ave, and Victory Blvd & Lindley Ave consistently rank among the most dangerous. These locations see frequent crashes due to high volumes of traffic, complex road layouts, and limited visibility.

What are the most dangerous intersections for car accidents in Inglewood, LA?

Some of the most dangerous intersections near Inglewood include Crenshaw Blvd & W Century Blvd, Manchester Blvd & La Brea Ave, and areas along the 405 and 105 Freeways. These locations often experience high traffic volume, speeding, and limited visibility, leading to frequent crashes.

Why should I hire a lawyer after an intersection or highway accident?

Hiring an attorney after a car accident in Los Angeles, particularly in complex incidents at busy intersections or on high-speed highways, significantly eases the recovery process and maximizes your potential case award. Your lawyer will expertly gather crucial evidence to prove fault, meticulously handle all communication and filings for your auto insurance claim, and, when insurance falls short, build a comprehensive personal injury suit to secure the full compensation you deserve.

What Does It Cost to Hire a California Car Accident Lawyer?

The majority of attorneys representing personal injury cases accept clients on a contingency fee basis. When you have a contingency fee agreement with your attorney, they will only take a percentage of your final case award as their fee, and only if and when they win your case. There is no fee if they cannot obtain compensation for you. Some attorneys charge by the hour, so always verify an attorney’s billing policy before hiring them.

The team at Amendt Law is ready to help you recover from your recent accident in Los Angeles. Our firm has successfully resolved many car accident claims for past clients in the area, and we are ready to leverage our experience and resources for you in your impending case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and find out how we can help.