Rush-hour gridlock, rainy season slicks, and distracted driving make dangerous intersections Los Angeles a real threat for families across the city. Our 2025 update matters because crash patterns shifted, and we reviewed recent public safety data, police reports, and city safety programs to spot where risk is rising and why.
In this guide, you’ll get a ranked cluster list of the top 12 car accident hotspots LA, the types of stats to watch, what makes these locations risky, and a simple map plan you can use before your next drive. We also outline clear steps that protect your health, evidence, and claims, plus when to involve the police and how California reporting rules apply.
If you’re injured, start with safety and documentation, then get tailored legal guidance. For a quick checklist, see our resource on Immediate steps after a car accident in Los Angeles. We’re a Los Angeles personal injury firm offering 24/7 help and free consultations, and we keep communication direct and practical so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.
2025 Snapshot: Dangerous Intersections Los Angeles Trends We Are Watching
Photo by ubeyonroad
Los Angeles traffic is shifting. We are tracking where and when collisions rise, and what that means for your daily routes. Our goal is simple. Help you spot patterns, avoid hazards, and protect your claim if a crash happens. As we update our list of dangerous intersections Los Angeles drivers should watch, we are focusing on clusters that keep showing up in recent data.
We group the top car accident hotspots LA by neighborhood so you can plan safer paths for school, work, and weekends. The quick takeaways below show how we built the list and when risk spikes, in plain terms you can use today.
How We Built This List
We kept the method simple and transparent. We compared recent collision trends, police incident summaries, and city risk factors that shape everyday danger. Those factors include lane count, signal timing, turn phases, visibility, traffic volume, and nearby land use like schools, nightlife, and shopping corridors. We also watched for construction detours and short-term signal changes that can confuse drivers.
To make this practical, we grouped locations by area so locals can match the list to their regular routes. The section with our map lets you visualize risk near home, work, and school, and helps you choose a safer turn or a calmer side street. When a pattern is strong, we flag it. When it changes, we update fast. For more on why local knowledge matters, see our take on expertise in Los Angeles traffic patterns.
When and Where Crashes Spike
Risk climbs during familiar windows. If you can adjust by even a few minutes or one turn, you often cut your exposure.
- Weekday rush hours: Heavy volume, quick merges, and last-second lane changes.
- Weekend nightlife: Speeding, distraction, and risky turns near bars and venues.
- School drop-off and pickup: Crowded curbs, short gaps, and unpredictable stops.
- Rainy days with glare: Longer stopping distances and reduced visibility at dusk.
Darkness and wet pavement both increase stopping distance. Headlights clip sight lines, and brake lights reflect off slick lanes, which makes it harder to judge speed. Keep your moves simple and predictable.
Smart habits that work:
- Slow to a stop early so drivers behind you have time to react.
- After the light turns green, wait an extra beat and scan left-right-left.
- Make eye contact with people walking or biking before you turn.
- Watch for red light runners in the first second of green and hold your launch.
- Use low-beam headlights in rain and leave extra space at long, multi-lane crossings.
If you walk these corridors, review our guide to dangerous walking spots at LA intersections. It explains common turn conflicts, crosswalk rules, and what to document after a crash.
Top 12 Car Accident Hotspots LA: 2025 Dangerous Intersections by Area
Photo by RDNE Stock project
These clusters rank among the most talked-about dangerous intersections Los Angeles drivers face in 2025. Patterns we see again and again include fast multi-lane approaches, complex turn phases, long pedestrian crossings, and distraction near entertainment and shopping corridors. Rain, glare at dusk, and heavy bus activity add to the risk. If you use any of these car accident hotspots LA, build in time, keep your moves simple, and document road conditions after any incident. For post-crash steps, see our First 24-Hour Plan After a Los Angeles Car Accident: Immediate Steps Following a Car Crash in LA.
Hollywood and Central LA Hotspots
Crowds, tour buses, and frequent signal cycles combine with complex turns. Expect sudden stops, midblock crossings, and drivers chasing short gaps.
Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave
- Total crashes: elevated year over year
- Injury crashes: common, often side-impact or turn-related
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: frequent due to heavy foot traffic and scooters
- Fatal crashes: uncommon but possible during late-night hours
- Top crash types: red light running, left-turn conflicts, rear-ends near crosswalks
- Peak hours: afternoons into evening, plus weekend nightlife
- Today’s safety tip: pause one extra second on green and scan for late runners before entering the box.
Sunset Blvd and Highland Ave
- Total crashes: persistently high for corridor volume
- Injury crashes: recurring, linked to night activity and speed shifts
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: moderate, higher on weekends
- Fatal crashes: rare, risk rises after midnight
- Top crash types: risky left turns, speeding at light change, lane changes to beat queues
- Peak hours: evening rush and late-night entertainment hours
- Today’s safety tip: avoid unprotected lefts in the busiest windows; take a protected turn or use a safer parallel street.
Vermont Ave and Wilshire Blvd
- Total crashes: high for a transit hub
- Injury crashes: frequent, often bus-adjacent or turn-phase related
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: elevated due to long crossings and bus transfers
- Fatal crashes: uncommon, watch for dusk glare
- Top crash types: failure to yield to people in crosswalks, bus merge conflicts, rear-ends in stop-and-go
- Peak hours: morning and evening commute, midday transfer surges
- Today’s safety tip: yield early to pedestrians and buses; expect double-stops at long crosswalks.
San Fernando Valley Hotspots
Wide lanes and fast approaches meet frequent turning, busy bus stops, and freeway-adjacent merges. Distraction and impatient gaps are common triggers.
Van Nuys Blvd and Roscoe Blvd
- Total crashes: high at peak speeds
- Injury crashes: common in left-turn conflicts and T-bones
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: moderate, higher near retail corners
- Fatal crashes: rare but linked to speed in off-peak hours
- Top crash types: unprotected lefts, rear-ends from short stopping distances, sideswipes in multi-lane moves
- Peak hours: afternoon school let-out and evening rush
- Nearby risk factors: multiple bus lines and retail traffic create unpredictable curb activity
Sepulveda Blvd and Burbank Blvd
- Total crashes: elevated due to freeway spillover and queues
- Injury crashes: frequent, often lane-change and merge related
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: low to moderate
- Fatal crashes: unusual, risk rises with late-night speeding
- Top crash types: sideswipes near ramps, rear-ends at ramp backups, short yellow entries
- Peak hours: weekday rush tied to I-405 on-ramps
- Nearby risk factors: freeway access ramps, frequent lane changes for on-ramp positioning
Sherman Way and Sepulveda Blvd
- Total crashes: consistently high at volume peaks
- Injury crashes: recurring, tied to stop-and-go and distraction
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: elevated at multi-lane crossings and bus stops
- Fatal crashes: rare
- Top crash types: failure to yield at crosswalks, right-on-red roll-throughs, rear-ends
- Peak hours: midday retail surge and evening commute
- Nearby risk factors: heavy bus stops and wide crossings increase exposure for walkers
If you are hurt at one of these Valley locations, gather photos of lane markings, signal status, bus activity, and any sun glare. These details often prove key when insurance disputes fault. For case help tailored to Los Angeles corridors, visit our page on Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys in Encino.
South LA and Harbor Area Hotspots
Long signal cycles and large vehicles define risk here. Patience, clear yielding, and extra space help you avoid the squeeze.
Slauson Ave and Western Ave
- Total crashes: high for corridor length and truck activity
- Injury crashes: frequent at turn phases and merges
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: moderate, higher near bus stops
- Fatal crashes: uncommon, increased risk at night
- Top crash types: impatient lefts, truck turning conflicts, red light entries at end of cycle
- Peak hours: midday freight mix and evening commute
- Visibility note: low sun angles and heavy trucks can hide smaller vehicles; use headlights and increase following distance
Florence Ave and Figueroa St
- Total crashes: elevated near dense retail
- Injury crashes: common, often involving midblock crossing spillover into the intersection
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: frequent due to bus transfers and busy crosswalks
- Fatal crashes: rare but possible with high speed off-peak
- Top crash types: failure to yield to pedestrians, rear-ends from last-second stops, right-turn conflicts
- Peak hours: afternoon retail surge and bus transfer windows
- Visibility note: evening glare and illuminated signage can mask signal heads; slow early and confirm the phase
Crenshaw Blvd and Manchester Ave
- Total crashes: persistently high at peak
- Injury crashes: recurring, linked to red light running and fast approaches
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: moderate, higher during evening commute
- Fatal crashes: unusual, risk spikes late night
- Top crash types: red light entries, unprotected lefts, multi-lane rear-ends
- Peak hours: evening commute and weekend shopping times
- Visibility note: mixed lighting and wide approaches reduce depth perception; keep turns tight and deliberate
Westside and Eastside Hotspots
Expect beach-bound surges, hospital traffic, and nightlife. Bikes and scooters are part of the flow, so plan your turns with extra care.
Lincoln Blvd and Venice Blvd
- Total crashes: high during beach and weekend traffic
- Injury crashes: frequent, tied to lane changes and turn errors
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: elevated due to high bike volumes
- Fatal crashes: rare
- Top crash types: merge-side swipes, left-turn conflicts, right-turn cut-offs on green
- Peak hours: late afternoon to evening, weekends, and sunny days
- Safer turning and yielding: make full stops, scan bike lanes twice, and commit only when the lane is fully clear
Alvarado St and Sunset Blvd
- Total crashes: elevated near medical and transit hubs
- Injury crashes: common in stop-and-go and steep approaches
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: frequent, with rolling rights a known issue
- Fatal crashes: uncommon
- Top crash types: right-on-red roll-throughs, bus merges, rear-ends on grades
- Peak hours: morning clinic hours and evening rush
- Safer turning and yielding: come to a complete stop before right on red, then yield to people walking and bikes approaching from behind
Santa Monica Blvd and Highland Ave
- Total crashes: high, especially during nightlife peaks
- Injury crashes: recurring, often from U-turns and short gaps
- Pedestrian and bike crashes: moderate, rises on weekends
- Fatal crashes: rare
- Top crash types: U-turn conflicts, limited sight line pulls, red light running
- Peak hours: evening rush and late-night cohorts
- Safer turning and yielding: skip the U-turn during busy periods; make a legal turn and circle the block for a safer approach
Key takeaway for all 12: slow your approach, verify signal status, and look for late entries. On rainy days, leave extra stopping distance, since wet pavement and glare extend braking. If a crash happens, collect photos of signal heads, lane arrows, skid marks, and active bus or rideshare activity. These details can strengthen your claim and support the real story of what happened.
Why These LA Intersections Are So Dangerous, And How We Can Lower the Risk
Photo by RDNE Stock project
Some patterns show up again and again at the most dangerous intersections Los Angeles drivers face. Wide approaches, odd signal timing, and mixed street users leave little room for error. The good news is we can cut risk with small, steady habits. We also share simple tactics that work across car accident hotspots LA, so you can use them on any route. For more practical guidance you can use today, see our tips on Safety tips to avoid accidents in busy LA areas.
Design Red Flags That Raise Crash Risk
Street design sets the stage. When features stack up, mistakes turn into crashes.
- Wide multi-lane roads: Extra lanes invite higher speeds and more passing, which shortens reaction time. At rush hour, those lanes fill, and sudden stops trigger rear-ends.
- Short yellow lights: Tight yellow phases push drivers to “beat the light,” which creates red-light entries and side impacts.
- Permissive left turns without a protected arrow: Turning against oncoming traffic demands sharp judgment. Add speed and glare, and gaps look bigger than they are.
- Hidden driveways near corners: Cars pulling out create surprise conflicts, especially when they nose into the crosswalk or block the bike lane.
- Complex signal phases: Dual turn arrows, transit signal priority, and staggered crossings can confuse even careful drivers.
Easy habits that help:
- Slow earlier on approach, not just at the stop line.
- Cover the brake near busy corners so you can stop smoothly.
- Wait for a clean, confirmed gap before turning left. If a protected arrow is an option, take it.
Driver Behaviors That Fuel Crashes
Most crashes start with a preventable choice. When stress rises, bad habits sneak in.
Common problem moves:
- Speeding
- Phone use and in-dash distractions
- Rolling right turns on red
- Late yellow entries
- Lane changes inside intersections
Quick fixes that stick:
- Put your phone on Do Not Disturb before you roll.
- After the light turns green, count to two and scan for runners.
- Do a full stop before a right on red, then recheck crosswalks and bike lanes.
We keep it simple on purpose. Predictable driving leaves room for others to avoid mistakes, and that alone lowers your crash odds at car accident hotspots LA.
Time, Weather, and Visibility Factors
L.A. light and weather play tricks on depth and speed. We can plan around them.
- Low sun glare on east-west streets at sunrise and sunset: Sunlight hits windshields at sharp angles along corridors like Sunset, Santa Monica, and Wilshire. Signals and brake lights wash out.
- First rain after long dry spells: Oil rises to the surface and turns pavement slick. Stopping distances jump, even at moderate speeds.
- Night visibility near unlit bus stops: People step off curbs from dark zones, and buses block sight lines right before turns.
Simple upgrades:
- Wear polarized sunglasses and keep a clean windshield, inside and out.
- In rain, leave a longer following distance and brake earlier with light pressure.
- Use low beams in drizzle and fog to reduce glare and improve contrast.
Small adjustments compound into real safety gains, especially at the most dangerous intersections Los Angeles drivers navigate daily.
Mix of Cars, Pedestrians, and Bikes
The more users, the slower our brains process risk. That delay is where crashes happen.
- Complex mixes slow decision making: Turning drivers must track oncoming cars, people in crosswalks, bikes in lanes, and scooters in the shadows.
- Edge scanning is key: Look at the edges first, not the center. People step out from behind buses, signs, and parked cars with little warning.
- E-bikes and scooters approach faster than they look: Their low profile hides speed. They can close a gap quicker than expected.
Safer habits:
- Yield early to people walking and rolling, even if you think you have time.
- Avoid quick lefts across oncoming traffic. If a gap feels rushed, wait one more cycle.
- Before moving, scan left-right-left, then check mirrors and the near-side bike lane again.
We do not control the street design or the weather, but we control how we approach each intersection. Calm inputs, early scanning, and clear yielding reduce the risk, protect your health, and help preserve your claim if a crash occurs at one of these car accident hotspots LA.
Map It: See Car Accident Hotspots LA Near Your Route
Los Angeles streets change by the hour. Our interactive map helps you spot patterns on your exact path so you can steer clear of dangerous intersections Los Angeles drivers face every day. Use it before your next drive, then keep your moves simple and steady in the highest risk zones.
How to Use Our Interactive Map
A few quick steps help you turn raw data into safer choices.
- Zoom to your neighborhood
Center the map on your home, work, or school. Tighten the view to match your actual blocks and common turns. - Toggle crash layers
Switch between pedestrian, bike, and vehicle layers to see where conflicts repeat. Hot clusters often signal turn-phase issues or short sight lines. - Check day and night views
Risk shifts when the sun drops. Use the map’s time filter to compare midday, rush hour, and late night patterns. Glare and speed changes can flip a safe move into a risky one. - Preview turn phases and corridors
Identify unprotected lefts, long crossings, and multi-lane approaches. If a corridor shows repeated entries at the end of a light cycle, add time or pick a different turn. - Save a safer alternate route
Lock in a backup with fewer turns, protected arrows, or calmer streets. Keep it handy for rain, events, or freeway spillover. - Share with your circle
Send the map to family, coworkers, and carpool groups. Shared awareness helps everyone pick cleaner gaps and avoid the worst car accident hotspots LA presents.
Tip: Update routes after storms, signal changes, or construction. Small tweaks pay off.
Check Your Commute, School Runs, and Weeknight Errands
Use this simple checklist before your next drive. It keeps your plan tight and flexible.
- Mark your top three intersections
Pick the corners that make you most uneasy. Those are where you will slow earlier, scan longer, and take safer turns. - Note peak times to avoid
Flag when crashes spike on your map view. Shift five to ten minutes if possible. It often cuts your exposure. - Choose a safer turn option
Prefer protected lefts or right turns plus a block-by-block approach. Fewer conflict points mean fewer surprises. - Plan a backup for rain or event nights
Wet pavement, glare, and venue traffic change the equation. Keep a second route with better lighting and shorter crossings. - Set reminders
Add a quick note in your phone for the high-risk windows on your path. Consistent habits build muscle memory.
Consistency matters. Repeating these steps each week helps you avoid the most dangerous intersections Los Angeles drivers report year after year.
What to Look For Before You Enter Any Intersection
Use a 5-second scan. It is simple, fast, and reliable.
- Look left, right, left again
The first look finds movement. The second confirms speed. The third catches late runners or bikes in the near lane. - Check crosswalks
Scan both crosswalks for people, strollers, dogs, scooters, and e-bikes. Commit only when the path is fully clear. - Glance your escape path
Identify a safe out. If someone rolls a red or blocks the box, you have space to pause or shift. - Re-check in the first second of green
Many red light entries happen right at your start. Hold a beat, then roll in once the box is clear. - Wait for clean turning gaps
Do not squeeze a left across oncoming traffic. If you feel rushed, skip it and take a protected turn next cycle.
Extra points that pay off:
- Keep wheels straight while waiting to turn left, which prevents push-into-traffic crashes if you are rear-ended.
- In rain or glare, add distance, brake earlier, and slow your approach by a few miles per hour.
We drive these streets too. A steady scan, a safer turn, and a calmer route can keep you out of the worst car accident hotspots LA sees each season.
What To Do If You Are Hurt At One of These Intersections
Photo by David Iloba
Crashes at dangerous intersections Los Angeles drivers use every day can feel chaotic. A clear plan protects your health, preserves evidence, and strengthens your claim. Use the steps below at car accident hotspots LA to keep control in a tough moment.
Health and Safety Come First
Injury signs can be delayed, so we start with care and caution.
- Call 911 for any injury, even if it seems minor. Let paramedics check you on scene.
- If it is safe, move to a nearby shoulder or parking lot. Turn on hazard lights and place flares or triangles if you have them.
- Accept on-scene medical help. Adrenaline hides pain, and early documentation helps your claim.
- See a doctor the same day. Many injuries build over 24 to 72 hours, including concussions, whiplash, and soft-tissue damage.
- Keep a simple symptom log. Note headaches, dizziness, neck or back pain, sleep changes, or numbness.
For a quick refresher on immediate steps that protect your health and claim, see our guide on Immediate steps to take after a car accident in Los Angeles.
Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim
Intersection crashes often turn on small details. Capture the full scene before it changes.
- Photos, wide and close: the entire intersection, lane arrows, signal heads, crosswalks, and nearby bus stops.
- Signal status: note the phase you observed, including protected arrows or flashing signals.
- Vehicle positions: final resting spots, points of impact, and license plates.
- Roadway marks: debris fields, fluid trails, and skid marks that show speed and braking.
- Video: dashcam clips, phone video, and the location of traffic or business cameras.
- Witnesses: names, numbers, and where they were standing.
- App records: rideshare or delivery trip logs, timestamps, and in-app messaging.
- Keep it all: damaged gear or clothing, child seats, bike helmets, and broken phone mounts.
- Medical records: ER notes, imaging, prescriptions, and work-off slips.
Pro tip: note sun glare, wet pavement, construction cones, and blocked sight lines. These context clues often decide liability at car accident hotspots LA.
Who To Notify and When
Timely reporting locks in the facts and preserves video that can disappear fast.
- Call the police and get the report number at the scene. A police report anchors fault and timelines.
- Notify your insurance the same day. Keep it short and factual. Avoid opinions on fault and skip recorded statements until you have counsel.
- Ask nearby businesses about cameras right away. Request retention details and time windows. Many systems overwrite in 24 to 72 hours.
- Preserve public footage quickly. Intersection or bus cameras may require fast requests. An attorney can issue preservation letters.
- File required reports. Under California Vehicle Code 16000, submit an SR‑1 to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was hurt or property damage is over $1,000.
- Track deadlines. Most injury claims in California have a two-year statute of limitations, and shorter windows may apply to government entities.
If an insurer calls, take the adjuster’s contact info and keep your statement brief. We focus on facts, not fault, until we review your file.
How Our LA Injury Team Helps
We make the process clear and personal. We offer free consultations, 24/7 availability, and direct access to our attorneys, not layers of staff. From day one, we help coordinate vehicle repairs and certain out-of-pocket costs while your case moves forward, and we keep you updated with regular, plain‑language check-ins. Our Encino-based team, led by partners Sean Bina, Payam Soliemanzadeh, and Bob Amirian, has recovered millions for injured clients, including seven‑figure settlements in car and pedestrian cases across Los Angeles. We investigate fast, preserve intersection footage, work with medical providers, and push back on low offers with detailed evidence.
Want a clear plan tailored to your exact intersection and injuries? Call or message us for guidance today. For more context on working with a local firm, read our 2025 overview on Essential reasons to contact a Los Angeles injury firm post-accident.
Conclusion
The patterns are clear. Risk is highest at wide, fast approaches with complex signals, long crosswalks, and heavy bus or nightlife activity. Rain, glare, and distracted driving amplify those hazards. Small habits, like early scanning, clean stops, and choosing protected turns, lower exposure at the most dangerous intersections Los Angeles drivers face. Smart routing, a calm approach, and solid evidence after a crash protect your health and your claim.
Share this 2025 guide with family and coworkers so they can steer clear of car accident hotspots LA. If your crash involved an Uber or Lyft near one of these corridors, review our Ride Share Accident Liability in Los Angeles resource. If you were injured, contact us for a free case review. We are here 24/7 to help you focus on recovery while we handle the legal work.