In Los Angeles, crash severity data from 2,401 reported incidents paints a clear picture: over half—53.23%—of crash victims reported pain without visible injuries. This often-overlooked category, known as “Injury (Complaint of Pain),” can include soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and lingering discomfort that affects daily activities. Just because you can’t see an injury doesn’t mean it isn’t real—especially in a city as fast-paced and traffic-heavy as L.A.

The second most common outcome among L.A. crashes falls under “Injury (Other Visible),” making up nearly 31% of all cases. These include bruises, cuts, and swelling that are immediately noticeable. Meanwhile, severe injuries, which often involve broken bones or hospitalization, account for over 15% of all crashes. While not as frequent, these are often life-changing events that demand serious medical care and legal attention.

Fatal crashes, though relatively rare, still occurred in 17 of the reported cases—representing 0.71% of all crashes in Los Angeles. While that may seem like a small percentage, each of these represents a devastating loss for families and the community. The data shows that the majority of crashes in L.A. lead to some form of injury—and that every incident, no matter how “minor” it may seem, deserves to be taken seriously.

What’s Causing the Most Traffic Crashes in Los Angeles?

A detailed breakdown of 2,397 traffic collisions in Los Angeles reveals that unsafe speed is the number one cause of accidents. In fact, 897 crashes—representing 37.42%—were directly linked to speeding. Whether it’s rushing through surface streets or flying down the 405, these numbers are a sobering reminder of how dangerous it is to push past speed limits in a city already known for its traffic congestion.

Other top crash causes in L.A. include failing to follow traffic signals and signs (342 crashes), driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (226 crashes), and pedestrian violations (186 crashes). Automobile right-of-way violations added another 174 incidents. These trends reflect the complexity of driving in a busy metro area, where a single mistake—by drivers or pedestrians—can lead to serious consequences.

Less common causes like hazardous parking (27 crashes), unsafe backing (33 crashes), or other improper behaviors (3 crashes) may seem minor, but they still contribute to the city’s traffic safety challenges. With millions of vehicles on the road daily, every decision behind the wheel matters. Understanding these leading causes is key to building safer streets and preventing avoidable injuries.

When Do Most Traffic Crashes Happen in L.A.? The Hours to Watch

Los Angeles drivers face the highest risk of being in a crash during the late afternoon and early evening, particularly between 6:00 PM and 8:59 PM. According to the data, Friday through Sunday consistently show the most crashes during this window—each day with 67 to 69 reported incidents. Evening commutes, nightlife, and weekend traffic seem to be a major contributor to this spike.

Friday also stands out for its high number of crashes in the 3:00 PM to 5:59 PM range, with 69 accidents reported. This could be linked to early weekend travel, heavy traffic buildup, or even drivers letting their guard down after a long week. Crash activity also remains steady through the mid-day period, with all days of the week reporting dozens of incidents between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

Interestingly, while crash numbers drop significantly during the early morning hours (12:00 AM to 5:59 AM), Sunday early mornings still show a notable spike—55 crashes between midnight and 3:00 AM. This suggests a possible connection to weekend partying, drowsy driving, or impaired drivers. In a 24/7 city like L.A., crashes can happen anytime—and awareness is key to avoiding them.

Rear-End Crashes Dominate Los Angeles Roadways

Rear-end collisions are the most frequent crash type in Los Angeles, accounting for 38% of the 2,401 reported incidents. These types of crashes are especially common in areas with stop-and-go traffic, such as the 101, the 10, and congested intersections across the city. Tailgating, distracted driving, and sudden braking are the usual culprits—and they’re happening far too often.

Sideswipe collisions are the second most common crash type at 17%, and are common during lane changes on L.A.’s packed freeways or crowded boulevards. Broadside (T-bone) collisions make up 16% of the total, typically taking place at intersections when one driver runs a red light or fails to yield.

Crashes involving pedestrians made up 11% of total crashes in the city—especially concerning given the number of people walking in downtown L.A., Hollywood, and near transit stops. Other types of crashes, like hitting fixed objects (9%) or vehicle overturns (1%), were less common but still resulted in injuries. No matter the type of crash, the takeaway is the same: Los Angeles roads demand focus, patience, and caution.

Car Accident Help

After a significant accident in Los Angeles, navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming—especially when you're dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and mounting bills. That’s where an experienced personal injury lawyer like Attorney Barry Goldberg can make a real difference.

With deep knowledge of California accident laws and a proven track record of securing fair compensation, Barry Goldberg and his team fight to ensure victims aren't taken advantage of by insurance companies. From investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating medical liens and maximizing settlements, he handles every detail so you can focus on recovery. Call 24/7 for a free consultation at (858)-GoBarry.