Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics – Traffic Fatalities L.A.

Los Angeles has a notorious reputation as one of the worst areas to drive, not only in California but in the whole of the United States. Traffic in L.A. is consistently congested, especially during peak traffic hours. Millions of people drive through Los Angeles every day, and it is crucial for motorists to be aware of Los Angeles car accident statistics and know the risks they face behind the wheel.

When accidents happen, the state’s fault rule dictates that the driver responsible for causing an accident is liable for all resulting damages. This may sound simple enough, but the reality is that many car accident victims face unexpected legal challenges as they seek accountability for the accidents they’ve experienced and compensation for their damages. A Los Angeles car accident lawyer is an invaluable asset for anyone in this situation, and the sooner you connect with trustworthy legal counsel after an accident, the more likely you are to maximize your recovery as fully as the law allows.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Los Angeles

Knowing the most common causes of car accidents in Los Angeles may not help you avoid these incidents entirely, but it can help you reduce your chance of causing an accident and facing liability for the resulting damages. According to the most recently available accident data for Los Angeles, a few of the most common causes of accidents in the area are:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. It is illegal for any driver to operate a vehicle while intoxicated in any way, but DUI continues to be a pervasive issue in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Intoxication of any kind reduces spatial awareness, reaction time, and judgment, and when a DUI accident happens in Los Angeles, the defendant faces criminal charges along with their liability for the damages they cause others.
• Whenever a driver exceeds the speed limit, they not only increase their risk of causing an accident but also increase the severity of the resulting damages. Speeding is a major contributing factor to the number of fatal accidents reported in Los Angeles each year.
• Moving violations. Violation of traffic laws can easily cause serious accidents, especially in dense urban traffic in places like Los Angeles. Illegal turns, running red lights and stop signs, and failure to yield the right-of-way are just a few examples of moving violations that commonly cause accidents in Los Angeles each year.
• Distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 3,275 deaths from distracted driving throughout the United States in 2023. Any time a driver does not pay attention to the road while driving, they put themselves and others at serious risk. Texting while driving is one of the most commonly reported examples of distracted driving in Los Angeles each year.

These are just a few examples of how accidents happen in Los Angeles every day. Over the past few years, the traffic accident rate and the fatality rate from traffic accidents have both increased in Los Angeles, and it’s vital for all drivers in the area to acknowledge the risks they face while driving in Los Angeles. Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, can provide the comprehensive legal counsel you need in the aftermath of an accident that someone else caused, and the sooner you reach out to our firm after an accident, the more time we have to assist you with your recovery efforts.

Proving Liability for a Car Accident in Los Angeles 

In California, all vehicle accidents are resolved based on fault. This means that whoever caused the accident is liable for all resulting damages. You will need to prove fault if you intend to claim compensation from any other party, and you need to hire a car accident lawyer to have the greatest possible chance of success with your case. 

Whether you remember exactly how your accident happened or you have little recollection of the incident due to your injuries, it’s a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer who can help you gather the evidence you need to prove fault for the accident. They can obtain evidence that you would otherwise be unable to obtain on your own, such as traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and statements from witnesses who saw your accident happen. 

Recovering From a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Every driver in California is required to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements, and when a driver causes an accident, their policy can pay for the resulting damages up to the coverage limits of the policy. Unfortunately, California has a relatively high number of uninsured drivers. The Insurance Information Institute reported that as of 2023, more than 20% of California drivers are uninsured. 

When an at-fault driver does have insurance, it’s a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer to help you file your insurance claim. Most insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying out settlements, and you should expect the insurer to look for justification to deny or devalue your claim as much as possible. When you hire a car accident lawyer, they can resolve any disputes with your claim. 

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you will need to file a personal injury claim against them to recover your losses. Success with any kind of personal injury case in California requires proving liability for the damages you suffered, showing the full extent of those damages, and proving they would not have happened if not for the defendant’s negligence or misconduct. 

Los Angeles car accident statistics indicate that most accidents in the area are the result of driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, and moving violations. However, accidents also commonly occur because of illegal misconduct behind the wheel, such as intoxicated driving. It’s possible for an at-fault driver to face criminal prosecution as well as civil liability for the damages they caused based on the manner in which they caused the accident.

FAQs About Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

How Common Are Traffic Deaths in Los Angeles?

In 2023, there were 336 fatalities from motor vehicle accidents in Los Angeles, and 179 of these victims were pedestrians. This was the highest total of traffic accident fatalities in more than 20 years. Fatal crashes in Los Angeles increased 8% from 2022, and fatal hit-and-run accidents increased by more than 16%, accounting for 106 traffic fatalities.

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

Los Angeles County has the highest traffic fatality rate of any county, and the state’s fatal accident rate is roughly aligned with the national average. There are about nine fatalities per 100,000 drivers in the state each year, which amounts to a statistically low chance of death at any given time. However, drivers must know how they can limit their risk of causing serious accidents on the highways and how to disengage from potentially dangerous situations they encounter on Los Angeles roads.

What Is the Most Common Vehicle Accident Injury Reported in Los Angeles?

Any vehicle accident has the potential to cause severe injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and damage to the internal organs. Traumatic brain injury is the most commonly reported type of catastrophic injury from vehicle accidents and can easily result in death or permanent disability. Severe injuries are more likely to occur when accidents happen at high speeds and from drunk driving accidents.

How Do I Prove Fault for a Traffic Accident in Los Angeles?

California upholds the fault rule for vehicle accidents, meaning whoever causes an accident absorbs liability for all resulting damages. An experienced car accident attorney can help you gather the evidence you may need to firmly establish fault, such as driver cell phone records, vehicle computer data, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness statements. It is possible for more than one party to bear fault for an accident, and each party will be assigned a fault percentage to reflect their degree of liability.

Must I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

There is no law requiring you to hire legal counsel for your impending vehicle accident claim. You have the right to try to handle your recovery efforts on your own, but you face several risks in doing so. Additionally, you face dealing with your injuries and related medical issues while managing your legal proceedings. Hiring legal representation can make every aspect of your recovery process easier to manage and more likely to yield positive results. Your attorney may also uncover channels of compensation that you would have overlooked on your own, resulting in a greater recovery than you may have initially expected.

The attorneys at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, have the professional experience, resources, and skills that you want on your side in the aftermath of a vehicle accident in Los Angeles. Our team has helped many accident victims recover substantial case awards thanks to our commitment to client-focused legal counsel and attention to detail. If you’re ready to learn how we can help you recover from your recent accident in Los Angeles, contact us today to schedule a consultation.