
Pacific Coast Injury Law Center | 853 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 201, Long Beach, CA 90813 | Call 833-30-LA-LAW
Los Angeles remains one of the most dangerous cities in America when it comes to car accidents. With its dense population, overloaded freeways, and often unpredictable road conditions, the risk of being involved in a crash continues to rise. In fact, traffic fatalities in Los Angeles have now surpassed homicide rates—painting a sobering picture of how urgent this crisis has become.
As your trusted legal advocates at Pacific Coast Injury Law Center, we believe awareness is protection. Understanding the latest accident statistics and knowing your legal rights can make all the difference if you or a loved one is ever involved in a serious crash.
In 2023, 336 people died in traffic-related crashes in the city of Los Angeles.
179 victims were pedestrians, making them the most vulnerable group on LA roads.
Fatal collisions increased by 8% from 2022 to 2023, and fatal hit-and-run incidents surged 23%, claiming 106 lives.
For comparison, homicides in LA actually dropped by 17% during the same period.
This data highlights a stark reality: traffic violence is a growing public health and safety concern that demands immediate attention from city officials, law enforcement, and the public alike.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), here’s how Los Angeles compared to other counties:
Year | Victims Killed & Injured | OTS Ranking (Lower is Worse) |
---|---|---|
2022 | 8,944 | 14/15 |
2021 | 11,202 | 13/15 |
2020 | 26,132 | 5/15 |
2019 | 35,549 | 1/15 |
2018 | 36,345 | 1/15 |
The downward trend in rankings is promising but far from reassuring. Thousands are still affected every year, and every number represents a life changed forever.
In 2022 alone:
1,059 deaths occurred due to motor vehicle crashes.
375 pedestrian deaths, 130 motorcyclists, and 39 cyclists were among the casualties.
8,168 non-fatal hospitalizations, including 4,348 vehicle occupants, 1,503 pedestrians, and 1,385 motorcyclists.
Over 69,987 ER visits resulted from motor vehicle injuries.
These numbers emphasize the severity of roadway dangers. No matter how experienced you are behind the wheel, accidents can happen in an instant.
At Pacific Coast Injury Law Center, we’ve represented countless victims across Los Angeles County who were blindsided by a crash caused by someone else’s negligence. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll these incidents bring—and we know how to fight for what you deserve.
Call 911 immediately, even if injuries aren’t visible.
Seek medical care, even for minor symptoms.
Take photos/videos of the scene, damages, license plates, and surroundings.
Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company until you consult an attorney.
Keep all receipts, medical bills, and police reports — they are vital to your claim.
If you’re injured due to someone else’s reckless driving, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages or loss of earning ability
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Wrongful death (for grieving families)
The City of Los Angeles launched the Vision Zero Initiative in 2015, aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2025 through:
Safer street design
Stricter traffic enforcement
Public education campaigns
While progress has been slow, the urgency remains. In the meantime, legal accountability is one of the most powerful tools victims have.
Q: How common are car accidents in Los Angeles?
A: Extremely. LA consistently ranks as one of the worst cities for traffic safety. With millions of vehicles on the road each day, collisions are nearly unavoidable for many residents. That’s why legal protection is key.
Q: What county in California sees the most car accidents?
A: Los Angeles County leads in both population and accident volume. Its sprawling freeway system, combined with high commuter density, makes it the top county for reported collisions.
Q: How many hit-and-runs happen in LA?
A: Hundreds are reported annually, but many go unreported or unsolved. Hit-and-runs are a serious offense, and our firm is experienced in tracking down liable parties and securing justice for victims.
Q: What is the annual death toll from traffic accidents in California?
A: In 2021, 4,285 people died on California roads—a 7.6% increase from 2020. Many of these deaths could have been prevented with responsible driving and proper infrastructure.
If you or someone you love has been injured—or worse, killed—in a car accident in Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, don’t wait. Our compassionate and aggressive legal team at Pacific Coast Injury Law Center is here to listen, guide, and fight for the justice you deserve.
📍 Pacific Coast Injury Law Center
853 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 201, Long Beach, CA 90813
📞 Call us now at 833-30-LA-LAW
📧 Email: chris@pcilc.la
🕘 Free consultations | No upfront fees | We only win when you do
When the roads fail you, let Pacific Coast Injury Law Center protect what matters most—your life, your family, and your future.