Los Angeles is one of the most congested and traffic-heavy cities in the United States. With over 3.8 million people traveling throughout the city, millions of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, tourists, buses, and commercial vehicles are sharing limited space and certain intersections in LA have become notorious hotspots for serious and fatal crashes.
As such, if you were injured at one of these high-risk intersections, it is vital to understand why these areas are so dangerous and what you can do to help strengthen your personal injury claim.
1. S. Vermont Ave & W. Florence Ave (Vermont-Slauson)
Located in the heart of South LA’s Vermont-Slauson neighborhood, this intersection consistently ranks as the most dangerous in Los Angeles, recording 19 injury or fatal crashes within three years. This is due to the fact that there are a lot of buses and pedestrian activity, which creates a lot of potential dangers around. In fact, according to LADOT, just 6% of the city’s street miles account for 70% of pedestrian deaths and severe injuries.
2. W. Manchester Ave & S. Normandie Ave (Manchester Square)
In the Manchester Square community, this intersection saw 18 injury collisions, putting it near the top of the list. This is due to the fact that Manchester Ave serves as a major east-west arterial between Inglewood, South LA, and Westchester, which means traffic is constant throughout the day and increases the likelihood of getting involved in a car accident.
3. Victory Blvd & Lindley Ave (San Fernando Valley)
One of the few non–South LA intersections in the top five, Victory & Lindley in Reseda recorded 18 serious crashes, making it the Valley’s most dangerous major intersection. Its close proximity to Balboa Park and Reseda High School sets up drivers who are speeding around the outskirts of the park into a dense area of pedestrians and drivers who are waiting to pick up their children. While the Valley is known for wide and fast roads, this intersection is a clear example of how a roadway design can increase crash severity.
4. W. Manchester Ave & S. Vermont Ave (Vermont Knolls)
Just minutes from Manchester & Normandie, this busy junction in Vermont Knolls experienced 18 injury crashes. Because Vermont Ave serves as a backbone corridor through South LA, the intersection experiences heavy use from sunrise well into late-night hours. In addition, its close proximity to local churches and places of worship only increases the amount of traffic throughout the week.
5. E. Manchester Ave & Avalon Blvd (Florence Area)
Rounding out the list is this bustling intersection in the Florence-Graham area, which also saw 18 injury-producing collisions. This area has historically struggled with safe pedestrian infrastructure, and injury data from the LADOT reflects those vulnerabilities. This is very likely due to the fact that there is a lot of commercial trucking activity and its proximity to the 110 freeway allows more drivers to pass through in an attempt to avoid rush hour.
What to Do If You’re Injured at a Dangerous LA Intersection
If you were hurt in a collision at one of these intersections:
- Call 911 immediately and request medical attention.
- Collect evidence, including photos of traffic lights, skid marks, debris, and crosswalks.
- Get contact information from witnesses, drivers, and nearby businesses.
- Look for cameras, including city traffic cameras, business surveillance, and bus cameras.
- Seek medical care even if symptoms seem mild.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to insurers until you speak with an attorney.
- Contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers Today!
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, West Coast Trial Lawyers is readily available to give you the legal assistance you need. With over 25 years of experience representing clients from all walks of life, our team of experienced attorneys have an established track record of securing compensation and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Best of all, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless you win! Call us at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our convenient online contact form for a FREE consultation!
