[05-26-2025] Los Angeles County, CA – Two Drivers Killed in High-Speed Crash at Imperial Highway and Garfield Avenue in South Gate

Two people were killed in a violent two-vehicle crash at a 7-Eleven parking lot in South Gate on Monday morning, May 26, 2025.

According to the South Gate Police Department, the crash occurred around 6:00 a.m. at the intersection of Imperial Highway and Garfield Avenue.

The incident began with a domestic violence call on Exeter Street in Paramount, about four miles from the crash site.

Authorities said the suspect fled the location before deputies arrived. As he approached the intersection, the suspect collided at high speed with another vehicle that was turning. The force of the impact launched the suspect’s car into a nearby 7-Eleven parking lot, where it landed on top of an unoccupied parked car.

The driver of the innocent vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The fleeing suspect was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that deputies had lost visual contact with the suspect prior to the crash, and the incident is not being classified as a police pursuit.

The collision remains under investigation by local authorities.

Contact Our Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers In South Gate, CA

A reckless driving accident can leave you dealing with both physical injuries and emotional or financial stress. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, it’s crucial to understand your options and what steps you can take to protect your rights moving forward.

Our team of reckless driving accident lawyers in South Gate is here to provide support. We guide you through gathering necessary documents, explaining the claims process, and helping you understand what actions may be best for your situation. Every case is different, and having the right information can help you feel more in control during this difficult time.

If you have questions or want to learn more about your options, you can call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a Reckless Driving Accident

Being involved in a reckless driving accident can leave you feeling shaken and unsure about what to do next. Drivers who speed, make unsafe lane changes, or ignore traffic laws put everyone at risk. Knowing the right steps to take after the accident can help protect your health, strengthen your case, and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Here’s what you should do after a reckless driving accident:

1. Prioritize Your Safety
   Check yourself and others for injuries. If it’s safe to do so, move away from traffic to avoid further danger. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
2. Call 911
   Contact emergency responders immediately and report the accident. Let them know if anyone is injured and mention the other driver’s reckless behavior. Law enforcement will assess the scene, file an official report, and may issue citations or make an arrest.
3. Seek Medical Attention
   Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries may not be visible right away, and having a medical record is crucial for any future claims.
4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
   If you’re able, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries. Document any signs of reckless driving, such as damaged traffic signs or tire marks.
5. Collect Information
   Exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. Be sure to get contact information from any witnesses as well, as their statements could help prove fault.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
   Report the accident to your insurance company. Share the basic details but avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting any offers until you’ve consulted with a lawyer.
7. Contact a Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer
   Consider speaking with a lawyer who specializes in reckless driving accidents. An attorney can help protect your rights, gather key evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Reckless Driving Accident Statistics

Reckless driving continues to be a significant cause of serious and fatal accidents across the country. Speeding, in particular, has been a leading factor in traffic fatalities for more than 20 years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2023, speeding was involved in 29% of all motor vehicle deaths, emphasizing the ongoing threat it poses to road safety.

Locally, South Gate experienced 63 speed-related crashes in 2022, which resulted in injuries or fatalities. This data, from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Crash Rankings, further highlights the dangers of speeding on the roads in our community.