[04-07-2025] Los Angeles County, CA – Infant Killed, Parents Critically Injured in Wrong-Way Crash in Vermont Square Neighborhood

A baby was killed and two adults were critically injured following a wrong-way collision involving a stolen vehicle in the Vermont Square neighborhood of Los Angeles on Monday night, April 7, 2025.

The incident was reported at approximately 11:30 p.m. as a family of three was traveling southbound on Western Avenue near 46th Street when a man in a stolen vehicle, traveling northbound at a high rate of speed, reportedly crossed over the center divider and collided with their vehicle.

Surveillance footage from El Pueblo Market at 4706 Western Avenue captured the suspect’s white vehicle swerving into oncoming traffic and crashing head-on into the driver’s side of the victim’s car. The impact caused the suspect’s vehicle to spin out and overturn, scattering debris across the roadway.

A child under one-year-old who had been in the victim’s vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The child’s parents, both believed to be in their 30s, were transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

The suspect described only as a man in his 40s, was ejected from the stolen vehicle and was also pronounced dead at the scene, according to LAPD Detective Moreno.

Investigators believe the suspect may have been traveling at speeds of up to 100 mph before losing control after noticing nearby police. Authorities confirmed that officers were not in pursuit at the time.

An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Consult the Leading Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers In Los Angeles, CA

Reckless driving is a serious offense under California Vehicle Code Section 23103. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a reckless driver, our experienced Los Angeles reckless driving accident lawyers are here to help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. These types of accidents often result in severe injuries, and we understand how to hold negligent drivers accountable while standing up to insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.

Schedule a free consultation with our top-rated personal injury attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. We will thoroughly evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and identify the factors that could impact your compensation. With decades of experience and over $750 million recovered for clients across California, our team is fully equipped to handle even the most complex cases.

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What To Do After A Reckless Driving Accident

Being involved in a reckless driving accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Whether the other driver was speeding, weaving through traffic, or ignoring road signs, their negligent behavior puts everyone at risk. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can protect your health, strengthen your legal claim, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

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

1. Prioritize Your Safety
   Check yourself and others for injuries. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further harm. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Call 911
   Report the accident to emergency responders right away. Inform them if anyone is injured and provide details about the other driver’s reckless behavior. Law enforcement officers will arrive to assess the scene, file an official report, and may issue citations or arrest the reckless driver.
3. Seek Medical Attention
   Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately visible, and having a medical record is essential for any future claims.
4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
   If you’re able, take photos or videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Capture anything that shows reckless behavior—like damaged traffic signs or erratic tire patterns.
5. Collect Information
   Exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. Also, get the contact details of any eyewitnesses who saw the accident unfold. Their testimonies could be valuable in proving fault.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
   Report the accident to your insurance provider, but be careful with what you share. Provide basic facts and avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting any offers until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
7. Contact a Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer
   Consult an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in reckless driving cases. A lawyer can protect your rights, help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Reckless Driving Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding has been a significant factor in motor vehicle fatalities for over two decades, accounting for approximately one-third of all traffic deaths. In 2022, speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities, underscoring its persistent impact on road safety.

In Los Angeles, 1,224 speed-related crashes either resulted in injuries or fatalities in 2022, according to data from the latest OTS Crash Rankings Results.

As reckless driving incidents continue to rise, so does the need for awareness, enforcement, and legal advocacy for victims. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by reckless driving, seeking legal representation can be a vital step toward securing justice and the compensation you deserve.