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Los Angeles, California, is a dream destination for many. With popular attractions, it’s no wonder this city has become one of the most sought-after places in the United States. There’s always something new to discover in this vibrant metropolis.
However, like any major city, Los Angeles has safe and risky locations. Everyone needs to stay vigilant, whether you’re new to LA or a lifelong Angeleno. The city is notorious for traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The City of Angels is also prone to natural disasters like wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, and extreme heat. To the timid, these situations cause fear and trepidation; to the adventurous, these are challenges to conquer.
So, what are the personal injury hazards in Los Angeles, and how should you deal with them?
The Most Prevalent Personal Injury Hazards In LA
While Los Angeles is generally considered safe, certain areas are more prone to accidents and personal injuries. By staying vigilant and cautious, you can minimize risks and enjoy the city’s many attractions to the fullest extent.
Personal injuries can have a severe impact on a person’s life. Understanding these hazards is crucial for several reasons:
- Health And Well-Being — Personal injuries can significantly affect someone’s physical and mental health. Be mindful of the possible dangers around you to keep yourself and the people around you safe.
- Financial Stability — The medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and lost wages you acquire in an accident can create unnecessary financial strain. You can avoid these unforeseen costs by being aware of them and taking preventive measures.
- Legal Protection — The best defense is a good offense. In personal injury matters, it is crucial to understand the cause and effect of accidents to understand your legal rights better. This knowledge will help you protect those rights in the event of an injury-causing accident.
- Safety Measures — A good grasp of the hazards will help you take the proper safety precautions to prevent or reduce the severity of injuries. This includes emergency preparedness in case an unfortunate accident happens. With a basic understanding of the different types of accidents and possible injuries, you will know what to do to minimize harm and ensure proper medical care.
Let’s take a look at the most common personal injury hazards to be aware of:
Traffic-Related Hazards In Los Angeles
You would think that a place called City of Angels would have a good rep for security and safety. However, LA has been plagued by traffic accidents over the years. Arash Law is privy to these occurrences because of the multitude of personal injury victims who have turned to our traffic accident lawyers for legal representation in their claims.
Statistics show that Los Angeles is a regular contender for the list of cities with the most injuries and fatal accidents. UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) logged 10,841 crashes that resulted in fatalities and injuries in LA for 2023. This figure was a step down from the previous year’s 11,266 cases. However, Los Angeles remains the number one spot as California’s most prolific regarding traffic injuries and fatalities.
Our catastrophic injury lawyers in LA have encountered cases where the victims have suffered serious injuries like:
- Amputations
- Disfigurements
- Severe brain injuries
- Serious fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Paralysis
These injuries can change the course of a person’s life, potentially ending their career, creating a life-long dependence on medical and home care, permanent paralysis, and significant lifestyle changes. It is also a sad reality that these extreme difficulties have ended relationships and destroyed families.
There are also minor injuries that still negatively impact a person’s life, like nerve damage from whiplash, minor concussions, and minor fractures. While these injuries do not seem significant at the outset, they can quickly turn bad if not treated properly.
Some of the typical traffic incidents in Los Angeles that cause the abovementioned injuries include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are rampant in crowded urban environments like Los Angeles because of the multitude of vehicles on the streets. Most accidents are caused by reckless driving behavior, including but not limited to speeding, using a cell phone while driving, red light running, or drunk driving.
In bumper-to-bumper traffic, drivers are more likely to get impatient and follow the vehicle in front too closely. Tailgating gives both drivers little reaction time and space to maneuver when the situation suddenly changes.
As of September 2024, data from the TIMS SWITRS Query & Map tool shows that 210 fatalities and 8,844 varying degrees of car crash injuries were recorded in Los Angeles in 2023. This data covers only passenger cars and passenger cars with trailers. Our lawyers who handle car accidents have worked on different vehicle crashes in LA, including rear-end, head-on, rollover, and sideswipe. They help victims recover their medical costs and get paid for their injuries.
Truck Accidents
Los Angeles’s roads are no stranger to truck accidents because the City of Angels is home to commercial truck routes used by heavy trucks and big rigs. The following are some of these commonly used heavy vehicle corridors:
- Hollywood Freeway
- Harbor Freeway
- Ventura Freeway
- North and South Western Avenue
- West Sunset Boulevard
- 210 Freeway In Pasadena
Sadly, roadway giants like big rigs and delivery trucks are significant threats to the safety of other road users. Therefore, the California government has multiple truck restrictions to ensure everyone’s safety. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also has stringent truck driver requirements.
Despite ongoing efforts to mitigate road accidents in LA, commercial trucks have become one of the leading causes of road accidents. Our Los Angeles big rig truck accident lawyers strongly advise motorists to take extra precautions when driving on highways shared with these road giants.
Rideshare Accidents
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) offering rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are usually concentrated in urban areas. According to a 2020 report, almost two-thirds, or 64%, of all TNC trips in California occurred in three counties alone, including Los Angeles County. It held the highest number among all counties, at 114.91 million trips. The City of Los Angeles, a major urban area, significantly contributed to the large number of trips.
The popularity of ridesharing in Los Angeles also suggests that rideshare-related accidents are more likely. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with Uber or Lyft in the City of Angels, reach out to a rideshare accident lawyer to learn if you have a valid compensation claim.
Bicycle Accidents
Unfortunately, Los Angeles has inadequate cycling infrastructure and safety. Cars are the preferred mode of transportation, so the city is largely built for cars, leaving cyclists more prone to bike accidents. Statistics show that 2023 bicycle accidents in LA resulted in 15 fatalities and 365 injured victims. This becomes a major concern for our bike accident lawyers, as injuries and deaths from bike accidents have been continuously rising in the city.
Motorcycle Accidents
California had 952,977 motorcycle registrations in 2021, the highest in the country for that year. Motorcycle accidents are a persevering problem in California, particularly in Los Angeles, where 5,932 fatal accidents occurred in 2021. Major factors that contribute to these unfortunate incidents include:
- Traffic Congestion — LA’s notoriously congested streets account for numerous motorcycle accidents. Stop-and-go traffic can cause illegal passing, potentially leading to collisions.
- Lane Spitting — Lane splitting, often referred to as white-lining or stripe-riding, is frequently used by motorcyclists in heavy traffic. This practice heightens the danger of accidents because of the restricted space, elevated speeds, diminished visibility, and proximity to other vehicles.
- Distracted Driving — Drivers often get into accidents when distracted by using their phones or talking to a passenger. Motorcycle users operating two-wheeled vehicles are more susceptible to crashing when distracted in this manner.
- Weather Conditions — Inclement weather can make situations more dangerous for a two-wheel vehicle. Wet or icy roads, strong winds, and low visibility can cause disaster.
Motorcycle riders are more likely to sustain severe injuries in a crash due to the lack of vital protective features on their vehicles. While safety gear like helmets and crash pads can minimize injuries, they can’t provide the same level of protection as airbags and sturdy metal frames in cars.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help determine damages and recover full compensation if you get into an accident while on your bike.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are commonly on the receiving end of traffic violence in Los Angeles. Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities comprised nearly two-thirds (60.4%) of all traffic fatalities in 2023. In the same year, 179 pedestrians reportedly lost their lives on the streets of LA.
The city government of LA initiated Vision Zero in 2015 to protect the city’s most vulnerable road users and ideally eliminate traffic fatalities by 2025. By 2022, a motion was filed to audit the program since traffic incidents have not decreased and have continued to rise. Vision Zero initiatives in other locations across the United States have failed. Advocates of the program are urging U.S. cities to implement Vision Zero earnestly.
Workplace Hazards In LA
Although awareness is a good way to prevent accidents, sometimes things are beyond our control, and we need to rely on other people’s responsibility to some extent. Our workplace compensation attorneys have encountered a great deal of victims who were injured while on the job. Here are some instances where such injuries can happen:
Construction Accidents
Construction zones abound in Los Angeles, with new road closures and sites popping up constantly. These zones are replete with personal injury hazards for passersby and site workers. Our LA lawyers, who work on construction accidents, have helped accident victims who were injured in these locations.
Chemical Exposure
Non-toxic living continues to gain traction in the United States and worldwide. While more and more people are advocating for chemical-free products, some workers are bound to encounter toxic substances at work. Chemical exposure accidents can occur in manufacturing environments where employees work with industrial chemicals that may leak, catch fire, or explode.
Sometimes, they may not have the proper protective gear, and exposure to chemicals or radiation can cause severe injuries. Construction workers can be exposed to dangerous materials like asbestos, which causes mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Injuries that develop gradually over time are known as repetitive motion injuries (RMIs), cumulative trauma, or repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). Some examples are carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, trigger finger, rotator cuff syndrome, epicondylitis (often known as “tennis elbow”), Raynaud’s illness, and lower back discomfort.
These disorders are characterized by their incremental onset over time due to repetitive motion of an overly taxing or restricted activity. Such an injury may occur when a worker utilizes the same muscle repeatedly for tasks like typing, operating on an assembly line, or moving heavy items.
Other Personal Injury Hazards
Aside from traffic accidents and workplace hazards, many personal injury hazards exist in an urban sprawl like Los Angeles. You can be in the most seemingly harmless situation, like getting your hair done, and get injured in a beauty salon accident. Or you can walk around looking for the perfect head of broccoli and get in a slip-and-fall accident at a local store. Here are some other threats lurking around LA:
Natural Disasters
Los Angeles is a semi-desert landscape featuring mountains, canyons, ravines, and large basins. This topography can cause issues when severe thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rain, and other inclement weather strike. The city is prone to natural disasters, like wildfires, flooding, mudslides, earthquakes, and extreme heat.
Suppose you are driving along West Sunset Boulevard during heavy rain. The best thing to do is to drive slower or find a safe area to pull over. If you get injured in a rain-related accident, call the police immediately, consult your doctor, and talk to a rain accident attorney in Los Angeles.
Dog Bites
Los Angeles strives to foster an environment where pets can thrive and live safely. The community has up to 5.3 million dog owners. Unfortunately, not all pet owners are responsible; some let their dogs run loose and wander around without proper training. Untrained dogs and even well-trained ones will likely bite when cornered or taken by surprise. When triggered, dogs bite anywhere they may be, even in the safety of their own homes, on sidewalks, or elsewhere.
Dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their pets, and you may be entitled to compensation if you get injured in a dog bite incident. Dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles are experienced in navigating laws and strict liabilities concerning this matter. Their expertise and knowledge in the field will help you receive fair monetary compensation for your medical costs.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
These accidents can happen unexpectedly and anywhere in Los Angeles. You can be out enjoying a meal and get in a restaurant slip-and-fall accident, or you could be on your weekly shopping trip and have a slip-and-fall accident at a local retail store. Our slip-and-fall lawyers in Los Angeles have assisted victims in these cases in pursuing a claim against the business where their mishap occurred.
Staying Safe In Los Angeles
At first glance, every aspect of Los Angeles appears overwhelming. You will see the congested freeway system, the expansive map, and busy people along LA streets. However, as you explore more of the city, you will appreciate its diverse, culturally rich, and amazing places. Wherever you may be, whatever it is you are doing, it is always important to keep safety a priority. Here are some tips on how to stay safe:
- Have Responsible Fun — Avoid drinking too much, as alcohol impairs the senses and clouds judgment. Drink moderately because if you lose control, you can easily be caught in an accident.
DUI accidents are likelier at night due to reduced visibility and other night-driving risks. As bars and nightclubs often remain late, the likelihood of getting hit by a drunk driver is higher during these hours. It’s essential to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking or driving at night.
If you or a family member was injured because of a drunk driver, you can reach out to Los Angeles DUI accident victim attorneys for help in filing a personal injury claim.
- Use Reliable Transportation Options — If you’re visiting, find out which reliable commercial vehicles are available. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are more comfortable but not immune to accidents. Avoid unnecessary conversations with the driver so you don’t distract them. Our commercial vehicle attorneys are always ready to assist if you ever get into an accident involving Lyft or Uber.
If you decide to rent a car and drive, remember to be extra careful when driving in unfamiliar locations. If you crash a rental car, you might incur additional charges, so it’s important to avoid any accidents.
Additional Safety Tips For Pedestrians
The following guidelines can help you ensure your safety while walking:
- Even though jaywalking has been decriminalized in California, cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, obey traffic signals, and watch out for any oncoming vehicles.
- Remember to look left-right-left before crossing a street. Watch your step.
- Make yourself visible by wearing bright-colored clothes and carrying a flashlight if you walk at night.
- Avoid danger by always walking on the sidewalk, staying sober, and making eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
- Additionally, stay off your phone when walking, as talking and especially texting can distract you from paying attention to your surroundings.
Getting Around Los Angeles Safely
Organizing a trip to Los Angeles involves considering transportation. Due to its extensive network of streets and freeways, Los Angeles is a city where freeway accidents are common. Various tourist spots and enticing events are also available in different locations, so you must plan well in advance. If you’re considering relocating to the city, you must also ensure that your options for your daily commute work for you.
Is Los Angeles Public Transportation Safe?
Yes, public transportation in Los Angeles is generally safe. The city aims to provide a well-maintained, clean, and comprehensive transportation system for locals and visitors. It also takes pride in its safe public transportation networks, including shuttles, buses, subways, and trains. However, given the volume of daily public transportation ridership in Los Angeles and the extensive scale of the Metro system, commercial vehicle accidents can still happen.
Public Transportation Options
The Los Angeles Metro Rail (LA Metro) is the conventional rail transit system serving Los Angeles. Other commuters find this pretty convenient. However, this can also be a different experience for some, as security can be a major concern when taking public transportation in this large city.
Nevertheless, with the proper awareness and precautions, you can reach your destinations safely via buses and trains. Los Angeles has a comprehensive bus system, making getting around the city convenient. Here are the main options:
- Metro Bus — The primary bus service in LA is operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). It includes local, rapid, and express buses that cover extensive routes throughout the city and county.
- LADOT DASH — These are smaller buses operated by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT). Downtown Area Short Hop (DASH) buses serve shorter routes within neighborhoods and are great for quick trips. Currently, DASH fares are free.
- LADOT Commuter Express — This service is designed for longer commutes, connecting suburban areas with downtown LA and other major employment centers.
- Cityride — The Cityride program is for seniors and individuals with disabilities, offering reduced-fare transportation options.
- Other Municipal Operators — Various cities within LA County operate their bus services, such as Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus and Long Beach Transit.
Learn more about your transportation options. The Metro Trip Planner is a handy tool that provides detailed instructions on how to get to your destination using public transit. You can also use the LADOT Transit Trip Planner.
Is Los Angeles A Safe Place To Drive?
Unfortunately, driving in Los Angeles can be dangerous. The city is known for its large number of vehicles and heavy traffic. As a result, accident rates involving cars and motorcycles are on the rise. Truck accidents and pedestrian accidents also continue to increase yearly.
Defensive driving is ideal, but reckless driving is part of Los Angeles culture. Many motorists tailgate, are distracted, speed, cut in and out of lanes, run red lights and disobey traffic laws. Road rage incidents are also common, especially in heavy traffic.
Worse, many drivers in LA ignore right-of-way laws, causing intersection accidents. Here are some dangerous intersections in LA:
For pedestrians:
- Caesar E. Chavez Ave. and Soto St.
- Avalon Blvd. and Imperial Highway
- De Soto Ave. and Lassen St.
- Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave.
For cyclists:
- Humboldt St. and San Fernando Road
- Anaheim St. and King Ave.
- Valley Vista Blvd. and Van Nuys Blvd.
- La Brea Ave. and Sunset Blvd.
For motorists:
- Humboldt St. and San Fernando
- Florence Ave. and Vermont Ave.
- Oxnard St. and Van Nuys Blvd.
- Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave.
The number of fatal crashes involving felony hit-and-runs increased by almost 23%, according to the LAPD’s 2023 report. Meanwhile, DUI accidents increased by 32%. The number of fatal traffic crashes involving pedestrians also rose by around 13% in 2023.
If you were injured in a vehicular accident in Los Angeles or lost a loved one, contact our personal injury lawyers. You can visit one of our offices at 2960 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010, or call our 24-hour local line at (888) 488-1391 to book an appointment.
Safety Tips For Driving
Driving in Los Angeles could be scary and dangerous, but following some basic safety tips can minimize the risk of getting into an auto accident. Our auto accident attorneys in Los Angeles encourage road users to practice safe driving to lessen the cases of people getting involved in a traffic collision.
If you have your vehicle, you can set your desired hours. You will only have to be aware of busy routes, especially during rush hour, as you might encounter heavy traffic and limited parking lots. It is best to search for available safe parking lots and garages before going to a certain place.
When you enter your vehicle, the first thing you need to do is wear your seatbelt. Before hitting the road, make sure your car is in good condition. While driving, pay attention to other motorists and always stay alert.
What To Do After An Accident In Los Angeles
Accidents can happen anywhere in LA, and knowing what to do can make a significant difference. Here are the essential steps to take immediately after an accident:
- Assess the situation for any immediate danger. Check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Move to a safe location if possible, but avoid moving seriously injured individuals.
Note: If the incident occurred on the road, turn on hazard lights, open the hood, and set out flares to alert other drivers.
- Report the accident to the police if injuries or significant property damage occur. An official report is crucial for any insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Collect names, contact details, and relevant information from all involved parties. Avoid discussing the incident in detail or assigning blame.
- Take photos and videos of the scene and any damage and visible injuries. If possible, gather witness contact information and statements.
- Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent but can have long-term effects. Make sure to complete any recommended treatments and keep track of related expenses. Complete any recommended treatments and keep track of related expenses.
- Report the incident to your insurer promptly, if applicable. Provide necessary details, but avoid giving a recorded statement without legal advice. Then, maintain all documents related to the incident, including the police report, medical records, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
- Contact a Los Angeles-based accident lawyer. Legal advice can protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. They can also help you stay in touch with your insurance company and medical providers. Our Los Angeles attorneys offer free initial consultations. Contact us today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
Safety Tip: Keep Important Information Handy
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you must have the contact information of emergency services, local authorities, or your country’s nearest embassy. Save them on your phone or write them down in a notebook in your home so you can reach them quickly if something goes wrong.
Here are some important phone numbers and resources for those who live or want to visit LA:
Emergency Services
- For emergencies, call 911 immediately.
For Wildfires And Wildfire Smoke
Check the air quality to see if wildfire smoke is affecting your area:
Watch videos, sign up for alerts, and find more resources:
Injured In LA? Call Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers For Help!
Are you injured in an accident in LA? Don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles. We provide excellent legal services to victims, helping them recover lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages. Our injury attorneys have over thirty years of combined experience investigating accidents in LA, gathering evidence, and winning injury claims. You can rest assured that you will be taken care of.
Our personal injury attorneys, supervised by Arash Khorsandi Esq., have shown commitment and dedication to every case we handle over the years. We have successfully won $500 Million worth of settlements for our clients. If you want to seek justice for your injuries and damages, reach out to our injury lawyers by calling (888) 488-1391.
Our law firm provides legal services in nearby Torrance, Long Beach, Thousand Oaks, Pasadena, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Santa Monica, Santa Ana, Inglewood, and Gardena. We also serve Palm Springs, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Fresno, Visalia, Monterey, Salinas, Eureka, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and El Centro.