Wrongful Death, Pedestrian Accidents, and Traffic Fatalities in LA Outnumber Homicides for Second Consecutive Year

For the second year in a row, traffic deaths in Los Angeles have exceeded homicides, highlighting the city’s ongoing struggle with roadway safety.

In 2024, Los Angeles recorded 302 traffic fatalities, a decline from 345 deaths in 2023. While fewer lives were lost compared to the previous year, these numbers still underscore the persistent dangers on LA’s streets.

By contrast, 268 homicides were reported in Los Angeles in 2024, meaning more people died in vehicle crashes than from violent crimes. The fact that fatal car accidents continue to surpass homicides signals a need for greater attention to road safety, enforcement, and accountability.

A deadly pattern on LA’s roads

Los Angeles has long been known for its heavy traffic and high number of vehicle collisions, but the rising fatality numbers show that the city's streets remain dangerous. While city officials have made efforts to improve road conditions and traffic enforcement, the sheer number of crashes suggests a deeper problem tied to reckless driving, speeding, and pedestrian safety issues.

Understanding the scale of the problem means looking at who is affected the most and where these fatal accidents occur. Certain groups, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, are particularly vulnerable. High-speed corridors and poorly designed intersections also contribute to the city’s deadly crash rates.

One of the most troubling aspects of this trend, according to a Crosstown study, is the high number of pedestrian fatalities. In 2024, 170 pedestrians were killed in collisions, only a slight decrease from 185 pedestrian deaths in 2023. These numbers reflect the ongoing risks for those walking in LA, particularly in areas with high-speed traffic and inadequate pedestrian protections.

Here’s a breakdown of LA’s annual traffic deaths:

• 2024: 302 total traffic fatalities (170 pedestrian deaths) - 268 homicides
• 2023: 345 total traffic fatalities (185 pedestrian deaths) - 327 homicides
• 2022: 314 total traffic fatalities (160 pedestrian deaths) - 392 homicides
• 2021: 294 total traffic fatalities (132 pedestrian deaths) - 402 homicides
• 2020: 242 total traffic fatalities (122 pedestrian deaths) - 355 homicides

While there was a 12.5% decrease in overall traffic deaths over the last two years, the number of pedestrian fatalities remains alarmingly high. In a city where many residents rely on walking, biking, or public transportation, the risks of serious injury or death in a traffic accident remain a major concern.

The slight decline in deaths may offer some hope, but for those impacted by fatal crashes, statistics mean little when dealing with the devastating loss of a loved one. The aftermath of a fatal accident can leave families facing emotional trauma, financial burdens, and legal challenges — especially when a crash was caused by reckless or negligent driving.

Why LA’s streets remain dangerous

• Some areas of Los Angeles are significantly more dangerous than others, with certain neighborhoods experiencing far more fatal crashes. In 2024, the LAPD stations with the highest reported traffic fatalities were concentrated in South LA, Central LA, and the San Fernando Valley, revealing a troubling pattern of deadly collisions in these regions.
• South: The 77th Street and Southeast stations in South LA each recorded 31 traffic deaths, highlighting the ongoing risks in areas with heavy traffic, high-speed corridors, and pedestrian safety concerns.
• Central: Central LA’s Newton Division (28 fatalities) and Rampart Division (15 fatalities) also saw a high number of deaths, underscoring the dangers of congested urban roadways.
• Valley: Meanwhile, in the Valley, West Valley (18 fatalities), Van Nuys (15 fatalities), and Mission (14 fatalities) stations reported some of the highest crash fatalities, reflecting the risks on LA’s sprawling suburban roads where speeding and reckless driving remain major issues.

Car crashes, accidents, and fatalities caused by someone else’s wrongdoing

Despite various traffic safety initiatives, several factors continue to contribute to high crash fatalities in Los Angeles:

• Speeding and Reckless Driving: High-speed corridors and freeway ramps create dangerous conditions, especially for pedestrians.
• Distracted Driving: The rise in smartphone use behind the wheel leads to more accidents caused by inattentive drivers.
• Dangerous Intersections: Poorly designed crosswalks, missing traffic signals, and insufficient lighting make some areas more hazardous.
• Lack of Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection: Many streets lack proper sidewalks, bike lanes, or pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Efforts to reduce fatal crashes include traffic enforcement campaigns, improved pedestrian safety measures, and ongoing urban redesign projects, but these changes take time. In the meantime, those involved in serious crashes must navigate insurance claims, medical bills, and legal challenges to recover compensation for their losses.

Los Angeles car accident lawyers fighting for California crash victims

For families in California dealing with the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident, the emotional and financial impact can be overwhelming. Beyond the immediate trauma, surviving family members may be left with medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and long-term hardship.

Those injured in serious crashes may also face months or years of recovery, mounting medical bills, and battles with insurance companies. California law allows victims and their families to pursue compensation when a crash is caused by reckless, negligent, or impaired driving.

Holding at-fault drivers and negligent parties accountable is an important step in securing justice and financial support after a devastating crash. With fatal and serious accidents remaining a persistent issue on LA’s roads, those affected should not have to navigate the legal system alone.

After a serious car accident, navigating insurance claims and legal challenges can be overwhelming. The injury attorneys at Oaks Law Firm offer free consultations to help injury victims understand their rights, assess their cases, and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Our LA car accident lawyers have the experience and skills to get results. Our recoveries include collecting a $5.3 million pedestrian accident settlement. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a California accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

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"Oaks Law Firm provided outstanding legal representation from start to finish. Matthew and his team was professional, attentive, and genuinely cared about my case. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and made sure I understood every step. Their expertise and dedication resulted in a settlement higher than I expected, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you’re looking for a law firm that truly fights for you, call Oaks Law Firm. Thank you for your superb service!" — Grigor A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐