Where Do Most Accidents Occur?

Posted in Personal Injury on July 2, 2025

Where do most accidents occur? In Torrance, California, many crashes happen at intersection points on major streets where drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. Torrance Boulevard is especially prone to collisions with its high traffic volume and complex intersections. The I-405 freeway also sees frequent accidents, particularly near on and off-ramps and during rush hour. 

At Soofer Law Group, we’ve helped many Torrance residents recover after being injured in these high-risk areas. Knowing where accidents happen most often—and why—can help you stay safer behind the wheel.

Why Some Locations See More Accidents Than Others

Several factors contribute to why certain spots become accident hotspots. It’s not always about how fast vehicles are moving. In fact, many accidents happen in places where cars are traveling slowly but unpredictably. High foot traffic, complex signage, unclear right-of-way, and driver distraction all contribute to higher crash rates.

In densely populated areas like Torrance, heavy local traffic, school zones, and mall parking lots create situations where even alert drivers can find themselves in a collision. Add in distracted driving or impatience during peak hours, and the risk only increases.

Most Common Places Where Car Accidents Happen

Our firm has reviewed countless police reports and traffic records from Torrance and surrounding areas. The trends are clear: certain locations consistently show higher accident rates.

Intersections, Parking Lots, and Highways in Torrance

• Intersections: Especially those without dedicated turning lanes or where visibility is compromised, are a leading source of car crashes. Many drivers misjudge yellow lights or assume other cars will yield. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that failure to yield the right-of-way is one of the top causes of intersection collisions.
• Parking Lots: You may not consider a supermarket lot dangerous, but fender-benders and pedestrian impacts are common in these zones. Tight turns, blind spots, and rushed behavior make parking lots deceptively hazardous.
• Freeways and Highways: In Torrance, areas around the I-405 and State Route 91 see frequent rear-end collisions, especially during high-traffic times. Sudden stops, merging traffic, and lane changes without signaling contribute to the risks.

These patterns aren’t just anecdotal. Local crash reports from the Torrance Police Department highlight these areas yearly.

What Makes These Areas So Dangerous?

Specific locations—like intersections, parking lots, and freeway interchanges—consistently see more crashes because they combine several high-risk factors. These environments demand quick decisions, constant awareness, and often, split-second judgment. From our experience handling traffic collision cases in Torrance, here are the most common contributors:

• Limited Visibility: Poor sightlines caused by signage, parked vehicles, or awkward road design make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians, cyclists, or approaching cars until it’s too late.
• Distraction-Prone Environments: Parking lots and intersections often involve more stimuli—phone use, GPS adjustments, pedestrians, and unclear signage—all of which increase the likelihood of a lapse in focus.
• Unclear Right-of-Way Rules: Misunderstandings about who should go first, especially at multi-way stops or unmarked intersections, regularly lead to preventable collisions.
• High Congestion: Heavy traffic in dense areas creates less margin for error. In these stop-and-go situations, even momentary inattention can trigger a chain reaction of crashes.

These overlapping risks raise the chances of accidents and complicate how and why they happen. Even the most cautious drivers can find themselves in a dangerous situation when the road environment is working against them. Torrance is no stranger to personal injury cases caused by high-traffic zones and driver negligence.

Can You Recover Damages After an Accident in These Areas?

Yes. If another driver’s negligence caused your crash—whether in a parking lot, at a busy intersection, or on the freeway—you may be entitled to financial compensation under California law.

At Soofer Law Group, we help injured individuals in Torrance pursue full recovery for a range of losses, including:

• Medical expenses: From emergency care to long-term rehabilitation.
• Lost income: Includes reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to work.
• Pain and suffering: For physical injuries and emotional distress.
• Property damage: Such as vehicle repairs or total replacement.

Wondering, “Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury claim?”  The answer often depends on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of the case.

Even if you were partly at fault, California’s comparative negligence rules allow you to recover damages based on the other party’s share of responsibility. That’s why documenting everything—dashcam footage, eyewitness accounts, and official police reports—can be critical to building a strong claim.

Contact Soofer Law Group After a Crash in Torrance

Collisions in Torrance—at a busy intersection, a freeway on-ramp, or a crowded shopping center—can have serious consequences. At Soofer Law Group, we take the time to evaluate each case thoroughly and fight for the compensation clients deserve. Call (310) 478-5090 today for a free consultation. No fees unless we recover for you.

Ramin Soofer, Esq.

Ramin Soofer, principal attorney at the Soofer Law Group, has been practicing law since 1993. With a deep and longstanding focus in personal injury law, Ramin has dedicated his entire legal career to advocating for clients and their families, helping them recover and rebuild their lives after experiencing serious injuries. His compassionate yet results-driven approach ensures that every case is handled with care, precision, and integrity. As a client, you will reap the benefits of the key cornerstones that define his practice:

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