Los Angeles’s Metro system has expanded rapidly, connecting neighborhoods and easing car traffic. But with increased foot traffic around Metro stations — especially in Downtown LA, Hollywood, East LA, and South Los Angeles — pedestrians face growing risks from vehicles, buses, bicycles, scooters, and crowded street crossings. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer knows that certain areas near Metro stations see a disproportionate number of collisions because infrastructure, traffic flow, and pedestrian patterns do not always align.
If you were injured near a Metro station, identifying common accident hotspots can help you understand why crashes happen and who may be responsible for your injuries.
Why Pedestrian Risk Increases Around Metro Stations
Metro stations are transportation hubs where pedestrians, drivers, rideshare vehicles, and public transit intersect. Factors that contribute to pedestrian crashes near stations include:
- High foot traffic during rush hours
- Bus transfers and shuttle stops adjacent to roadways
- Frequent vehicle turning movements
- Insufficient crosswalk timing
- Inadequate lighting at night
- Distractions from phones, retail activity, or station signage
- Cyclists and e-scooter riders sharing sidewalks
These elements create complex traffic patterns, making it difficult for drivers and pedestrians alike to anticipate one another.
Common Hotspots Near Metro Rail and Bus Hubs
While pedestrian crashes can occur anywhere, certain LA Metro stations and surrounding intersections have shown higher rates of injuries:
- 7th St/Metro Center Station (Downtown LA)
This major transfer hub connects multiple rail lines and bus routes. Heavy crosswalk use and frequent turning vehicles contribute to collisions at intersections such as 7th & Flower and 7th & Figueroa. - Hollywood/Vine Station (Hollywood)
High foot traffic near theaters, restaurants, and retail makes intersections like Hollywood Blvd & Vine hotspots for pedestrian-vehicle accidents. - North Hollywood Station (Valley)
Bus connections and rideshare congestion near Lankershim Blvd & Chandler Blvd often create conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. - Union Station (Chinatown/DTLA)
One of LA’s busiest transit centers, Union Station’s surrounding streets — including Alameda & Cesar Chavez — see a mix of private vehicles, shuttles, and pedestrians that can lead to collisions. - East LA Civic Center Station (East LA)
Nearby businesses and dense residential areas produce heavy foot traffic along Whittier Blvd, where crosswalk timing and driver distractions create risk. - Pershing Square/Grand Ave Arts Station (Downtown)
Tourists and commuters cross busy streets near Olive and Hill St., often conflicting with buses and delivery vehicles.
These locations illustrate how pedestrian collisions often cluster — not because walkers are careless, but because traffic controls and infrastructure lag behind real-world patterns.
Common Collision Scenarios Near Metro Stations
Some of the most frequent causes of crashes near Metro stations include:
- Failure to yield: Drivers turning right at intersections often fail to see crossing pedestrians.
- Rideshare pick-ups/drop-offs: Cars stopping mid-block or in bike lanes force pedestrians into moving traffic.
- Bus/bicycle conflicts: Pedestrians squeezed between buses and cyclists can be struck or forced into the roadway.
- Insufficient crossing time: Signals that do not allow enough time for slower walkers create dangerous mid-crosswalk situations.
A pedestrian accident lawyer will study traffic patterns and signal timing to show how dangerous conditions contributed to the crash.
The Role of Poor Infrastructure
Many pedestrian collision hotspots exist because road design did not anticipate high levels of foot traffic. Common infrastructure issues include:
- Narrow or missing sidewalks
- Lack of raised crosswalks
- Poor lighting at night
- Faded crosswalk markings
- Inadequate curb ramps for ADA access
When deficiencies in infrastructure contribute to an accident, liability may extend beyond negligent drivers to city agencies or property owners.
Metro Zone Collisions Often Involve Multiple Parties
Pedestrian accidents near transit stations frequently involve more than one source of liability. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Negligent drivers
- Rideshare or delivery drivers
- Public transit vehicles
- City or county agencies responsible for road design
- Property owners whose signage or obstructions blocked sightlines
Proving fault often requires a thorough investigation of all involved parties.
Evidence That Strengthens Pedestrian Accident Claims
To build a strong claim after a crash near a Metro station, evidence is critical. Key documentation includes:
- Police reports noting violations or signals
- Photographs of the scene, crosswalks, and traffic lights
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records documenting injuries and treatment
Early preservation of evidence helps prevent insurers or government entities from disputing your claim.
California’s Laws on Pedestrian Right of Way
California law generally gives pedestrians the right of way in marked crosswalks. Drivers are required to stop and remain stopped when pedestrians enter crosswalks. Failing to yield can be a clear basis for negligence claims.
However, comparative negligence rules mean that even partially at-fault pedestrians may still recover compensation — but their award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Why a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Matters for Metro-Area Crashes
Accidents near LA Metro stations often involve complex fault issues, multiple defendants, and dangerous infrastructure conditions. A knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer investigates every aspect of the crash, preserves critical evidence, and fights to hold negligent drivers, city agencies, or property owners accountable.
At Bojat Law Group, we represent pedestrians injured near Metro stations throughout Los Angeles. We pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts. Our legal team works quickly to preserve evidence and navigate government claim rules when necessary.
If you or a loved one were injured while walking near an LA Metro station, call (818) 877-4878 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.