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COMMERCE, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 20, 2026 — Three vehicles collided on Saturday evening, September 19, at South Marianna Avenue and East Olympic Boulevard in Commerce, according to authorities. At least one person reported injuries in the crash.
The California Highway Patrol received a report of a crash involving a Honda CR-V, a Honda Civic, and a Mazda at the intersection. The call was initially logged as a collision with no injuries, but was reportedly upgraded within minutes after a report of injuries came in.
Officials said the vehicles were not blocking traffic following the crash. Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics were asked to provide an estimated arrival time, indicating that at least one person may have needed medical attention at the scene, though the extent of any injuries has not been released. The circumstances leading up to the crash remain under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Why Multi-Vehicle Crashes Happen at Intersections Like This
Intersections where three vehicles collide often involve a sequence rather than a single failure. One driver misjudges a gap, brakes late, or turns against oncoming traffic, and a second or third vehicle gets pulled into the chain reaction before anyone can react. Evening hours add another layer, as glare, fatigue, and heavier commute traffic all narrow the time drivers have to adjust.
Speed plays a role in both how these crashes start and how bad they get. A driver moving even 10 mph over the flow of traffic has less time to spot a hazard and needs more distance to stop. When a collision does happen, that same speed determines how hard vehicles strike each other and how far they travel afterward, which is often what turns a fender-bender into a crash with injuries.
Intersections concentrate these risks because they force multiple decisions at once, yielding, turning, and merging, all in a small space. A driver who is slightly too fast or slightly late to react has far less room to correct course than on an open stretch of road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes car accidents like this one?
Common factors include following too closely, misjudging another driver's speed or right of way, distraction, and delayed braking, especially at busy intersections with multiple lanes of traffic.
How much does speed affect how serious a crash is?
Higher speed increases both the chance of a crash and the force involved when one happens. Even modest increases in speed can substantially lengthen stopping distance and worsen the outcome of an impact.
Why is distracted driving considered so risky?
A driver looking at a phone or otherwise not watching the road for even a few seconds can miss brake lights, a lane change, or a light turning red, all of which matter most in the seconds before a crash.
Do weather or road conditions make crashes more likely?
Wet pavement, glare from low sun, and poor visibility all reduce traction and reaction time, which can turn a routine intersection crossing into a collision.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Commerce, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe area if your vehicle is drivable and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms, particularly from whiplash or head impact, don't appear right away.
Exchange information with the other drivers involved and, if it's safe to do so, take photos of vehicle positions and damage. Seek a medical evaluation promptly, even if you feel fine, and keep records of any treatment. Report the crash to your insurer and request a copy of the official collision report once it's available from the California Highway Patrol.
