Long Beach, CA (September 1, 2025) – A serious two-vehicle collision on Outer Traffic Circle Friday afternoon left a 70-year-old woman injured and suffering from a seizure, prompting an urgent medical response. The incident occurred at approximately 3:42 p.m. and involved a black GMC truck and a Volkswagen GTI.
According to reports from Long Beach Police Dispatch, the Volkswagen sustained major front-end damage and was leaking fluids after the impact. The elderly woman, identified as a passenger or driver in one of the vehicles, experienced seizure activity following the crash, escalating the situation to a medical emergency. Emergency medical teams were dispatched to the scene with lights and sirens under Code 3 due to the critical nature of her condition.
The intersection surrounding the Outer Traffic Circle was temporarily congested as first responders assessed the scene and provided immediate care. Units confirmed the woman was conscious but required urgent medical intervention due to both her injury and neurological distress. Authorities did not indicate any other serious injuries among the other involved parties.
The crash site, which includes a high-speed rotary traffic pattern with multiple feeder roads, has been the location of several recent accidents, often due to confusion or failure to yield during merges and exits. Officers remained on scene to manage traffic and investigate the contributing factors of the collision.
Our thoughts are with the injured woman and her family, and we hope for her full recovery.
Elderly Driver and Passenger Risks in California Traffic Crashes
Accidents involving older adults are especially concerning due to increased vulnerability to both trauma and secondary medical complications. The crash on Outer Traffic Circle, which left a 70-year-old woman in seizure distress, underscores the severe health risks elderly individuals face in vehicle collisions—even when not immediately life-threatening.
Seizures following a crash can be a sign of neurological trauma, stress-induced response, or a pre-existing condition worsened by impact. These outcomes require immediate intervention and often lead to extensive diagnostic care and prolonged recovery. In urban regions like Long Beach—where traffic circles like Outer Traffic are designed to handle complex vehicle flow—crashes involving older drivers or passengers are not uncommon. Rapid traffic transitions and high vehicle density can overwhelm elderly individuals with slower reflexes or reduced situational awareness.
From a public safety standpoint, this incident also highlights the importance of quick, coordinated emergency response. The ability of police and EMS personnel to escalate response to Code 3 status and locate the victim in a nearby parking lot likely made a critical difference in the outcome. But it also raises ongoing concerns about whether existing road infrastructure is accommodating enough for aging populations.
For families affected by such incidents, understanding how to pursue appropriate medical care and navigate legal or insurance claims is essential. Recovery for older victims may involve not only physical rehabilitation but also long-term care planning, home support, or even transportation reassessment.
If someone you care about has been injured in a crash—particularly an elderly loved one—Local Accident Reports is here to support you. Our team connects families with trusted resources to ensure recovery isn’t faced alone. Reach out now to get the help you need.
