LOS ANGELES, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 20, 2026 — Authorities responded to a hit and run crash with injuries on westbound I-105, just west of Vermont Avenue, early on Saturday morning, September 19. A blue Toyota Matrix was reportedly left disabled in the number two lane.
Fire crews with the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene and were reported to be holding two lanes of the freeway while personnel worked. The extent of any injuries has not been released.
Traffic backed up as crews worked the scene, and officers noted heavy congestion before the roadway was reported clear, according to dispatch communications. A tow truck was requested to remove the vehicle from the shoulder.
The circumstances of the hit-and-run, including whether the striking vehicle or driver has been identified, remain under investigation. Authorities have not released further details on the person or people injured.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Hit and Run Crashes: What the Numbers Show
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one in four pedestrian injuries occurred in hit-and-run crashes in 2023. That figure reflects a pattern seen across many types of roadway collisions, not just those involving people on foot: a driver leaves the scene, and the injured person waits longer for help to arrive.
Freeway hit-and-run crashes carry their own risks. Drivers merging around a disabled vehicle or a crash scene often have little warning, and lanes can back up fast behind stopped traffic. When the at-fault driver leaves, investigators lose time they would otherwise use to identify a vehicle, track down witnesses, or review camera footage before it's overwritten.
Cases like this one depend heavily on physical evidence left at the scene, paint transfer, debris, or witness accounts from other drivers. That is part of why agencies ask anyone who saw the vehicle involved to come forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do weather and road conditions affect crash risk?
Wet pavement, glare, and low visibility can all extend stopping distances and make it harder for drivers to react in time, particularly during dawn or dusk, which are common in early-morning commutes.
What should someone do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe area if possible, call 911, and stay put until authorities arrive. Take photos of the scene and any vehicles involved, and get contact information from witnesses if it's safe to do so.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes cluster on freeways and major arterial roads, especially near on-ramps, merge points, and areas with heavy commuter traffic during peak hours.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Crash in Los Angeles, CA
If you're involved in or witness a hit-and-run crash in Los Angeles, try to note any details about the other vehicle: color, make, model, license plate, or direction of travel. Report the crash to police as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor at first, since some symptoms take hours to appear.
Seek medical evaluation promptly, and keep records of any treatment received. Filing a police report creates an official record that can help if the responsible driver is later identified.