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LOS ANGELES, Los Angeles County, CA, Sept. 21, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash on northbound I-405 near the La Tijera Boulevard off-ramp sent one car up an embankment Sunday morning, September 20, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol said a blue vehicle and a Tesla were involved in the collision on the right shoulder of the freeway. One vehicle went up the embankment, reportedly about 40 feet, while the second vehicle came to rest along the shoulder, the agency's traffic log shows.
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene, though the extent of any injuries has not been released. The incident was initially logged as a collision with unknown injuries before CHP updated it to reflect that units were en route.
The Tesla Model 3 reportedly sustained major front-end damage, according to the CHP log. A tow was requested for a silver Acura that had gone up the embankment, and additional tow trucks responded to clear the vehicles from the roadway. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Why Merge Points and Off-Ramps Concentrate Crash Risk on Freeways
Stretches of freeway near off-ramps put drivers moving at different speeds into the same lanes at the same time. Someone slowing to exit and someone maintaining highway speed end up close together, and the margin for reacting to a sudden lane change or brake check shrinks fast. That mix of speed differential and merging traffic is a big part of why crashes cluster around interchanges rather than spreading evenly along a route.
Engineers have found real gains from changes that give drivers more time and space to adjust. Longer acceleration and deceleration lanes, clearer signage placed farther in advance of an exit, and better lighting at night all give drivers more warning before they need to react. Rumble strips along shoulders and improved lane striping near ramps have also been linked to fewer sideswipe and run-off-road crashes in interchange areas.
Driver behavior is as important as road design: more following distance near an off-ramp, mirror check before a lane change, and last-second exits avoidance reduce the chance that a routine merge turns into a collision. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023, a reminder that the people and infrastructure around a vehicle carry real weight in how a crash turns out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does speed affect the severity of a crash?
Higher speed means more distance needed to stop and more force at the moment of impact. Even a modest increase in speed can turn a minor collision into one with serious injuries.
Why is distracted driving considered so risky?
Taking eyes or attention off the road for even a few seconds removes the driver's ability to react to sudden braking, a merging vehicle, or a stopped car ahead. At freeway speeds, a vehicle covers a long distance in that time.
How do weather and road conditions play into crashes like this?
Wet pavement, glare, or debris on the shoulder can reduce traction and visibility, making it harder to correct after a small steering or braking error. Conditions near ramps and embankments can be especially unforgiving if a vehicle leaves the paved surface.
What should someone do right after being in a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the scene, and wait for law enforcement to document the crash before leaving.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a Los Angeles freeway, try to get your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe area away from moving traffic if it's drivable. Turn on hazard lights and call for help right away. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from a collision don't show symptoms immediately.
Stay at the scene until officers arrive and get a copy of the report once it's available. Keep records of any medical visits, vehicle damage, and communication with insurance companies. Reach out to loved ones so they know you're safe, and give yourself time to recover, both physically and mentally, after an experience like this.
