Car accidents are expensive, not just in terms of medical bills and car repairs, but also in lost wages, emotional trauma, and long-term recovery. In 2025, California drivers and passengers are facing some of the highest costs in the nation after a crash. But the true price of an accident depends on where it happens. From Los Angeles to Fresno, the cost of being in a collision varies widely. Here’s a city-by-city breakdown of what victims in California are paying in 2025.
Los Angeles
As California’s largest city, Los Angeles sees the highest overall accident costs. In 2025, the average serious injury accident in LA costs victims more than $85,000, factoring in hospital stays, rehabilitation, and lost income. Traffic congestion and high rates of distracted driving mean longer recovery times and more complex claims.
San Diego
San Diego drivers face average accident costs of about $72,000 in 2025. DUI-related accidents drive this number up, as drunk driving incidents often result in catastrophic injuries. Victims frequently need long-term care, especially in cases involving pedestrians and motorcyclists.
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in California for car accident victims, with averages close to $95,000 in 2025. The city’s dense traffic, high pedestrian activity, and costly medical care all contribute to higher financial burdens. Wrongful death cases in San Francisco also average larger settlements due to higher living costs.
Sacramento
In Sacramento, the average cost of a serious accident in 2025 is around $68,000. Many accidents involve commuters on the Capital City Freeway, where pileups and rear-end collisions are common. Medical facilities in Sacramento report longer recovery times for crash victims compared to state averages.
Fresno
Fresno’s accident costs are slightly lower than the state’s big cities, averaging $55,000 in 2025. However, truck accidents on CA-99 often lead to costs much higher than average, with some families facing six-figure medical bills.
Bakersfield
In Bakersfield, serious accidents average about $58,000 in costs. High truck traffic and rural freeway conditions mean accidents often involve larger vehicles, which leads to severe injuries and long-term care needs.
Riverside
Riverside drivers face average accident costs of about $62,000 in 2025. Many accidents occur on the 91 and 215 freeways, where heavy commuter traffic increases both crash frequency and severity.
Why the Costs Differ by City
Several factors explain these differences. Cities with denser populations and higher living costs see larger medical bills and wage loss calculations. Areas with more truck traffic or DUI crashes also generate higher injury costs. Insurance practices can vary by county, adding another layer of complexity.
What Victims Can Do in 2025
After an accident, victims should document all expenses, from emergency care to rehabilitation, and avoid accepting quick settlements from insurers. Many families underestimate the long-term costs of a crash, including therapy, medication, and reduced earning capacity. Consulting a personal injury lawyer ensures all damages are factored into a claim.
Conclusion
The cost of a car accident in California in 2025 depends heavily on where it happens. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego top the list for highest costs, while Fresno and Bakersfield see slightly lower averages. No matter the city, the financial toll can be overwhelming without legal guidance. At Hillstone Law, we fight to ensure victims across California recover the full compensation they deserve after an accident.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
