Most Dangerous Highways & Intersections in Richmond
Experienced advocacy for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists injured in Virginia vehicle accidents
Highway driving is dangerous for many reasons. Drivers often travel at high speeds, regularly switching lanes to pass and move to the correct exit lanes. All types of vehicles use highways, including trucks, cars, and motorcycles. Intersection accidents often occur because drivers race through yellow and red lights, fail to yield at stop signs, and fail to look for pedestrians. Every road and every intersection is dangerous. Some roads and intersections are more dangerous than others due to the fatalities and catastrophic injuries they cause.
At Phelan Petty Injury Laws, we understand why highway and intersection accidents happen and who is responsible. We demand compensation for all your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and any other financial or personal damages. We also represent families when highway and intersection accidents are fatal.
FAQs
- Which highways are the most dangerous in Richmond?
- Which intersections are the most dangerous in Richmond?
- Why are highway accidents dangerous?
- Why are intersection accidents dangerous?
- What precautions can drivers take to avoid highway and intersection accidents in Richmond?
- What should I do if I am involved in a highway or intersection accident in Richmond?
- How do you determine who is liable for a highway or intersection accident in Richmond?
- Do you have a Richmond highway or intersection accident lawyer near me?
Which highways are the most dangerous in Richmond?
Accidents on I-95 in Richmond
Interstate 95 is the main north-south highway along the entire East Coast, including Virginia. I-95 runs from the south through Petersburg, along the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, through downtown Richmond, and into Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. I-95. It intersects with Richmond roads I-195, US 250, US 1, and US 301.
Many trucks travel on I-95. Truck accidents are often due to speeding, driver fatigue, and driver distraction.
Accidents on I-295 in Richmond
Interstate 295 runs east and west between Petersburg and Virginia. The southern part of I-295 has an interchange with I-95 in Petersburg, and an interchange with I-64 in Richmond that crosses I-95 north of Richmond and continues toward a second I-64 interchange.
Accidents on 64 in Richmond
Interstate 64 is an east-west highway that runs through Richmond. Parts of I-64 and I-95 are concurrent. I-64 continues east into Newport News and ends in Virginia Beach. It goes west all the way to the Virginia-West Virginia border.
Accidents on I-195 in Richmond
Interstate I-195 is also known as the Downtown Expressway. The highway runs from the south into Richmond and then north into I-95 and I-64.
Accidents on Virginia Route 288 in Richmond
Virginia Route 288 is a state highway that runs around Richmond’s southwest side. It’s also known as the World War II Veterans Memorial Highway.
We also handle accidents that involve many other dangerous Richmond roads.
Which intersections are the most dangerous in Richmond?
Many different news sources and Virginia governmental sources have different lists of the most dangerous intersections in Richmond:
According to Richmond News, the top five intersections for crashes involving pedestrians in 2019 were:
- Alderbridge Way and Kwantlen Street
- Bennett Road and No. 3 Road
- Cook Road and No. 3 Road and Mall Access
- Cooney Road, Lansdowne Road, and Mall Access
- Granville Avenue and Minoru Boulevard
Richmond News’ list of the most dangerous intersections for all types of accidents includes the following locations:
- Shell Road and Alderbridge Way
- Sea Island Way and Garden City Road
- No. 2 Road and Westminster Highway
- No. 4 Road and Alderbridge Way
- Westminster Highway and No. 5 Road
One intersection (Shell and Williams roads) that was known to be dangerous finally installed traffic lights, according to an April 6, 2022, Richmond News report.
Why are highway accidents dangerous?
Highways are generally non-local roads that commercial trucks, cars, and motorcycles can all drive on. Highways carry traffic throughout Richmond, across Virginia, and into other states and the District of Columbia.
Highway accidents are dangerous compared to road and street accidents for many reasons, including the following:
- The vehicles travel at high speeds. The upper speed limits on many Virginia highways are near 70 mph. Many vehicles drive over the speed limit.
- Drivers are more likely to pass and switch into and out of other lanes.
- Driving can be tedious, which may lead to drivers losing focus.
- Drivers are more tempted to rely on cruise control.
- Many drivers drive while intoxicated, distracted, or tired.
- Driving in bad weather at high speeds can be extremely dangerous.
- The roads may not have shoulders to use during emergencies.
- Many roads are not well-lit.
Why are intersection accidents dangerous?
According to the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, most intersections do not have signaled traffic controls. In 2022, there were slightly more than 12,000 deaths at intersections – out of 42,514 total traffic deaths. That means nearly two out of every seven traffic deaths occur at an intersection.
Some of the reasons intersections are dangerous include the following:
- Crossing paths. Intersections are where different lanes of travel intersect – often at 90-degree angles or across from each other. Broadside collisions often occur in intersections.
- An increase in the risk of rear-end collisions. These collisions may occur because the car in front stops when the rear driver thought the driver would proceed. Rear-end collisions may also occur because a driver thinks, incorrectly, that a car in front will move into a turning lane or move through an intersection.
- Failing to yield is a common cause of intersection accidents. Many drivers do not understand which driver has the right of way when there are no traffic signals. Some motorists may also drive through stop signs when they should be yielding to other drivers.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Intersections are the one place where pedestrians and bicycle riders should be able to cross safely. Drivers can cause accidents if they fail to stop before entering a crosswalk. Pedestrians and bicyclists need to understand when they can cross an intersection and when they cannot.
- Poor visibility. Hanging trees, signs, and obstructions can make it difficult for drivers to see across multiple lanes of travel where other vehicles may be oncoming.
- Confusing lanes. Some intersections may have right or left-turn lanes. Intersections with multiple lanes in each direction make it difficult for drivers to know which lane they need to be in to start their turns and which lane to be in when they finish their turns. Intersections that have lanes at angles or involve circles can be especially confusing.
- Wide-turn accidents. Trucks often veer into a second lane of travel to complete their turns. Trucks that are too close to cars when they turn can crush any nearby cars.
What precautions can drivers take to avoid highway and intersection accidents in Richmond?
Some of the steps that drivers should take to reduce the risk of accidents on highways and at intersections include:
- Avoid getting too close to a driver in front
- Understand where the exits are and which exit you need to take
- Plan your route before starting your journey so you do not need to rely on GPS devices
- Yield the right of way to other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians
- Use the passing lanes for passing, not for going fast
- Use your turn signals when turning or passing
- Be ready to use your horn
- Be sure you can complete your turns
- Be ready for slowdowns
What should I do if I am involved in a highway or intersection accident in Richmond?
If a car accident does happen on a Richmond highway or at an intersection in Richmond, drivers should:
- Exchange their car registration, driver’s license information, insurance information, and contact information
- Call the local police
- Tend to anyone who is injured until the police can help
- If you can safely do so, take photos of the accident site and the damage to the vehicles involved in the accident
- Get medical help for your injuries
- Do not discuss fault with anyone, including the police
- Contact our experienced vehicle and pedestrian accident lawyers as soon as possible
How do you determine who is liable for a highway or intersection accident in Richmond?
Our experienced car accident lawyers fight to prove liability and your damages in the following ways:
- Liability. We work with investigators who examine the accident scene, speak with eyewitnesses, look at the damaged vehicles, and inquire of local residences and businesses whether there is any video of the accident. We review the police report and speak with the police, if necessary. In some cases, we work with a traffic reconstruction company. We also work aggressively to show that you did not contribute to the accident in any way because of Virginia’s strict contributory negligence policy.
- Discovery. Our lawyers conduct formal discovery of everyone who has knowledge about your claim. This means that we submit written questions to the defendants and orally question them and any witnesses. We also seek to review the insurance policies, phone records that might indicate driver distraction, electronic logging devices and black boxes of truck drivers and truck companies, and other relevant documents.
- Legal claims. We file claims against all responsible parties, which, in addition to the drivers, may include employers, vehicle owners, trucking companies, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and other defendants.
- Placing a value on your damages. Our team works with your doctors to verify the scope and severity of your injuries. We also work with your employer, financial experts, life planners, and car repair experts/appraisers to determine the full scope of your financial damages.
- Settlement/trial. Our team then works to negotiate a settlement. If your case does not settle, we are always ready to try your highway or intersection claim before a jury.
Do you have a Richmond highway or intersection accident lawyer near me?
Phelan Petty meets accident victims and families at our office located at 3315 West Broad Street, near several state courthouses. Our Richmond accident lawyers represent clients across the entire Commonwealth of Virginia and handle cases in other states. We can make home and hospital visits if your injuries prevent you from traveling. We also discuss cases by phone and through online video platforms like Zoom. Many out-of-state lawyers recommend us and even use us as local counsel.
We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through the claims process.
Experienced Richmond personal injury attorneys on your side
Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers is a team of respected Richmond personal injury lawyers serving clients throughout Virginia. We have decades of experience fighting for injury victims and families. Our lawyers demand full compensation for all your current and future damages. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle accident cases on a contingency fee basis.