If you’re a driver in Richmond, VA, you know that the roads can be chaotic. It can be difficult to know which ones are the most dangerous with many intersections. In this blog post, we will discuss the most dangerous intersections in Richmond and what you can do to stay safe while driving.
If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident in Richmond, reach out to the car accident attorneys at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci for a free consultation to learn more about how our firm can help you pursue full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Car Accidents in Richmond, Virginia
In 2020, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reported 105,600 car crashes, with 52,688 resulting in injury and 847 resulting in death. 4,783 crashes occurred in Henrico county, with over 2,000 injuries and 29 deaths.
Driving requires attention to traffic laws and the drivers around you. This is especially important on the highway or through intersections where congestion is common.
Dangerous Intersections in Richmond
Intersections pose a significant danger to drivers. Statistics show that over 50 percent of fatal and injury crashes occur at or close to intersections. According to a report from The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and crash data from the Richmond Police Department, the five most dangerous intersections in Richmond include:
360 and Commonwealth Center Parkway: 32 crashes
West Broad Street and East Parham Rd: 26 crashes
Hermitage Road and Laburnum Ave: 25 crashes
Belvidere Avenue and Clay St: 19 crashes
Commerce Road and Hull Street Rd: 19 crashes
Other dangerous intersections include Laburnum Road and Hermitage Road, with 16 crashes, and Belvidere Street and Leigh Street, with 15 crashes.
These intersections are considered the most dangerous because they have a high traffic volume, leading to more accidents. Drivers must be extra cautious when approaching these intersections and always yield the right-of-way to other drivers.
How to Stay Safe While Driving in Richmond
There are a few things that drivers can do to stay safe while driving in Richmond:
- Obey the speed limit and pay attention to traffic lights
- Do not tailgate other drivers
- Be aware of your surroundings and do not rely on GPS devices
- Use your turn signal when changing lanes or making a turn
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and cyclists
By following these safety tips, drivers can help make Richmond’s roads safer for everyone. If you have been involved in an intersection accident, reach out to the experienced personal injury lawyers at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci. Our team can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What To Do After a Car Crash in Richmond, Virginia
Car accidents are sometimes inevitable. If you have been involved in an auto accident, there are a few things that you should do:
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident. If you leave, you could be charged with a hit and run.
- Call 911 or the police so that they can file a report.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including any property damage or injuries.
- Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Do not make any statements about the accident or admit fault to anyone, including the police and insurance companies.
- Seek medical treatment. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones will require immediate treatment. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional.
- Contact a Richmond accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your deserved compensation.
Determining Fault in a Richmond Car Accident
After an automobile accident, the insurance companies will start an investigation to determine who was at fault. The insurance adjuster will look at various factors to determine fault, including:
- The police report
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage and repair reports
In some cases, the insurance company may also use accident reconstruction to determine who was at fault. The insurance companies will also try to get a statement from you about what happened. It is important that you do not give a statement to the insurance adjuster without first speaking to an attorney.
What If I’m Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Liability in an auto accident can be shared among the parties involved in the crash. In some cases, fault may be split between the drivers involved in the accident. For example, if one driver ran a red light and hit another driver driving the wrong way, both drivers would likely be found at fault.
Unfortunately, Virginia follows the contributory negligence rule. Under this doctrine, if you are found to have contributed to the accident or your injury in any way, you will not be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
Determining who is at fault for an accident can be a complex process. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to speak to an experienced Richmond car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance company will step in to pay for your damages. If you do not have this coverage, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, our Virginia accident lawyers understand the dangers of auto accidents and their impact on families. We have the extensive experience necessary — more than 200 years combined — to guide injury victims through filing a personal injury claim and seek the compensation they deserve. When you choose to have our firm on your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in good hands.
Learn more about your potential lawsuit. Call our firm today.
