With all that it has to offer, Richmond is a great place to live, visit, work, and go to school. However, as with any big city, you face risks simply driving around town, and you could get in a car accident that severely injures you or someone you love. Some areas of the city are more prone to car accidents than others, and you should understand where you are more likely to get into a car accident in Richmond so you can remain vigilant and mitigate your risks of being involved in a crash.
No matter the location, if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident caused by someone else, consult an experienced Richmond car accident attorney immediately for help obtaining the compensation you need.
Locations Prone to Car Accidents in Richmond
Last year, Richmond reported 3,928 vehicle crashes, with 1,970 involving injuries and 24 involving fatalities. The previous year, the city reported 5,656 total vehicle crashes, with 2,665 injuries and 17 fatalities.
Although you run the risk of getting in an accident anywhere in the city, some of the areas most prone to car accidents are:
- Belvidere Street from Main to Leigh Street. This area is near Virginia Commonwealth University and the I-64/I-95 interchanges, so it sees a lot of traffic, particularly when school is in session. Reports claim 47 vehicle crashes happened in the area from Jan. to Sept. in 2022.
- Commerce Road and Hull Street. Located in Richmond’s Manchester district, the area reported 14 crashes from January to September 2022.
- Laburnum and Hermitage. Situated on the city’s Northside near the AP Hill Monument, the area reported 18 crashes from January to September 2022.
Other locations that historically report many crashes each year include U.S. 360 and Commonwealth Center Parkway and West Broad Street and East Parham Road. Also, many accidents happen on interstates 64 and 95, along with Richmond Highway, the Powhite Parkway, and other major thoroughfares throughout the city.
Of course, any time roads converge increases the risks for accidents, and some of the most dangerous intersections throughout the city include:
- Midlothian Turnpike and Turner Road
- Staples Mill Road and Dickens Road
- Hull Street Road and Hey Road
- Cedar Fork Road and Creighton Road
Not surprisingly, morning and evening rush hour times seem to see the highest rates of vehicle accidents overall.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Richmond?
Car accidents can result from:
- Distracted driving. Cellphone use, texting while driving, and manipulating a vehicle’s GPS in transit cause many drivers to take their attention from the road, leading to accidents. However, simply eating while driving, talking to a passenger, or reaching in the backseat can detract a driver’s attention from the task at hand and cause a crash.
- Driver fatigue. Late nights and early morning hours tend to see a lot of crashes caused by fatigued drivers. It is also a leading cause of many commercial truck accidents.
- Drunk driving. Drivers who choose to drive while intoxicated place everyone on the road in danger. Again, many early morning and late night crashes happen because of drunk drivers.
- Road construction. Road construction is an ever-present hazard in Richmond. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore safe-driving suggestions and reduced speed limits in construction zones, or they do not realize traffic and lane patterns have shifted. These lead to many vehicle accidents around the city annually.
- Speeding and reckless driving. Excessive speed is the cause of numerous accidents in Richmond and throughout the country. Drivers should always obey the speed limit and not weave in and out of traffic on multi-lane roads or drive too aggressively to put everyone in danger.
Other common causes of car accidents include faulty road conditions, such as potholes and malfunctioning traffic lights. Richmond also sees its share of wintry and inclement weather each year, and drivers should reduce their speed and distance to avoid causing a collision when roads are slippery.
What You Should Do After a Crash
One of the first steps after a car accident in Richmond is to report it to law enforcement.
Virginia requires drivers to report a motor vehicle accident if:
- The crash resulted in the injury or death of any person.
- The total amount of property or vehicle damage is $1,500 or more.
If you intentionally fail to report such a crash, you can face Class 4 misdemeanor charges and may have your driver’s license suspended. You should also report the crash if the at-fault driver does not have car insurance.
Of course, if you suffered injuries in a car accident, you should get medical attention immediately. Even if you feel your injuries are not serious, you still need to get a medical evaluation. Your attorney will need to include documentation of your injury and treatment when they file your claim with the insurance company.
How Can a Richmond Car Accident Attorney Help?
After suffering injuries in a Richmond car accident caused by someone else, you will need an attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can gather the evidence to support your claim and establish the other driver’s liability, and an attorney can file your claim for you and advocate for you throughout the process to help you get the maximum amount possible.
The time following an accident with injuries is a stressful time for you and your family, and you may have to take time off work to recover. You have enough to worry about, and you want to focus on your physical recovery.
An experienced Richmond personal injury lawyer can handle all aspects of your injury claim and fight hard to help you maximize your financial recovery.