As one of the most historic cities in the United States, Hampton is a congested city on the Virginia Peninsula. The town sees interstate visitors from all over, including from D.C., Maryland, and the Carolinas.

With increased traffic also comes an increased potential for collisions. Yet, other factors play a large role in contributing to yearly crash rates, including intersections.

Why Intersection Crashes Are Serious

Car accidents that occur in intersections tend to result in serious injuries the majority of the time for one main reason: the point of impact is often the side of the vehicle, which offers the least amount of protection for drivers and passengers. New technology, such as reinforced steel doors and bars is seeking to change this, but occupants are still at risk for sustaining severe injuries.

This is important since many intersection collisions are due to red light violations. Speeders will fly through an intersection at accelerated rates, broadsiding another vehicle crossing the intersection perpendicularly. These are known as T-Bone, angle impact, broadside or side-impact crashes.

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Dangerous Intersections in Hampton

In an article by the Daily Press, a list of Hampton’s most dangerous intersections were given with crash numbers over a three year period. They included:

• W. Pembroke Ave. and N Armistead Ave. – 15
• LaSalle Ave. and Settlers Landing Rd. – 17
• N. Armistead Ave and LaSalle Ave. – 15
• Cunningham Ave. and Mercury Blvd. – 14
• Coliseum Dr. and Mercury Blvd. – 14
• W. Mercury Blvd. and Power Plant Pkwy. – 21
• Magruder Blvd. and Hardy Cash Dr. – 35
• Big Bethel Rd. and Mercury Blvd. – 16
• Big Bethel Rd. and Todds Lane – 19

Big Bethel Ranked One of the Most Dangerous Roads at Intersections

Perhaps as no surprise, Big Bethel Rd. made a national list of the most dangerous intersections in the U.S., according to Business Insider. Crashes are consistently reported along the stretch of highway at multiple intersections, though the highest number of car crashes arguably occurs at Big Bethel Rd. and Hampton Roads Center Parkway.

Hampton Car Accident Rates

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Hampton recorded 3,242 crashes in 2018. The report notes 11 deaths and 2,735 injuries in the city that year. Hampton has 88,452 licensed drivers and a death rate of 0.12 per 1,000 drivers.

In the same year, neighboring Newport News recorded 3,546 accidents, 17 deaths, and 2,074 injuries. Although Newport News’ death rate was higher, the City of Hampton had a higher car accident injury rate.

Injuries from T-bone Crashes

Because intersection crashes tend to be high impact and strike the thinnest side of a vehicle, the injuries are often severe. However, even low impact intersection car accidents can cause significant damage – both to vehicles and occupants.

Side-impact accidents cause injuries such as:

• Whiplash
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Herniated discs
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Wrongful death

While this is all severe damage, even minor injuries can disrupt your daily life. Depending on their seriousness, auto accidents can require extended time away from work, high medical costs and a loss of the quality of life. There is also often tremendous emotional distress and in certain cases, trauma leading to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

How a Hampton Car Accident Injury Lawyer Can Help

Although few motorists may choose to deal directly with insurance companies over minor claims, it’s advisable to hire a lawyer to protect your rights if you suffered an injury in a wreck. Not only is it time-consuming, but your health and personal life will also undoubtedly require valuable time and attention. Trusting your case to an experienced car accident attorney greatly relieves the burden of recovering the compensation you are owed after a wreck.

The Smith Law Center has represented Virginia Peninsula residents since 1949. We are a nationally acclaimed law firm with roots in the Hampton community. Our attorneys have forged reputations as experienced trial lawyers who will take your case all the way to court if necessary. We have won millions of dollars for clients in car, truck, and motorcycle injury cases.

If you or a loved one has been injured at one of Hampton’s dangerous intersections, please contact us today to learn how we can help at (757) 244-7000.