Knowing what the most dangerous roads in Virginia are is one way of protecting yourself while driving. If you were injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

One way to help prevent traffic accidents is to know which roads in your area are the most dangerous. Such knowledge may allow you to take extra safety precautions when using those roads, or to avoid them when possible.

Traffic accidents can happen to anyone at any time while on the road. However, if you or a loved one were injured in a car accident due to someone’s negligence, drunk driving, or distracted driving, you may need to file a lawsuit for compensation.

At Smith Law Center, we have extensive experience litigating car accident lawsuits. We have a proven track record of returning significant verdicts and settlements for our clients. Contact us at (757) 244-7000 to schedule a free consultation regarding your car accident claim.

Read on to learn more about the most dangerous roads in Virginia.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Virginia?

As mentioned, being aware of the most dangerous roads and highways can help increase your safety while commuting or driving. According to recent data, these roads in Virginia are associated with high car accdent and fatality rates. These highways are:

Interstate 64

Interstate 64, or I-64, is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Virginia. In one year, there were almost 900 traffic accidents on I-64 in just the city of Norfolk alone, many of them resulting in serious injuries or even death.

In particular, the stretch of highway from exits 258 to 264 recorded a high number of fatal accidents (11 in one year). So, if you need to travel on I-64, take extra driving precautions, especially during nighttime, heavy traffic hours, and holiday travel seasons. Drunk driving (DUI) is also prevalent.

U.S. Route 460 (US-460)

US-460 is another dangerous highway in Virginia. In one study period, there were over 120 fatalities recorded on the highway. At one point, US-460 was listed as the 55th most dangerous highway in America; while this is relatively low, it is still significant enough to warrant attention and care when traveling this road.

U.S. Route 58 (US-58)

This highway is the longest-numbered route in Virginia and serves as a main roadway for the state. Specifically, the stretch of US-58 near Virginia Beach and along the Kentucky border has been known for highway crashes and fatalities.

Along with US-460, US-58 was tied for 55th most dangerous highway in the country. The highway is known for its hairpin turns and steep grades, and special care should be taken when driving through these features. Hairpin turns typically require the vehicle to turn 180° on the road.

Interstate 81 (I-81)

This is another Virginia highway associated with a high number of traffic crashes. In one year, there were almost two accidents per day recorded on Interstate 81. Tractor trailers use this highway heavily due to its north-to-south orientation.

When traveling on Interstate 81, take special care due to the high number of cars on the road, especially tractor trailers. Commercial trucking accidents can be dangerous due to the large size and weight of trucks compared to passenger vehicles.

Interstate-295 (I-295)

This highway is also a hot spot for automobile crashes in Virginia. In particular, the stretch between Exit 41A and Exit 34B has been associated with several fatal crashes.

I-295’s primary purpose is to direct long-distance travel away from the downtown Richmond area. As such, the road is often used by long-distance commuters and travelers, which can increase congestion and traffic on the highway.

Due to terrain, geographic features, and traffic, the roadways in Virginia can present unique dangers and safety risks. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you may need to file a lawsuit for damages.

‍Contact the Smith Law Center at (757) 244-7000 for legal representation. We can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal rights.

Dangerous Intersections in Virginia

Besides these highways, the following intersections in the Hampton area are considered dangerous:

• W. Pembroke Ave. and N Armistead Ave.
• LaSalle Ave. and Settlers Landing Rd.
• N. Armistead Ave and LaSalle Ave.
• Cunningham Ave. and Mercury Blvd.
• Coliseum Dr. and Mercury Blvd.

Accidents at intersections can be particularly dangerous, because they can involve head-on collisions, T-bone crashes, and rear-end accidents. Crashes at an intersection can lead to serious injuries, including whiplash and traumatic brain injuries.

What Damages Are Available After a Crash?

You may be entitled to significant compensation if someone else’s carelessness caused your injuries in a crash. Damages in a car accident lawsuit can cover a wide range of losses, including:

• Hospital bills and medical costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Costs associated with rehabilitation and follow-up treatments
• Expenses for property repair
• Wrongful death expenses

The exact amount of damages available in a car accident lawsuit will vary from case to case. Compensation can depend on several factors, including the extent of the losses as well as the skill of the attorney handling the case.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

The services of a lawyer may be needed if you’ve been in a car accident. Even a seemingly straightforward case can contain complex legal issues that require the help of a professional. A qualified lawyer can help you by:

• Examining the cause of the accident
• Researching which laws apply to your case
• Gathering evidence, documents, and witness statements
• Constructing a solid legal strategy
• Negotiating for the ideal compensation amount

In particular, you may need a lawyer after a car accident if any of the following are involved:

• Severe injury
• Major property damage
• Extreme negligence or disregard for traffic laws
• Multiple parties in a single crash
• Drunk driving or distracted driving

An experienced lawyer will be able to sort out important issues such as causation, liability, and damages. In many instances, attempting to handle a lawsuit without a lawyer can result in a lower settlement award, especially if important legal issues are not addressed properly.

Contact a Lawyer if You’ve Been Injured on the Most Dangerous Road in Virginia

Virginia is home to some of the region’s busiest roads and highways, which present various safety risks to drivers. If you’ve been in an accident, seek medical attention immediately and contact a lawyer as soon as you can.

An attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected as you pursue a legal remedy for your losses. Your lawyer can provide you with the guidance and representation needed for your case.

Why Hire Us for Your Lawsuit

At the Smith Law Center, we have decades of combined experience handling car accident cases of all kinds, especially those involving traumatic brain injuries. We have a long history of delivering significant results on behalf of our clients.

On top of all this, we treat our clients like family and prioritize their needs and concerns. Contact us at (757) 244-7000 to set up a free consultation to discuss your options moving forward. We are on hand to ensure you are compensated to the fullest extent under the law.