According to data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, car accidents in Richmond, Virginia, most often occur along heavily traveled roads and at high-traffic intersections, including portions of I-95, I-64, Broad Street, Hull Street, and other major thoroughfares.
Being involved in a car accident can lead to many questions and worries. You may have left the crash scene, visited a doctor, and now find yourself concerned about how to move forward. Talking with a Richmond car accident lawyer can be a step toward making sense of the aftermath and seeking compensation for injuries.
There’s no reason to shoulder all the burdens of an accident claim on your own, especially when there are legal professionals ready to manage the process. At Allen & Allen, we commit to taking on that task so you can concentrate on healing.
Our firm provides a compassionate and caring approach for anyone grappling with the challenges that arise after a car wreck. Whether you’ve experienced a minor accident or a severe collision, seeking legal counsel early on can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.
About Allen & Allen
For more than 100 years, we have recognized and honored our responsibility to clients, members of our firm, and our community. Our relationships are built on integrity, respect, compassion, and trust—the same values that have guided us since 1910.
At Allen & Allen, we commit to more than simply providing you with legal representation. We commit to making your fight our fight, ensuring you are treated fairly by the insurance companies, and obtaining justice on your behalf. That is what we mean when we say, “I am an Allen.”
Car accidents by the numbers in the Greater Richmond area
The Richmond-Petersburg Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is the 44th largest in the United States. It includes four cities, including the City of Richmond, and nine counties.
According to the Virginia DMV’s most recent traffic crash report, the City of Richmond recorded the most auto accidents among the four in the MSA, with 5,661 crashes. There were 28 reported fatalities and 2,944 injuries. Combined, the four cities had 7,379 crashes in 2023, with 35 fatalities and 4,208 injuries.
The counties in Richmond MSA recorded 15,793 crashes, 118 fatalities, and 6,991 injuries. Altogether, the Richmond-Petersburg MSA experienced 23,172 crashes, resulting in 153 fatalities and 11,199 injuries during 2023.
In 2023, Virginia had 127,597 crashes statewide, with 907 fatalities and 63,876 injuries.
Key crash hotspots in Richmond
In general, the areas with more traffic volume see higher crash counts. These corridors support large numbers of commuters, commercial vehicles, and sometimes out-of-state drivers passing through. Even slight miscalculations or periods of inattentive driving at high speeds can lead to collisions in these areas.
Interstate 95 (I-95)
I-95 is a major north-south highway that slices through the heart of Richmond, connecting the city to Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and beyond. Heavy local and interstate traffic converges here, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Drivers rushing to get to their destination, merging from multiple lanes, and dealing with frequent construction or roadway changes all contribute to collisions.
Common factors on I-95:
- Merging traffic from multiple exits and entrances
- Congestion around rush hour
- Large trucks passing through
- Distracted driving as motorists attempt to navigate unfamiliar territory
Interstate 64 (I-64)
I-64 is another significant corridor that connects Richmond to Williamsburg, Hampton Roads, and Charlottesville to the west. Parts of I-64 experience abrupt congestion, especially around interchanges where drivers merge onto and off the highway. This congestion can result in rear-end accidents, lane-change collisions, and side-swiping.
Conditions leading to crashes on I-64:
- Sudden slowdowns near interchanges
- High speeds and tight merges
- Weather-related hazards such as heavy rain, which can lead to hydroplaning when motorists are unprepared or careless
Interstate 195 (I-195) and the Downtown Expressway
The Downtown Expressway and I-195 link I-95 and I-64 with central Richmond. While shorter than the other interstates, these routes can still present heavy traffic. Motorists trying to save time by using the toll road may speed or make quick lane changes. This results in a heightened chance of collisions in key spots, especially near the Cary Street and Broad Street exits, where merges can be quite short.
Broad Street (U.S. Route 250)
Broad Street (U.S. Route 250) is one of the city’s main east-west routes. It’s lined with commercial developments, restaurants, shopping centers, and some of Richmond’s most popular neighborhoods. It’s also a thoroughfare for residents, students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and visitors alike.
Traffic concerns in this area include:
- Pedestrian traffic can be significant near VCU and downtown
- Frequent stops and starts at numerous traffic signals
- Distracted driving from looking for parking spots, store entrances, or crosswalks
Hull Street (U.S. Route 360)
Hull Street sees a mix of residential, commercial, and commuter travel. Speed limits vary, and many drivers fail to adjust accordingly. Congestion, rapid lane changes to access businesses along the route, and driver error at busy intersections increase the risk of collisions.
Other congested areas
While the above thoroughfares top most lists for high crash counts in Richmond, there are many smaller roads and intersections that see more collisions than others. Here are a few reasons why certain spots become hotspots:
- Multiple lanes merging in a short distance
- Lack of clear signage or poorly timed traffic signals
- Visibility issues (sharp bends, improper lighting, etc.)
- High pedestrian or cyclist volume
If you have questions about your specific crash location, talking to a local car accident attorney at Allen & Allen can provide more context on whether that stretch of road is known for collisions. While the circumstances of your crash matter more than the location, being aware of common hotspots can help you remain alert when traveling.
Typical locations for car accidents and why
Regardless of the city, certain types of roads and intersections see more accidents than others. This is true in the Richmond area as well. Common sites where accidents occur, and the reasons behind the elevated risks in these areas, include:
Intersections with complex traffic patterns
Intersections where multiple lanes converge, or where left-turns and right-turns conflict with oncoming traffic, often feature higher crash rates. In cities like Richmond, some older road designs may not account for modern traffic volumes, leaving drivers with limited reaction time or unclear signage. Sudden stops at yellow lights and turning across multiple lanes are frequent collision triggers.
Highways with heavy congestion
High-traffic highways often host serious accidents due to speed disparities and lane-switching. Fast-moving vehicles, combined with congestion from commuters, create unpredictability. Drivers who are unfamiliar with an area may brake suddenly or miss exits. Tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles present an additional challenge due to their longer braking distances.
Residential areas and local roads
Not all accidents occur on major roadways. Residential streets with lower speed limits can still be the site of crashes. Children playing, pedestrians crossing the street, or drivers rolling through stop signs while in a hurry can all spark collisions. Poor lighting and narrow lanes can also increase the risk.
Parking lots and parking garages
While speeds are often lower in parking lots, collisions still happen with considerable frequency. Drivers may back out without looking, fail to yield to pedestrians, or drive too fast in cramped spaces. Since many large shopping centers are located near or off Broad Street or Hull Street in Richmond, these lots can be surprisingly active areas for low-speed crashes.
Rural roads on the city outskirts
Richmond may be a metropolitan area, but surrounding suburbs have rural roads that often connect to the city. These routes can have minimal lighting, few traffic signals, and plenty of twists and turns. Speed limits may be higher than what feels comfortable to many drivers. Animals crossing, limited shoulders, and poor road conditions in some areas contribute to collision risks.
How a car accident lawyer can help after a Richmond crash
You might wonder whether you need to talk to a lawyer. The truth is, an injury attorney can do much of the heavy lifting so you can focus on recovering. If you are seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain related to an accident, a lawyer’s involvement often strengthens your chances of a fair outcome.
Handling insurance companies
Insurance adjusters have extensive training in negotiating settlements. They may utilize complex methods to minimize payouts. Having legal representation from Allen & Allen can balance those negotiations. Your lawyer can gather evidence, present it effectively, and counter low settlement offers with properly calculated damages.
Investigating the accident
A thorough investigation can include analyzing police reports, revisiting the accident scene, gathering surveillance footage, and talking to witnesses. Your lawyer may also work with accident reconstruction professionals if fault is disputed. Rather than you scrambling to assemble these pieces, a legal team can coordinate the investigation on your behalf.
Calculating past, present, and future damages
Medical bills often extend far beyond the immediate emergency room visit. Some injuries may require surgeries, ongoing treatments, or therapy. A settlement that covers only initial expenses could leave you with out-of-pocket costs down the road. Lawyers frequently work with medical providers to estimate long-term care, ensuring that your claim accounts for future needs as well.
Negotiating or litigating, if necessary
Many claims are settled without a trial. When settlement negotiations stall or the insurer refuses to cooperate, an experienced personal injury lawyer can file a lawsuit and advocate in court. Filing a lawsuit can motivate insurers to reevaluate their stance. If a case does proceed to trial, your attorney is with you every step of the way, explaining the process and safeguarding your interests.
Offering peace of mind
Emotional stress follows many collision victims, especially those facing injuries, financial strain, and time missed at work. Having legal guidance can reduce the anxiety of battling insurance companies alone. By turning to a lawyer at Allen & Allen, you can lean on a dedicated team that has been defending injured Virginians for over a century.
Virginia laws that may apply to a car accident claim
Car accident claims in Virginia follow state-specific guidelines. While each person’s case will differ, some broad legal points might apply to your situation.
Statute of limitations
Virginia law typically allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Filing even one day late can cause a case to be dismissed. While most claims are settled without going to court, the possibility of needing a lawsuit remains.
This timeline emphasizes why talking to a lawyer soon after a crash is worthwhile. Consulting a lawyer well within that two-year window can set the stage for a thorough investigation and fair negotiations.
Insurance regulations
Virginia does not require all drivers to carry liability insurance (drivers can opt to pay an Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee to the state instead). This can complicate your claim if the at-fault driver has inadequate or no insurance. A lawyer can explore options such as tapping into your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM coverage) if your policy includes that provision.
Different potential defendants
In many collisions, the at-fault driver is the sole defendant. However, other entities might share responsibility. If a trucking company employed the driver, if a road was improperly maintained by a municipal entity, or if a parts manufacturer’s defect contributed to your injuries, you might have multiple defendants. Although multiple defendants could improve your chances of securing damages, it also adds complexity that a car accident lawyer can help manage.
Contact Allen & Allen for help after a Richmond traffic collision
If you’ve been in a collision along I-95, I-64, or any roadway in the Richmond area, you can contact Allen & Allen. Our attorneys have advocated for injured Virginians for more than a century. You can set up a consultation to discuss your options and how we can help you pursue your claim. We focus on taking the weight off your shoulders so you can prioritize your recovery and well-being.
We have offices located throughout Virginia and serve clients from many different areas. Even if your crash happened in Richmond, but you live elsewhere, you can still work with us. We strive to make the process as convenient as possible.
We are committed to making your fight our fight. Let us put our legacy of service to work on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation, call our Richmond office at 866-388-1307 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
