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If you have been driving in St. Louis for any length of time, you know there are several dangerous city intersections. St. Louis is a large metropolitan area with over 25,000 vehicles on I-70 alone and approximately 36,000 in the city area.
St. Louis is also home to several other interstates that run through the city, including I-64, I-55, and I-44. However, one of the downsides to the easy availability of interstate travel is that several on- and off-ramps have seen numerous motor vehicle accidents, many proving fatal.
Suppose you have been injured or your family member has been killed in an accident at an intersection. In that case, you must hire an experienced auto accident attorney to evaluate your case and determine your legal options.
Contact our law offices and ask to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with our knowledgeable attorney.
What Are the Five Most Dangerous Intersections?
Although there is no shortage of accidents at intersections in the St. In The Louis area, there are several that stand out over the others. These dangerous intersections include:
- Grovois and Lindbergh Boulevard: Grovois and Lindbergh Boulevard is by all accounts the most dangerous intersection in St. Louis. They are two highly traveled roads whose speed limits quickly converge on one another. With the high volume of motorists merging at high speeds, the chance of serious accidents occurring increases considerably.
- North Grand and Montgomery in the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood: The average speed of most vehicles on North Grand is more than 40 mph, as there are no stop signs or traffic lights to slow down traffic. This excess speed makes it challenging for drivers who need to turn left onto Montgomery to head into downtown St. Louis on their daily commute.
- Exit from Interstate 64 and Grand Boulevard: The northbound exit that takes drivers from I-64 towards Grand Blvd. has a sharp curve that often surprises those driving too fast or unfamiliar with the road.
- Grand Avenue and Interstate 70: One of the reasons this exit proves to be dangerous is that drivers need clarification regarding the name of the street. On the western side of the I-70 underpass, the street is named Grand Blvd. However, the name changes to Grand Ave once a driver passes under the interstate. This slight difference in naming often causes drivers to hesitate or stop quickly, leading to accidents.
- Jefferson Avenue and I-44: This intersection is dangerous as seven interchanges confuse drivers. One of the main issues involves drivers needing to determine who should have the right of way and where turning lanes begin and end.
What Factors Contribute to Dangerous Intersections?
Poorly designed traffic patterns are among the most significant factors contributing to dangerous intersections. In many cases, intersections will have several on-ramps or exit ramps close to one another, making it confusing at night or for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
Some other factors that contribute to dangerous intersections include:
- Traffic congestion
- Lack of street signs
- Ill-placed or non-functioning traffic lights.
- Drivers follow too close to the vehicle in front of them.
- Drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Speeding through intersections.
Finally, another factor that plays a considerable part in accidents at intersections comes down to inattentive or distracted driving. Drivers are often distracted by their cell phones, GPS, or other passengers and fail to notice sudden changes around them.
What Steps Can I Take to Protect Myself at Dangerous Intersections?
There are several steps drivers can take to be proactive and protect themselves at intersections, such as:
- Slow down when approaching an intersection.
- Always check twice before entering the intersection. Even if you have the right of way, other drivers often fail to obey traffic laws and may pull out in front of you.
- Always assume there are crosswalks in the intersection.
- Always check for pedestrians or bicyclists at crosswalks.
- Always make a complete stop at an intersection and check for oncoming traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians.
- If the intersection is in a residential neighborhood, watch for children.
- If you need to navigate a blind intersection, approach it cautiously until your view is no longer obstructed so you can proceed safely.
Understanding the rules of how to drive in busy or dangerous intersections is critical in helping drivers and their passengers avoid mistakes and potentially serious accidents.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer if I Have Been Involved in an Accident at an Intersection?
If you or a family member have been in an accident at an intersection, you may have suffered severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries that occur due to collisions at intersections include:
- Head injury
- Whiplash
- Broken bones/fractures
- Bruises
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Due to the severe nature of injuries that accident victims can suffer due to intersection accidents, it is always best to hire an experienced attorney to handle your case.
It is common practice for insurance companies to try to blame the other driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian for causing the accident. Insurance companies are typically focused on profits and not the well-being of accident victims who file compensation claims.
For these reasons, if you have been injured in an accident, you must hire a well-qualified lawyer who will be fearless in standing up for your legal rights.
Our auto accident lawyer and legal team have extensive experience handling motor vehicle accident cases and would be honored to help you resolve your legal issues.Contact the Labovitz Law Firm of St. Louis, MO, at 314-668-2268 and ask to schedule a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and help you explore your legal options.
