Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in North Carolina (2024)

If you live in North Carolina, you are likely familiar with some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in your area, and various government agencies and nongovernment entities collect accident data from across the state each year. It’s important to know the riskiest places to drive, and it is important to know the value of working with an experienced North Carolina car accident attorney if you intend to pursue compensation for your recent accident.

Danger Zones for Drivers

An experienced Hickory, NC car accident attorney is an invaluable asset if you have recently suffered injuries in a car accident caused by another driver. However, knowing a few of the most dangerous roads and intersections in the area can potentially reduce your risk of causing an accident yourself and incurring liability for any resulting damages to others.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regularly publishes state-specific reports analyzing accident data, important trends, and economic implications of accidents each year. In the state’s most recent report, the NHTSA identified a few areas of concern regarding common causes of accidents, emerging trends in motorist behavior, and planning for improving some of the most accident-prone areas of the state.

I-77, I-485, US-421, and State Route 55 are commonly cited as some of the most dangerous highways in the state when it comes to accidents. Accidents on busy highways are more likely to result in severe damage because drivers move at higher speeds. Accidents are more common around the major metropolitan areas of the state, such as Charlotte, Greensboro, and Asheville.

Accidents are most likely to occur on rural highways, but they can also happen on backroads, in busy urban areas, and within residential neighborhoods. One of the most notorious roads in the United States lies along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. This road, commonly called the Tail of the Dragon, starts at Deals Gap and features 318 curves and 11 bridges.

How to Recover From a Car Accident

Ultimately, you could face innumerable risks no matter when or where you drive. Accidents are more likely to happen at night when visibility is poor, but serious and fatal accidents may also occur during the day. If you believe your recent accident happened because of another party’s actions, an experienced North Carolina car accident attorney can help hold them accountable.

Every driver in the state is legally obligated to have appropriate car insurance coverage, and this coverage comes into play whenever a driver causes an accident. If another driver hits you, you can file a claim against their insurance policy to seek compensation for your damages. If they do not have insurance or they do not have enough coverage to fully repay all your damages, you will need to file a personal injury claim against them.

A successful personal injury claim can yield compensation for any losses insurance can’t cover, such as vehicle repair costs beyond the defendant’s property damage liability coverage limit, medical expenses not covered by insurance, lost wages, and your pain and suffering. The NHTSA has identified intoxicated driving as a leading cause of accidents, and if the at-fault driver broke the law in causing your accident, they also face criminal charges.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Dangerous Road?

A: According to recent accident data, the deadliest stretch of road in the state based on fatal accident rates is Cliffdale Road between Beverly Drive and Landsdowne Road in Fayetteville. It is important to remember that while some roads have higher accident rates and therefore require greater caution, accidents can happen on virtually any road in various unexpected ways.

Q: How Do I Prove Fault for a Car Accident?

A: If you believe another driver is responsible for causing your recent accident, you will need various forms of evidence to firmly establish their liability for the resulting damages. Your North Carolina car accident attorney can help you obtain evidence like cell phone records, witness testimony, and traffic camera footage to assist you in proving fault. You must also prove you did not contribute to causing the accident, or you lose the ability to seek compensation from another driver.

Q: How Much Is a Car Accident Claim Worth?

A: If you are able to prove that another driver caused your recent car accident, you have the right to claim full repayment of all related financial losses, both immediate and future. These are likely to include vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and lost income. You may also claim projected future economic losses and compensation for your pain and suffering. Your North Carolina car accident attorney can estimate the value of your claim.

Q: What Happens to the Driver Who Caused My Accident?

A: The driver responsible for causing your recent accident faces liability for the damages they inflicted. Depending on the severity of your injuries, they may face substantial financial liability beyond your immediate economic losses. Additionally, if they caused the accident through some illegal misconduct, they are also likely to face criminal prosecution. They could face fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspension along with their liability for your damages.

Q: How Much Can I Claim in Pain and Suffering?

A: State law does not use a fixed formula for calculating pain and suffering compensation in a civil suit, nor is there any limit to pain and suffering compensation in motor vehicle accident claims. Your car accident attorney can help determine a suitable amount based on the severity of your injuries and whether you face any long-term or permanent harm.

The Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, can provide comprehensive and compassionate legal counsel for your impending car accident case. We can guide you through the insurance claim filing process, help assess the full extent of damages you can include in your personal injury suit, and guide you through each step of your recovery efforts. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a North Carolina car accident attorney you can trust.