Traffic accidents happen all the time, but some areas of the Flower City seem to be more prone to them than others. If you’ve been involved in a crash at one of the most dangerous roads and intersections for car accidents in Rochester, you should know what to do next.
The most important step you can take is to hire a car accident attorney. However, you can also take preliminary steps to improve your situation when it comes time to file a claim against the responsible driver. We can help you consider where you’re most likely to get into a crash and what to do if that happens.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Rochester
In 2023, Monroe County had the highest number of vehicle crashes, with 14,573 occurring within its county lines. Many of those accidents took place right in Rochester, which had an average of 17 traffic fatalities per year in one recent five-year period. Some of the most dangerous intersections included:
- Lake Avenue & Driving Park Avenue. While the entirety of Lake Avenue along the Genesee River is an accident-prone road, there are some areas that see more intersection crashes than others. Lake Avenue & Driving Park Avenue is one of them. The two streets meet at the western end of a bridge crossing the Genesee, and the intersection is surrounded by commercial parking lots that exit directly into multiple traffic lanes.
- Lake Avenue & Smith Street. The intersection at Lake Avenue & Smith Street is a five-point intersection, which already makes it more dangerous than some. This intersection also hosts high volumes of traffic thanks to its proximity to both the Inner Loop and many of the area’s businesses.
- Lexington Avenue & Mount Read Boulevard. Lexington Avenue & Mount Read Boulevard is a dangerous intersection because of its unusual configuration, poor visibility, and high traffic volume. The intersection hosts multiple commercial parking lot exits and requires complex turn movements to navigate.
What to Do if You Get in a Car Accident at One of Rochester’s Dangerous Intersections
Car accidents can be incredibly stressful, no matter where they occur. Knowing what to do when you get into a car accident at one of Rochester’s most dangerous intersections can make the experience a little less harrowing. Here are the steps you should take immediately following the accident:
- Contact law enforcement. You should report even minor accidents to law enforcement, especially if you plan on filing an insurance claim. The police report can be used as valuable evidence to support your claim. Calling 911 will also get emergency responders to the scene quickly if anyone is injured.
- Check with other passengers. Evaluate yourself for injuries and then check with the other driver and any passengers. If anyone has neck or back pain, don’t move them. Otherwise, help injured people get to a safe place away from traffic while waiting for emergency responders.
- Exchange information. Get contact information for the other motorists involved, any passengers in their cars, and any witnesses to the crash. You should also take down driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information.
- Take pictures. Document any damage to your car or injuries to your person if it’s safe to do so. Be sure to include any visual details that help to explain the accident.
- Seek medical attention. If you haven’t yet sought medical attention for any injuries sustained in the crash, do so as soon as possible after the accident occurs. Keep track of any medical treatment you receive.
- Contact your insurance company. You’ll need to file a report as soon as possible after the accident occurs.
- Call a lawyer. You shouldn’t take any offers made by the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with someone who understands car accident laws. Contact a lawyer right away.
FAQs
Who Is at Fault in an Uncontrolled Intersection Accident?
The driver at fault in an uncontrolled intersection accident is the one who failed to yield the right-of-way. The rules of the road require you to yield to the drivers who arrive at the intersection first. If two drivers arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.
What Is the First Thing You Should Do if You Are Involved in a Road Accident?
The first thing you should do if you are involved in a road accident is call 911 for emergency assistance. After that, check everyone for injuries, turn on your hazard lights, and move to a safe location out of traffic. If you can, you might also want to take pictures of the scene for later use in filing a claim against the responsible driver’s insurance.
What Action Leads to Most Intersection Accidents?
The actions that lead to most intersection accidents include driver errors such as:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Making an illegal left turn
Distracted and aggressive driving can also increase accident risk at intersections. To avoid accidents, follow all road rules and always practice defensive driving.
What Is the Deadliest Road in New York State?
The deadliest road in New York State is Lake Avenue in Rochester. According to one recent report, Lake Avenue has experienced 10 deaths over five years, or 1.46 fatal crashes per mile. Other deadly roads in New York State include:
- Hempstead Turnpike, Long Island
- Southern State Parkway
- Taconic State Parkway
- Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island
- Niagara Falls Boulevard
- Upper Broadway, Manhattan
Some of these roads, such as Upper Broadway, are more dangerous to pedestrians than to other motorists.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle crash, it’s time to hire a car accident lawyer. The team here at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, is familiar with the most dangerous roads and intersections for car accidents in Rochester because we’ve handled many car accident cases. We can help you file your Rochester car accident claim and maximize the compensation you receive for your suffering. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.