Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Maryland for Car Crashes
Maryland is a beautiful state with many scenic roads and landscapes to explore, but these roads can also carry risks. Unfortunately, these high-risk areas consistently produce a high number of severe car crashes, catastrophic injuries, and fatal accidents occurring at intersections and on busy roadways. Certain roads in Maryland are known to be especially prone to car crashes. The factors that contribute to car accidents include the high-volume traffic, driver negligence, outdated road designs, complex layouts, poor road conditions, and failing to yield to traffic.
It is crucial for drivers to be aware of the most dangerous roadways and intersections in Maryland to stay safe while on the road. There are multiple factors responsible for the high incidence of accidents in Maryland’s roads and intersections. The high-volume traffic is a primary contributor that results in congestion and driver frustration. Additionally, some roads and intersections have deficient signage and bad road designs that can cause driver confusion and errors. For example, many motorists do not know what to do at an intersection with flashing lights. Furthermore, driver negligence, including speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence, is a significant factor in many Maryland motor vehicle crashes. It is imperative that motorists become aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions to remain safe while driving in order to reduce the number of auto accidents.
List of Most Dangerous Roads in Maryland for a Car Crash
These roads are notorious for their high car accident rates and have been consistently identified as high-risk due to their high traffic volume, bad road design, and car accident history.
Interstate 95 (I-95)
I-95 runs through the heart of Maryland and is one of the busiest highways in the state. In fact, it is the primary highway on the east coast. It runs from Miami, Florida, through to the tip of Maine. It has a length of 1,924 miles and was constructed in 1957. The stretch of I-95 that goes through Maryland is 110.01 miles in length. The dangerous road travels northeast towards Baltimore, Maryland. It uses the Fort McHenry Tunnel to travel under Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. I-95 is considered dangerous due to extreme, high-volume traffic, heavy commercial truck traffic, and aggressive driving. The combination of severe congestion, complex, narrow lane shifts in construction zones, and high-speed, fast-moving traffic creates high car crash risks.
The Jones Falls Expressway
I-83, more particularly the stretch that includes the Jones Falls Expressway, is another dangerous route. Despite speed cameras operating on this section of road to deter excessive speeding, which is a top cause of fatal car collisions because of the risk of vehicles rolling over, glass breaking, airbags deploying, or engines catching on fire, the Jones Fall Expressway remains a relatively dangerous Maryland roadway. Where the Jones Falls Expressway intersects with Northern Parkway and West Cold Spring Lane are specific spots for bad car crashes, largely due to the high volume of merging traffic.
State Route 210
Maryland Route 210 is one of the most dangerous roads in the state, spanning about 20 miles. According to a late 2023 report from the Maryland Department of Transportation and State Highway Administration outlining the dangers of Route 210, there were about 39 fatal car crashes on that road alone over the past decade, four of which involved pedestrians. Though efforts have been made to make this section of road less dangerous for motorists and pedestrians, such as adding new pedestrian crosswalks, it remains a common stretch for car accidents in Maryland.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Maryland for Car Accidents
Driving through Maryland means dealing with busy and congested intersections that see a high number of automobile accidents every year. Intersections are particularly dangerous because they bring together multiple streams of traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
U.S. Route 1 & I-95 in Laurel
This intersection is one of the busiest in the state, with heavy commuter and commercial traffic moving through daily. The mix of merging vehicles, local traffic, and trucks makes it a frequent site for car wrecks.
Reisterstown Road & Northern Parkway in Baltimore City
This spot is known for frequent car collisions, largely due to heavy traffic flow and confusing traffic signals. Motorists must be especially cautious during peak rush hours, as car crashes are more prevalent at this time of the day.
Pulaski Highway & Moravia Road in Baltimore
The combination of high-speed vehicles and complicated merging patterns make this intersection a common site of car accidents. It is especially challenging for out-of-town motorists unfamiliar with the area.
These locations are known hazard zones, and crashes on these roads often involve severe injuries, complex liability issues, and aggressive insurance tactics.
What to Do if You’re Injured on a Dangerous Road or at a Dangerous Intersection in Maryland
- Keep calm and assess the situation. If anyone has been injured and needs immediate medical attention, call 911 right away to request an ambulance. Otherwise, you should move your car out of harm’s way so that you do not impede traffic or have another collision. Turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers that there has been a wreck, and place down flares or safety triangles if you have them.
- Call the Police. Let the dispatcher know you were in an auto accident and where you are located. When the investigating officer arrives, tell the truth about what happened and just stick to the facts. You should be able to obtain a copy of the police report from the police department for a fee within a few days. This is an important step to take, as police accident reports are often critical pieces of evidence that can make or break your claim.
- Get information from the other driver who was at fault for the accident. You will want to get the name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, insurance company name, and insurance policy number from everyone involved in the wreck. If you were involved in a car accident with a commercial vehicle, be sure to get the name and contact information of the driver’s employer.
- Do not talk about fault. The last thing you should be doing at the scene of your car crash is arguing with other drivers about who is at fault. You are better off not saying anything. Remember, even saying something that seems harmless like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be interpreted as admitting fault.
- Take pictures and videos. If you can, take detailed pictures and/or videos of your car crash. Make sure to show all the damage, skid marks, streets signs, traffic lights, road markings, construction, hazards, and any visible injuries. Do your best to paint a clear picture of the accident scene. Bonus tip: Take notes about your wreck while it is all still fresh in your mind. Write down then and where the auto accident took place and any important details that could be useful down the road when filing a claim.
- Seek out witnesses. If anyone saw your car collision on a Maryland roadway, or at an intersection ask them to stay to give a statement to the police officer. Before they leave, see if you can get their name and contact information. Eyewitness testimony is often a difference-maker when trying to prove fault.
- Get examined by a medical professional. Even if you do not have visible injuries or symptoms, you should get checked out by a licensed medical doctor within 24 hours of your car accident. Some injuries have delayed onset symptoms and are not immediately noticeable. Make sure to document your doctor visits and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Go off the grid. Do not post anything online about your car accident. This includes talking about your car crash on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Tik Tok and all other social media platforms. Anything you post online about your collision could potentially be used against you to challenge or deny your claim. You are simply better off not discussing the details of your accident online or with your family and friends.
- Notify your insurance company. You are required to notify your insurance company that you have been in a collision, so call them to let them know you were in a car wreck. Give the facts of what happened but do not go into too much detail. If an insurance adjuster pressures you for more information or wants you to give a recorded statement, politely decline and refer them to your lawyer. Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.
- Call a car accident lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to meet with you, learn the details of your highway car crash, discuss your legal options, answer your questions, and help you figure out the best way to maximize the value of your claim. Since most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and will represent you on a contingency fee basis, it probably will not cost you any upfront money to have a car wreck lawyer tackle your claim.
Maryland’s Roads Are Risky – but You Don’t Have to Face a Car Crash Alone
In the event of a car crash on one of Maryland’s dangerous roads or at a dangerous intersection, it’s important to seek legal assistance from a reputable personal injury car accident law firm. The legal team at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt are dedicated to providing guidance through the legal process and advocating for the rights of accident victims. With decades of experience in handling various car crash cases, our team of skilled attorneys is equipped to handle the challenges that car accident victims may face. From medical expenses to loss of income and emotional trauma, we understand the impact of an auto accident on our clients.
If you or a loved one were injured on one of Maryland’s dangerous roads or intersections, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our experienced local attorneys can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and pursue full compensation under Maryland law. Contact us today at 443-844-1528 for a free consultation and learn how we can help you in your car collision case. Don’t delay, time is crucial for accident victims of dangerous roadway and intersection car accidents.