Richmond drivers know just how congested Interstates 95 and 64 can get. These two highways cut straight through the city, and when traffic grows heavy, crash numbers rise fast.
If you live in the Richmond area, these highways are part of your daily routine. Knowing why crashes happen on them helps you protect yourself. And if you are injured in a crash, it is imperative that you know your rights under Virginia law.
This blog covers the main reasons why I-95 and I-64 see so many accidents, what makes certain areas more dangerous, what the crash statistics show, and what steps to take if you are injured.
Why I-95 and I-64 Carry Such High Crash Volumes
You see long lines of cars during rush hour. You see tractor-trailers moving through at all hours. These conditions create a higher accident risk than you find on smaller roadways.
Key factors include:
- Heavy congestion throughout the day
- High speeds and large speed differences between vehicles
- Frequent lane changes near exits and merges
- Local commuters mixing with long-distance traffic
- Large commercial trucks that need more time to stop
- Construction zones that change traffic patterns
Each factor raises the likelihood of driver error. When you combine them, you get the dense crash environment Richmond drivers know well.
What the Richmond-Area Crash Numbers Show
The Richmond region sees thousands of accidents every year. Local reporting shows that the city area has about 7,500 accidents each year, with more than 2,100 injuries.
Virginia data also shows sustained crash counts along the I-95 corridor through Richmond. On the segment stretching roughly from mile-marker 69 to 84, annual accidents have ranged from about 580 to more than 1,000 in recent years. Roughly one quarter to one third of those result in injuries. These numbers tell a clear story:
- These highways are high-risk.
- Drivers face regular hazards.
- Small mistakes lead to major collisions.
The Role of Traffic Volume in I-95 and I-64 Crash Patterns
Traffic volume shapes everything on these highways. When you pack thousands of vehicles into a single space, even a brief distraction can trigger a chain reaction.
You experience this most often on:
- The stretch of I-95 around downtown Richmond
- The area near the I-64 and I-95 merge at Bryan Park
- The I-64 corridor near Short Pump
- The section of I-95 moving toward Chesterfield
These areas carry a mix of commuters, regional travelers, and freight carriers. A sudden slowdown can catch drivers off guard. When one driver brakes late, several cars behind may collide.
Frequent Causes of Accidents on I-95 and I-64
Crash causes on these highways repeat year after year. You see the same patterns in police reports and regional safety reviews.
Distracted driving
Phones interrupt drivers every day. Even a short glance away from the road can cause a serious accident. At highway speeds, the danger grows fast.
Speeding
Many drivers exceed the posted speed limits on I-95 and I-64. As speeds increase, reaction time decreases. High-speed accidents are more severe and more likely to cause serious injuries.
Hard merges near exits
The on-ramps and off-ramps along I-95 and I-64 can be tight. You see sudden lane changes as drivers try to enter or exit. These quick movements can lead to sideswipes and rear-end collisions.
Tailgating
Following too closely removes your margin for error. Heavy congestion makes this worse, as drivers become impatient and start following too closely behind the car ahead.
Commercial truck traffic
Trucks need more room to slow down. When traffic in Richmond stops suddenly, trucks cannot adjust as quickly as a smaller vehicle. This leads to large accidents that often affect several lanes.
Road construction
Construction zones along I-95 and I-64 shift lanes and reduce space. Drivers drift between lanes or misjudge lane shifts, and collisions follow.
Complex interchanges
The I-64 and I-95 merge area near Bryan Park is a common trouble spot. Several lanes of traffic combine, and many drivers are unfamiliar with the layout. This creates a perfect formula for an accident.
High density of exits
On I-64 near Short Pump and on parts of I-95 near the city, exits come quickly. This causes weaving as drivers prepare to exit or enter in short distances, leading to sideswipes and collisions.
What to Do After a Crash on I-95 or I-64
If you are in a crash on either highway, the steps you take that day can shape your entire case. Virginia law follows a pure contributory negligence rule. Meaning, if you are found even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovery. Because of that, you should protect your claim from the start.
Move to safety
If your vehicle can move, pull to a safe area. You want to avoid secondary collisions.
Call the police
You need a crash report. It documents the facts, identifies the drivers involved, and determines which driver is at fault for the accident.
Get medical care
Even minor injuries need treatment. Some injuries can grow worse over time.
Photograph the scene
Take photos of damage from all angles, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions.
Get witness information
People who witnessed the accident can support your account. Gather their witness statements and their contact information.
Avoid giving statements to insurers
Insurance companies gather statements to reduce or deny claims. You should speak with an attorney before giving an official statement.
Expert Information That Helps These Cases
Expert analysis often plays a large role in highway collision cases. Lawyers may work with:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Trucking safety experts
- Medical experts who explain injury severity
These experts help explain what really happened and why. Their findings support your claim and help prove the other driver’s fault.
How Drivers Can Reduce Their Risk on I-95 and I-64
You cannot control other drivers, but you can take steps that make you safer:
- Stay alert and watch for brake lights ahead
- Leave more space than usual
- Avoid sudden lane changes
- Keep your speed steady
- Watch for merging traffic at known trouble spots
- Give trucks extra room
Small adjustments make a large difference when driving near heavy traffic.
When You Should Reach Out for Help
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident on I-95 or I-64 near Richmond, you may feel overwhelmed. You may be worried about medical bills, lost wages, or proving what happened. Talking to a personal injury lawyer gives you clarity about your options. It also guides you away from mistakes that could harm your claim.
The team at Halperin Law Center helps people across the Richmond area understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. If you have questions after a highway crash, you can reach out for guidance.
