In recent years, the State of MS has had the unwelcome distinction of landing in the top three states for car crash fatality rates, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many of the state’s most serious crashes occur in Jackson, where dangerous intersections, heavy traffic, and poor driver behavior often contribute to car accidents. For motorists, knowing where Jackson’s most dangerous intersections are located as well as what to do after a crash at one of these locations is crucial.
Why Some Jackson Intersections Are More Dangerous Than Others
With several risk factors converging in one place, certain intersections in Jackson experience disproportionately high crash rates. Major corridors such as Lakeland Drive, I-55, and US-80 see heavy traffic on a daily basis, creating an ongoing risk of rear-end or side-impact collisions during peak hours. Complex merge patterns, congested entrance ramps, or transitions between urban and suburban driving patterns can confuse motorists and reduce reaction time. Poor visibility caused by road curvature, inadequate lighting, or obstructed sightlines are other contributing factors, along with traffic light timing issues, including short yellow lights or poorly coordinated traffic signals, can encourage sudden stops or red-light violations. Adding negligent driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield at critical junctures, further raises the risk of being involved in a serious crash at one of these intersections.
High-Risk Intersections in Jackson, MS
Motorists who regularly drive on the roadways of Jackson are likely aware that specific intersections have historically been the sight of exceptionally high crash rates, including:
- Bailey Avenue & Woodrow Wilson Ave.
- Lakeland Drive & Treetops Blvd
- Hanging Moss Road & I-220
- US-80 & Clinton Blvd
Common Types of Accidents at Dangerous Intersections
While you could be involved in any type of collision while navigating one of Jackson’s most dangerous intersections, there are several common types of accidents, such as:
- Left-Turn Collisions: These tend to happen when drivers misjudge oncoming traffic or attempt to beat changing lights at congested intersections.
- T-Bone Crashes: T-bone crashes frequently occur at intersections with poor visibility, short signal changes, or changing signal patterns.
- Rear-End Accidents: During Jackson’s rush hour traffic, rear-end accidents are commonly caused by sudden stops or short signal cycles that catch drivers off guard.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Mississippi consistently ranks near the top of states for pedestrian fatality rates. At dangerous intersections, the presence of pedestrians adds additional risk to already congested traffic patterns.
Injuries Often Caused by Intersection Accidents
The nature of traffic patterns at an intersection makes side-impact crashes common. Unfortunately, most vehicles are designed to absorb impact in the front and rear of the vehicle, meaning that occupants may benefit from less structural protection in a side-impact collision. Because intersection accidents often happen at higher speeds and unexpected angles, the resulting injuries tend to be more complex, severe, and costly to treat than those from other types of crashes.
Occupants are more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries in a side-impact crash when the head strikes a window, door frame, or deploying airbag. Broken or fractured ribs, arms, legs, and pelvis are also common injuries in an intersection accident of any type. Side-impact collisions may also cause internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, with symptoms that are not always immediately apparent. Spinal injuries, ranging from herniated discs to paralysis, are also a risk in an intersection accident if your head is suddenly thrown forward or backward during impact in a T-bone, head-on, or rear-end accident.
Who May Be Liable in an Intersection Accident?
In an intersection accident, determining who is legally liable often requires a thorough investigation because fault is not always limited to a single party. Sometimes, a single party is fully responsible for a collision, such as when a driver runs a red light. In a multi-vehicle collision, however, multiple parties may share the liability for an intersection accident. A government entity may even share liability when factors such as poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, obscured signage, or inadequate maintenance contribute to a collision. Identifying all potentially liable parties is critical because it can significantly affect the compensation available to you if you are injured in an intersection accident.
Steps to Take After an Accident at a Dangerous Intersection
To ensure that you protect your health and legal rights, there are several steps you should take after being involved in an accident at a dangerous intersection, including:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. Intersection accidents often involve high-impact collisions, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries with symptoms that may not manifest for hours, even days, after the crash. Seeking medical attention right away protects your health and creates an essential medical record.
- Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement and make sure that an official accident report is completed. An official crash report may help establish fault as well as contain vital information about parties involved in the accident and witnesses to the crash.
- Document the Scene. When you are safely able to do so, take photographs of vehicle damage, traffic signals, skid marks, signage, road conditions, and visibility issues that may have contributed to the crash.
- Obtain Contact Information: If possible, obtain contact and insurance information (if applicable) from witnesses and all involved drivers while at the scene.
- Contact an Attorney: Do not discuss the accident with anyone, including another party’s insurance company. Contact the team at Mama Justice to discuss your legal options and next steps.
How an Attorney Can Help After an Intersection Crash in Jackson
If you were involved in an intersection crash in Jackson, Mississippi, having an experienced local attorney on your side can make an important difference in the outcome of your case. A lawyer familiar with Jackson’s most dangerous intersections understands how traffic patterns, signal timing, and road design often contribute to serious collisions and will also have first-hand knowledge regarding the insurance tactics commonly used to shift blame or minimize payouts. In addition, an attorney who regularly practices in Hinds County courts knows the procedural expectations, scheduling realities, and jury considerations that are unique to Jackson, ensuring that your claim is strategically prepared, negotiated, and litigated to maximize recovery.
At Mama Justice, we are ready to listen. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: getting better.
Call Mama Justice now at 601-453-4715 or contact us online for your free consultation.
