What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Cleveland?

Let a skilled Ohio attorney sort out your intersection accident claim

If you’ve ever felt like driving on Cleveland’s roads is more of a high-stakes game than a daily commute, you’re not alone. Certain intersections in Cleveland have gained a reputation for being magnets for car accidents.

Whether it’s a reckless driver running a red light, a distracted commuter glued to their phone, or the chaotic design of the intersection itself, these hotspots pose serious risks to anyone behind the wheel.

But knowing where these danger zones are can give you a major advantage when driving on Cleveland’s roads. Additionally, understanding how fault is determined can help you make the right decisions in the aftermath of an intersection crash.

What are Cleveland’s most dangerous intersections?

Driving anywhere in Cleveland can be hazardous, but certain intersections are particularly risky. These areas see a higher volume of collisions, injuries, and even fatalities. Here are the intersections that every driver should approach with heightened awareness.

Orange Avenue & East 30th Street

With constant traffic from commuters and delivery vehicles, this Cleveland intersection is a hub for activity and risk. Speeding and last-minute lane changes are common culprits here. When approaching this intersection, stay focused, slow down, and don’t assume other drivers will follow the rules.

East 116th Street & Kinsman Road

Frequent side-impact crashes make this intersection a leading concern. High-speed vehicles and confusing traffic patterns leave little room for error. If you’re driving here, approach cautiously, especially during rush hours.

Ridge Road & Brookpark Road

This intersection blends fast-moving traffic with distractions from nearby shopping centers. Rear-end collisions happen often when drivers stop suddenly or don’t leave enough following distance. If you encounter this intersection, maintain a buffer zone between you and the vehicle in front of you to avoid unnecessary risks.

Carnegie Avenue & East 55th Street

This intersection is known for its multi-lane complexity – it often sees a mix of aggressive drivers and confused commuters. Anticipate sudden lane changes and be prepared for abrupt stops if you approach this intersection.

Kinsman Road & East 93rd Street

This intersection is particularly dangerous due to limited visibility and heavy traffic. Speeding and failure to yield are common issues here. So, it’s important to slow down, stay alert, and always double-check cross-traffic before proceeding.

What types of car accidents happen at intersections in Cleveland?

Intersections bring together drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, all with different priorities. The result? A higher likelihood of crashes. The most common types of intersection accidents in Cleveland include:

T-bone collisions: These side-impact crashes occur when a driver ignores a stoplight or fails to yield. They’re particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear.
Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops and distractions often lead to rear-end crashes. These collisions may seem minor but can cause injuries such as whiplash.
Head-on collisions: While less common, head-on collisions at intersections are devastating. They typically occur when a driver misjudges a turn or drifts into oncoming traffic.
Pedestrian and bicyclist accidents: Intersections are high-risk areas for those on foot or bike. Drivers who fail to yield or pay attention to crosswalks can easily cause serious harm to these vulnerable road users.

What causes intersection accidents in Cleveland?

Intersection accidents aren’t random; they happen because of avoidable behaviors such as:

Distracted driving: Phones, food, and even conversations can take a driver’s focus off the road. At intersections, a moment’s distraction can lead to disaster.
Failing to yield: Misjudging who has the right of way causes many intersection accidents. Whether it’s turning left without checking oncoming traffic or ignoring a yield sign, these mistakes can have severe consequences.
Speeding: Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact in a crash. Approaching intersections too quickly leaves little room to adjust for changing lights, stopped cars, or crossing pedestrians.
Running red lights or stop signs: Blowing through traffic signals is reckless and can lead to T-bone crashes. This often happens when drivers are in a hurry.
Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, making intersections even more dangerous.

What are the common injuries from intersection accidents?

Injuries from intersection crashes range from minor to life-altering. Here are the most common ones:

Whiplash and neck injuries: Rear-end collisions often cause whiplash, a painful condition where the neck is jolted violently. Recovery can take weeks or months and affect your ability to work or enjoy daily activities.
Head injuries: T-bone crashes and high-speed impacts often result in head injuries, from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have lasting effects on memory, cognition, and overall quality of life.
Broken bones: Arms, legs, and ribs are particularly vulnerable during a crash. Pedestrians and bicyclists are at even greater risk, as they lack the protection of a vehicle’s frame. Fractures often require extensive medical care, including surgery and physical therapy.
Internal injuries: The force of a crash can damage internal organs or cause internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it’s important to seek prompt medical attention after any collision.
Cuts and bruises: Shattered glass, airbag deployment, and seat belts often leave victims with cuts and bruises. While less severe, these injuries can still be painful and require medical attention.

How is fault determined in intersection accidents?

Ohio uses a modified comparative negligence system to determine fault and compensation. In Ohio, you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% responsible for a crash and you are awarded $10,000, you’ll receive $8,000. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover any damages.

Fault in intersection crashes may involve shared responsibility. For example, one driver may have run a red light while the other was speeding. Both behaviors contribute to a collision, and fault is assigned proportionally.

To protect your right to fair and full compensation, you’ll need to establish that the other driver was clearly at fault. The evidence you’ll need to prove liability includes:

Traffic law violations, citations, and arrests
Witness accounts
Crash reconstruction
Surveillance or dashcam footage
The official police report
Medical records and documents

Injured in an intersection accident? Let Merriman Legal fight for you.

An intersection accident can leave you facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and endless calls from insurance adjusters. If you attempt to handle your claim alone, you could find yourself at a disadvantage. Insurance companies are known for disputing fault after intersection collisions. Plus, they may attempt to dispute your injuries, reduce your compensation, or deny your claim altogether.

Don’t risk paying out of your own pocket because of someone else’s negligence. Get a strong legal advocate on your side who understands Ohio law and can build an indisputable case on your behalf. That’s where the Cleveland intersection car accident lawyers at Merriman Legal come in. We can identify every factor that caused your intersection crash and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.

When you work with us, you can focus on healing while we handle the rest. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case, and you won’t pay a dime unless we win. That’s right; we work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to you. Contact us online or call us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Your recovery is our priority, and your justice is our mission.

“Tom Merriman is the best lawyer around! I am so happy that I “made his team my team.” Not only did he provide excellent service, but we were reassured the whole time. My family is ever so grateful to have Tom and his team on our side and we have made a friend and lawyer for life!”
─ Sandy
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