Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Virginia Beach?

Car accidents in Virginia Beach can happen anywhere, but some roads and driving environments consistently see more crashes than others. From busy corridors and highway interchanges to residential streets and commercial areas, different parts of the city present different risks.

In this article, we’ll look at some key Virginia Beach car accident statistics, which areas are most dangerous, and what to do next if you’re involved in a crash.

An Overview of Car Accident Statistics and Trends in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach and its surrounding communities contribute to the highest concentration of car accidents in the state. While the state has not yet released an official crash report for 2025, according to the latest data from Virginia’s Traffic Records Electronic Data System, Virginia Beach saw a total of 4,965 car accidents resulting in 3,102 injuries and 28 fatalities that year.

Compared to the historical data years, collisions were at their lowest level on record, while injuries were at their highest level since 2019.

What Time of Day Do Most Virginia Beach Car Accidents Happen?

Data shows that there are certain periods of the day during which car accidents are more likely—but they may not be what you expect. The most dangerous time of day for drivers is during the lunchtime rush hour (noon to 3:00 p.m.) and the hours leading up to 6:00 p.m. In contrast, the safest time to drive is generally between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Where Do Car Accidents Happen Most in Virginia Beach?

Car accidents in Virginia Beach don’t happen in just one type of place. Instead, they tend to occur in a few common driving environments where traffic patterns, road design, and everyday conditions naturally make crashes more likely.

Major Roads and Busy Corridors

Some of the highest numbers of crashes in Virginia Beach happen along major roads like Virginia Beach Boulevard, Independence Boulevard, and Shore Drive. These are some of the busiest routes in the city, carrying a constant mix of local drivers, commuters, and people turning into businesses and neighborhoods.

With steady traffic and frequent stopping and turning throughout the day, these roads commonly see lane-change and rear-end accidents.

Highway Interchanges and Access Points

Another common crash area is along I-264, especially near major interchanges such as Independence Boulevard, Witchduck Road, and Rosemont Road. These are the points where drivers are entering or exiting the highway and adjusting between fast-moving traffic and slower surface streets.

Because speeds and traffic patterns are changing quickly in these areas, drivers often have less time to react, which can lead to collisions during merging or lane changes.

Residential Streets Near Home

Crashes also happen regularly in residential areas throughout Virginia Beach, even though speeds are lower. These incidents often occur on neighborhood streets where driving feels routine and familiar, which can lead to drivers paying less attention to small but important details in the environment.

In these areas, hazards can appear quickly, such as cars pulling out of driveways, children or pedestrians near the roadway, cyclists, or vehicles stopping and starting on narrow streets. Even at lower speeds, these situations can still lead to serious crashes.

Parking Lots and Commercial Areas

Parking lots and shopping centers are another frequent location for accidents. Even at low speeds, these areas involve a lot of movement in different directions, including vehicles backing out of spaces, drivers searching for parking, and pedestrians walking between cars and storefronts.

Because visibility is often limited and drivers are all trying to move through tight spaces, small mistakes or misjudgments can easily lead to collisions.

Intersections

Intersections are also a major place where crashes happen in Virginia Beach. These are areas where traffic from different directions comes together, and drivers are often turning, crossing, or reacting to traffic signals at the same time.

Examples of some of the most dangerous intersections in Virginia Beach include Virginia Beach Boulevard and Independence Boulevard, Holland Road and South Rosemont Road, Lynnhaven Parkway and Princess Anne Road, Shore Drive and Great Neck Road, and Laskin Road and First Colonial Road.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach

After a car accident, it can be difficult to think clearly about what to do next. It’s important to take the following steps to help protect your health, preserve important evidence, and avoid complications with your insurance claim:

• Check for injuries and call 911 if needed: Your safety comes first. If anyone is injured or the vehicles are creating a hazard, call emergency services right away. Even in less serious crashes, having police respond helps create an official report of the incident.
• Move to safety if possible: If the vehicles can be safely moved and there are no serious injuries, try to get out of traffic to prevent additional collisions.
• Document the accident scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, the surrounding area, road conditions, traffic signals, and anything else that may help explain how the crash happened. This can be important later when dealing with insurance or a claim.
• Exchange information with the other driver: Get names, contact details, driver’s license information, insurance information, and vehicle details. Keep the conversation brief and factual, and avoid discussing fault at the scene.
• Speak with witnesses if there are any: If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact information. Independent witness accounts can be helpful if there are disputes later.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible: Some injuries, like internal bleeding, are not immediately obvious after a crash. Getting checked by a medical professional also helps document any injuries related to the accident.
• Be careful when dealing with insurance companies: You may be contacted quickly after the crash. It is important to be cautious about giving recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages.
• Consider speaking with a Virginia Beach car accident attorney: A lawyer can help you determine whether filing a personal injury claim is appropriate and guide you through the process.

Having legal guidance early on can often make a difference in how your claim plays out.

Understanding Car Accident Claims in Virginia Beach

If you believe another driver was responsible for the crash, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, even accidents where fault seems clear can involve unexpected challenges. Insurance companies may try to minimize injuries, pressure you to accept a settlement before you understand the full cost of the accident, or argue that you share a portion of the blame. In Virginia, that last tactic is especially risky because of the state’s contributory negligence rule: if you are found to have contributed to the accident in any way, you lose the right to recover anything.

A car accident lawyer can step in to handle communications with the insurance company, gather evidence, and work through these disputes on your behalf so you are not dealing with the process alone while trying to recover.

Have You Been in a Crash? Contact Our Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers

Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law has served the Virginia Beach area for over half a century and has successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients following an accident. Our car accident lawyers are not only confident and skilled negotiators, but they are also knowledgeable of local and state traffic laws that may pertain to your case. To get started, contact us for a free consultation.