Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Charleston, WV

Getting into a car accident is a common fear for most Americans. You can drive as carefully as possible, but you can’t control what others on the road do. As a country built for cars, there’s no easy solution to avoid accidents. Knowing the most dangerous roads and intersections in Charleston, WV, can help you stay safe.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer That You Can Trust

In 2023, 40,901 people died in car crashes in the United States. Getting into an accident is statistically high, especially with America’s reliance on cars for transit. Charleston is the same. Despite being the state’s largest city, Charleston only has a walk score of 33.

For those who’ve been in accidents, having a strong legal advocate on your side is critical. The team at Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, is known for its efficiency and competency. Our attorneys have over 130 years of combined professional experience.

New clients aren’t just another case number to us. We give our clients the empathy they deserve and the knowledge to make decisions regarding their case.

The Most Dangerous Intersections in Charleston

In 2023, there were 260 traffic deaths in West Virginia. In Charleston, police data shows that several roads and intersections are especially dangerous for drivers.

MacCorkle Avenue, also called US-61, has numerous risky intersections, especially around 35th to 36th Street. On May 24th, 2025, an 82-year-old woman passed away after a car crash near the intersection of MacCorkle Avenue SE and 35th Street. Other dangerous spots in town include:

• The intersection of Lee Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area had 36 crashes in 2023.
• The intersection of Washington Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. There were 34 crashes that occurred in 2023, including one fatal accident.
• Oakwood Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. This intersection had 27 crashes in 2023.
• Randolph Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. In 2023, this area had 23 crashes.

Why Crashes Happen in Charleston

Because of the high volume of traffic in these areas, crashes are common. Most drivers use their phones for navigational apps or music, making distracted driving accidents highly likely. Being on your phone for five seconds and driving 55 mph is the equivalent of driving an entire football field blind.

Speeding tends to be the leading cause of accidents. While it may seem fine at the moment, speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react in time, leading to crashes.

Many of these dangerous crash locations in Charleston are also common routes for tourist drivers who are unfamiliar with the roads, which can cause confusion.

Recent Crashes on I-64 in Charleston

The 58-mile marker on I-64 had 146 crashes in 2023. This area had the highest number of crashes in all of Charleston that year. Most of these accidents happened near the Virginia Street, Washington Street, and Oakwood Road exit ramps.

On July 10th, 2025, a semi-truck rolled over on I-64 in South Charleston, sending one person to the hospital. The person taken to the hospital was the truck’s driver, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

I-64’s intersection with Oakwood Road often leads to crashes. On January 21st, 2025, several lanes on I-64 in Charleston were closed after a crash involving a tractor-trailer. The accident happened just past the Oakwood Road exit, around the eastbound 57.5 mile marker.

Police said a tractor-trailer carrying pipes lost part of its load, and some pipes and lumber fell into the road. Some of the truck’s cargo crossed into the opposite lanes, which caused another crash on that side of the highway.

On October 12th, 2025, there was a police chase in this area. The driver took the Oakwood Road exit ramp while driving about 80 mph. The car then went off the road and flipped onto its side, sending the driver to the hospital for treatment.

FAQs

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, you’ll need to call 911 and get medical attention. Your health and safety are the first priority. Then, get insurance information from all parties involved in the crash. Take photos of the crash site, damage to your vehicle and other belongings, and any visible injuries you have. Get copies of the incident and medical reports. Don’t apologize for the accident, as it can be held against you during your case. Then, hire a car accident lawyer.

What Is West Virginia’s Modified Comparative Fault System?

West Virginia decides compensation for cases based on a modified comparative fault system. This system allows victims to pursue compensation, but any compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault in the accident. For example, if you were speeding, you may be found to be 30% at fault. If the other car was running a stop sign, they may be found to be 70% at fault. If you’re awarded $100,000, it would be reduced to $70,000.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?

West Virginia allows two main forms of damages to be pursued in a car crash case. Economic damages are easy to calculate and are based on monetary losses, such as medical bills and lost income from missing work. Non-economic damages are more subjective, but just as important. They can include loss of enjoyment of life, as well as pain and suffering. Courts have no cap on these damages, so victims can request any amount.

What Are Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages are a third type of damages that can be awarded to victims in specific circumstances. If the guilty party acted with extreme malice or recklessness, the court may award punitive damages to further punish them. These damages are also used to deter any similar actions from happening in the future. Your lawyer can review your case to determine if punitive damages are available.

Experienced Car Accident Law Firm in West Virginia

Contact Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, today to schedule your first appointment. We pride ourselves on helping West Virginia residents take back control of their lives after a car crash. You don’t have to go through this stressful time by yourself. One of our attorneys can be a part of your legal support system during the entirety of your case.