Beware the Tough Intersection at Hampton Ave and I-64

Accidents happen far too often at the intersection of I-64 and Hampton Avenue, especially when the roads are wet or icy. Loss of tire traction, in an already complicated traffic pattern, can be dangerous for any driver in the vicinity.

Interstate 64 is a main thoroughfare through St. Louis and the Hampton Avenue exit is the southern entrance into Forest Park. Many vehicles are traveling this route every day for work or as a guest at the many attractions the area has to offer. Heavy traffic leads to elevated risk of being involved in an injury crash.

Why is the Intersection Hazardous?

Where Hampton Avenue meets the interstate, there are two intersections merged into one massive, complicated crossroads from the entry and exit ramps of I-64. Drivers’ line of sight is often obstructed by other vehicles as the cars move through the lanes in a crisscross direction. The flow of cars is complicated and anyone who does not make a habit of driving through this intersection can be left confused as to which lane is theirs and what traffic light to obey.

This intersection is especially tricky for younger drivers to navigate as they are often attempting to adhere to the rules of the road; the intersection is anything but standard. There is a constant flow of merging vehicles. Safely merging into traffic can take the drivers’ eyes off their surroundings as they focus on entering or leaving a single lane. Not paying attention to other lanes of traffic can end in a small fender bender or a terrible car accident.

Who is at Risk of Intersection Collision?

Plenty of commuters move through the area surrounding the Hampton Ave exit daily. Students, hospital staff and administration, and not to mention everyone working at or visiting the St. Louis Zoo and the Art Museum may drive through the Hampton Avenue intersection. Athletes and hobbyists coming from I-64 take that exit to go to the golf course and tennis center in Forest Park.

Commuters living in Clayton-Tamm or Cheltenham neighborhoods may be driving I-64 into and out of midtown and downtown for work Monday through Friday. Intersection accidents are common. While most of them are inconvenient and cause even more traffic delays, they can be perilous.

Accidents at Intersections – The Statistics

According to the Federal Highway Administration, or FHWA, more than 50 percent of traffic accidents that lead to death or injuries occur at intersections. The most common injuries that happen in these wrecks are:

• TBI or Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord trauma
• Lung contusions
• Injury to internal organs
• Lacerations

These injuries occur when a driver is rear-ended, sideswiped, or in a head-on collision at an intersection. Almost all these wrecks are the result of right-of-way violations. Not knowing when to go, or how to safely merge puts lives at risk.

Who Do I Call After a Wreck?

If you or your loved one have been in an accident at the intersection of I-64 and Hampton Avenue, do not wait to call a St. Louis car accident attorney. Page Law could evaluate the negligent driver who caused the collision and take action to hold them accountable. Our legal team could work with you to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company to pursue fair and full compensation for all damages.

After a crash caused by a negligent driver at the intersection of I-64 and Hampton Avenue, injured drivers and passengers deserve to be compensated for the cost of medical care, pain and suffering, and other damages. You can focus on recovering when Page Law has your back. Call our office for a free consultation, 1-800-CAR-CRASH (800-227-2727).