Like other areas of Virginia that see heavy highway traffic, certain roadway hotspots can lead to higher rates of collisions. Crashes at the I-95 and I-85 split in Petersburg can be particularly devastating due to the high speeds involved in those crashes and other factors. If you were injured at this dangerous interchange, you may be eligible to pursue compensation with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer.
How Merging and Lane Changes Cause Crashes at the I-95 and I-85 Split
At the I-95 and I-85 split in Petersburg, drivers must adjust their speed, watch surrounding traffic, and change lanes safely. Sudden lane changes, failure to check blind spots, and improper merging can cause serious collisions. Heavy traffic and large commercial trucks can make these maneuvers especially dangerous for motorists. Victims of collisions in these areas may require urgent treatment at Bon Secours – Southside Medical Center Emergency Department.
How Virginia Law Determines Fault in Merge Accidents
Collisions along I-95 and I-85 often involve multiple state traffic laws. Under Virginia Code § 46.2-804, drivers must make sure that changing lanes can be done safely before making the maneuver. Virginia Code § 46.2-848 also requires drivers to check that certain movements can be made safely and signal when other vehicles may be affected.
These laws can help establish fault when a driver merges into occupied traffic, changes lanes without adequate clearance, or fails to signal before a collision. However, determining liability requires examining the specific circumstances of the crash.
Drivers approaching a yield sign must also yield the right-of-way to other traffic and stop when necessary. In a state where 24,461 collisions on interstate highways accounted for 18.9% of all crashes statewide in 2024, highway collisions remain a serious cause of preventable injuries in the state.
Evidence That Can Prove Fault After an I-95 or I-85 Collision
Virginia is home to 48,750 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, as of May 2025, and proving that an individual truck operator caused a collision requires strong evidence. Virginia follows the contributory negligence rule, which generally prevents an injured person from recovering compensation if their own negligence contributed to the collision.
Evidence in an injury claim may include dashcam footage, witness statements, police reports, and photographs of vehicle damage. VDOT traffic cameras may provide additional information if footage is available.
Electronic logging devices and vehicle data can also help establish a truck driver’s speed, braking activity, and actions before the collision, helping investigators determine who was responsible.
Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Crashes near the I-95 and I-85 split can involve disputed liability, conflicting witness statements, and multiple drivers. When you hire a car accident lawyer, you gain legal support from an advocate who understands Virginia’s car accident laws and how to establish fault through compelling evidence and sound legal arguments.
At Brooks & Baez, our founding attorneys bring decades of combined legal experience to these cases. T. Noel Brooks has practiced law in Virginia since 2002, while Jesse Baez brings extensive trial experience and a record of courtroom success. Along with our other lawyers, they bring formidable support to injured drivers and passengers in the area.
Contact an I-95 and I-85 Collision Law Firm Today
If you suffered a personal injury on a Virginia highway, Brooks & Baez can provide you with the focused support your case deserves. Our attorney can obtain crash reports, review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
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