Most Dangerous Intersections in Gainesville, Florida
1. NW 34th Street & NW 39th Avenue
This intersection is a major artery for both North / South and East / West traffic through Gainesville. The speed limit is 45 and the turn signals for both lights typically provide a flashing yellow yield arrow. These roads generally connect dense residential areas with medium density business in the south such as restaurants and is commonly used as a route to University Avenue and the University of Florida.
2. West University Avenue & NW 22nd Street
This intersection is on the North side of the University of Florida’s main campus. The area is commonly flooded with younger drivers and foot traffic being so close to campus. The signal often provides a flashing yellow yield arrow that some drivers either don’t pay attention to or fail to yield to on coming traffic. With tragic accidents along this road the speed limit has been lowered to 25 and speed control devices have recently been installed to attempt to protect the population from car accidents.
3. SW Archer Road and the north Interstate 75 on and off-ramps
This intersection has one of the highest density of commercial buildings in the Gainesville area. The speed limit is 45 and people are notorious for following too closely in this area. The most common type of accidents we see here are from rear end collisions resulting from people tailgating in an area where there is constant stop and go traffic. With nearly endless choices for restaurants and shops including Best Buy, Walmart and Sam’s club this is a popular destination for students who typically drive more carelessly.
4. SW Archer Road and SW 37th Boulevard
Following closely behind our #3, this intersection is dangerous for all of the same reasons as the above mentioned. This intersection typically has more foot traffic however as there is housing near that people often walk from. We have seen many accidents in this intersection from driver’s failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians using the crosswalks. Many driver’s are not educated well enough to know to watch for pedestrians crossing the road while the driver is making a right hand turn.
5. SW 20th Avenue and SW 62nd Blvd
This intersection serves a similar purpose to our #1 location in that it is a high density residential environment including several large apartment complexes. It is one of the main roads leading to the Archer / Butler Plaza area and many driver’s also use these roads when heading home from work. With construction common here and many merge lanes following turning onto SW 20th Avenue, many drivers will attempt to race around other cars.
6. SW 16th Avenue and SW 13th Street
This intersection is similar to the North side of UF’s campus however it is located in the South East corner. It provides one of the most common routes to both the University of Florida and to their medical facilities including the school of veterinarian medicine. It is not uncommon for foot traffic to be present and motorist tend to speed in this area.
7. SW 34th Street and SW 20th Avenue
This is a bit of an awkward intersection. It feels that when originally designed it was not meant to host such high traffic volumes as it does today. This intersection provides a commonly used alternative route to Archer road that goes behind many of the businesses found in Butler Plaza.
8. SW 13th Street and SW Williston Road
This intersection is found between two the the major high speed highways that many people that live to the South of Gainesville use to come and go. It is a fairly well constructed intersection and does not have nearly as much foot traffic as the others found on our list however with the sheer amount of volume in traffic it directs every day it has become an accident prone area.
9. SW Archer Road and the south I-75 on and off-ramps
Similar to the previous intersection, I-75s south bound on and off ramps are commonly used. Not as dangerous as the north bound ramps from less congestion in the area, this intersection has poorly drawn turn signal lanes causing much confusion in the area especially when construction is present. It is only a matter of time before this intersection becomes as popular as the East side with growing businesses moving into the area such as Bass Pro, Texas Steakhouse and Starbucks being near.
10. SW 40th Boulevard and SW Archer Road
There is a common theme on the list pointing to the Butler Plaza area and Archer road as being some of the most dangerous in Gainesville for car accidents. This location continues to solidify those findings. Home to many businesses for food and goods, this intersection also has several very large hotels that are especially popular during sporting events at the University of Florida. With increased foot traffic many pedestrian accidents happen here when vehicles fail to yield the right of way to them.
11. Newberry Road and NW 75th Street
Last on our list is the Newberry area directly around the on and off ramps for I-75. This is one of the most traffic heavy areas in the Gainesville area during rush hour and many locals know to avoid the area if possible. The cause of many accidents here stem from the confusing merge lanes, heavy congestion that often times block intersections following yellow / red lights and the fact this road is the main route for many people who live West of Gainesville including the city of Newberry.
(https://www.enjuris.com/florida/gainesville-car-accident-attorney.html (2022)). If you pull up these intersections on a map, you will realize the majority of them are in close proximity to the University of Florida, and between the city areas of midtown and downtown. Additionally, Archer road is prevalent on this list, and that is likely because of the growth in density of local shopping centers along Archer road.
What Every Motorist Should Do Following an Accident
When learning how to drive for your licensing exam, you may have been informed on what you should do following an accident. Most motorists are taught that basics of what they should do following an accident, such as: 1) call emergency services if there are any injuries, 2) call the police to come take an accident report, and 3) exchange insurance information with the other driver. However, there are a few more things every person should do following an accident that is crucial in order for their lawyers to make a claim and retrieve the highest amount possible on your behalf. This portion of the article will provide you with a simple seven step checklist to follow in the unfortunate event you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accidence.
The first step on the checklist is to always stop and remain on the scene if you are involved in a motor vehicles accident. Florida law, like every other state, requires motorists to remain on the scene or risk being charged with criminal penalties such as “hit-and-run” charges. If you are involved in a collision on a busy roadway, you should safely try and move the vehicles involved to a location as close as possible to the scene of the accident.
The second step on the checklist is to call the police. Officers who respond to a crash fill out comprehensive reports that are valuable evidence for individuals trying to recover damages for physical injury and damages to property. If anyone in your vehicle or the other vehicle/s are injured call 911. If neither vehicle has any injured parties and you would still like to have a police report conducted at the scene, you can call the Gainesville non-emergency dispatch at (352) 955-1818.
The third step on the checklist is to seek medical attention for yourself or any other party involved in the accident. It is important to remember that injuries from motor vehicle accident may not be noticeable right away. Most motorists are usually in a state of shock and they may not notice an injury until minutes, hours, or even days following the accident. Seeking medical attention from a hospital or your general practitioner is extremely important following an accident. Medical expenses can be extremely costly for a victim in a motor vehicle accidents and attorneys who specialize in motor vehicle accidents use medical reports to help victims ensure they recover the most compensation available from insurance companies.
The fourth step on the checklist is to try and obtain any witness information. The majority of the time when an accident occurs, other individuals witness the events that transpired. Testimony or statements given by these individuals are crucial for collecting all of the facts leading up to the motor vehicle accident, and can even help a person negate or prove liability. Additionally, witness information can come from machinery or technology used on the roadway. Many individuals use dashcam and many streets/intersections have cameras. If you own a dashboard camera, always have it recording while driving your motor vehicle. If you do not have a dashboard camera, see if any other individuals who witnessed the crash have a dashboard camera that was recording the collision. If you are able to collect footage from any source, request a copy and the information of the individual who has the original recording. This footage is indispensable evidence for your claim.
The fifth step on the checklist is to take photographs on your phone or any other camera you may have in your possession. A motorist should take photographs of the following: 1) their vehicles, 2) the other vehicle/s, 3) the scene of the accident, 4) the other person’s drivers license and insurance information, and 5) any visible injuries. If you cannot take pictures at the scene of the accident, try and do the following as soon as possible: 1) write down the weather conditions on the day of the accident, 2) the time of the accident, and 3) take pictures of your vehicle.
The sixth step on the checklist is to report the accident to your insurance company. Do not provide them with specifics unless you consult an attorney first. Simply provide your insurance company with the basic information necessary to report the accident. Do not file a claim with your insurance company without first having contact our firm or another personal injury attorney.
The seventh and final step is to contact an attorney specializing in motor vehicle accidents. These types of attorneys are normally called personal injury attorneys. The biggest mistake you can make is to believe your insurance company, or any other insurance company involved in the accident, are motivated to help you. Insurance companies, like any other business, are only motivated by making a profit. An insurance company adjuster’s job is to pay you the lowest amount of money possible. If an insurance company calls you to ask questions about the accident following the report, instruct the agent to speak with your attorney first.
If you are the victim of an motor vehicle accident, do not wait to contact one of our experienced attorneys about your case. Our firm has attorneys through the entire State of Florida who are ready to help you obtain the compensation you are rightfully owed. You focus on your mental and physical recovery, we will focus on your financial recovery. If you, a loved one, or a friend have been in an motor vehicle accidents, call today for your free consultation and as always, we never charge a fee until we win your case.
Attorney Logan Lawrence
04/07/2022