Norfolk and Virginia Beach Have Highest Auto Accident Rates in Hampton Roads, VA

If you live in Hampton you are less likely to find yourself involved in a car crash than if you live in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, according to a new study by an insurance company.

The ninth annual “Allstate America’s Best Drivers,” report reveals Hampton has the lowest rate of car collisions in Virginia, the Virginian-Pilot reported recently.

The same cannot be said about Norfolk and Virginia Beach. While Hampton has a crash rate 1.7 percent lower than the national average, Virginia Beach is 19.8 percent above the national rate and Norfolk is 28.1 percent above average. Only Alexandria and Arlington have higher crash rates in the Commonwealth.

Chesapeake is 5.2 percent above the national average and Newport News is 6.4 percent above the national average.

In a column in the Virginian-Pilot, Larry Printz blames following distances for the high accident rates in some of the cities of Hampton Roads.

“I have long complained that, in Hampton Roads, following distance is seen by most drivers as something ripe for the taking,” writes Printz.

“Once a thoughtless driver butts their car in front of yours, they’ll assume you’ll be able to brake to avoid a collision. And too many drivers mistake their car’s abilities for those of a Formula 1 race car,” he writes.

Following too closely is not allowed in Virginia. The Pilot article, however, refers to some vagueness in the laws.

As an auto accident lawyer in Hampton, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, I see serious accidents in all three cities. Following too closely can result in rear-ending, leaving those involved in these accidents with serious injuries.

If you have been hurt in a rear-ending accident, contact our Virginia injury lawyers for a free consultation.

Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers have a main office in Norfolk, Virginia and client meeting locations in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News and Hampton, VA. Cooper Hurley, handles automobile, truck, and motorcycle injuries as well as wrongful death, railroad injury cases and medical malpractice.

John Cooper and Jim Hurley have over 40 years of combined experience in handling auto injury accident claims. Attorneys John Cooper and Jim Hurley receive the top AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, a leading attorney rating system. Cooper Hurley represents people hurt in accidents in Virginia and north eastern North Carolina. Our motto is: “Your Injury, our fight.” If you need help or advice about a serious injury, please call us at (757) 455 -0077 or see CooperHurley.com.