Atlanta’s Most Dangerous Roads and What Columbia, SC Can Learn from Them By Ted Law Firm; Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Georgia and South Carolina
Atlanta, Georgia, is well-known for its dynamic city life, thriving culture, and unfortunately, some of the deadliest roads in the Southeastern U.S. From heavy traffic on interstate highways to poor road conditions and dangerous intersections, Atlanta’s road network presents daily hazards to drivers, bikers, and pedestrians alike. For nearby residents in Columbia, South Carolina, these risks may seem distant,but the risk of accidents is real and worth understanding.
At Ted Law Firm, we help injury victims across the region file personal injury claims after motor vehicle accidents. Knowing why certain roads are dangerous is key, not only for avoiding accident risks, but also for knowing your legal rights if a crash occurs.
Atlanta’s Most Dangerous Highways: A Closer Look
1. Interstate 285 (The Perimeter)
Nicknamed “The Circle of Death,” I-285 is infamous for:
- High-speed traffic
- Commercial truck crashes
- Frequent lane changes and sharp curves
This busy stretch of highway sees some of the nation’s highest accident rates, largely due to merging congestion and aggressive driving in a populous city.
2. Interstate 20 East and West
This busy highway cuts through the heart of Atlanta and is a hotspot for:
- Rear-end collisions
- Frequent accidents during bad weather
- Multi-vehicle pile ups on congested roads
The I-20 interchange is particularly hazardous, especially for out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with the road’s design or speed limits.
3. Peachtree Street
A high-density urban surface street, Peachtree Street is plagued by:
- Pedestrian injuries
- Intersection collisions
- Crashes involving delivery vehicles and distracted drivers
Despite traffic lights and traffic signals, this stretch of road sees frequent collisions, especially during rush hours.
4. Buford Highway
Home to a culturally diverse community, Buford Highway remains one of the Southeast’s most hazardous roads due to:
- Poor lighting
- Limited crosswalks
- Narrow lanes and lack of defensive driving enforcement
Even with safety initiatives, the fatality rates on Buford Highway remain troubling, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
5. Moreland Avenue
Moreland Avenue link’s major neighborhoods but struggles with:
- Distracted driving
- Speed limit violations
- A high volume of traffic paired with poor road design
This dangerous intersection corridor is also known for crashes involving impaired drivers.
Why Should Columbia, SC Drivers Care?
You might ask, “Why do Atlanta’s roads matter in Columbia?” The answer lies in regional commuting, legal implications, and shared infrastructure:
- Regional Travel: South Carolinians often travel to Atlanta via Interstate 20, whether for business or events.
- Shared Risks: Columbia’s traffic volume, poor lighting, and aggressive drivers reflect similar hazards.
- Injury Claims Across State Lines: If you’re injured in Georgia, a local accident lawyer may not be enough. You need a legal team that understands interstate injury claims and works with insurance companies across jurisdictions.
What Makes a Road Dangerous?
Whether you’re on U.S. Route 78 in Atlanta or Broad River Road in Columbia, these red flags suggest elevated accident risks:
- Poor lighting
- High-speed traffic
- Distracted driving
- Confusing signage or narrow lanes
- Lack of defensive driving techniques
- Congestion and aggressive driving
- Insufficient pedestrian infrastructure
Dangerous Roads in Columbia, SC
Atlanta isn’t alone. Columbia is also home to frequent collisions and fatal crashes. Here are a few danger zones:
- Two Notch Road – Known for frequent accidents, especially at intersections.
- I-20/I-26 Interchange – A stretch of highway where volume of traffic, high speeds, and merging lanes collide.
- Broad River Road – Limited lighting and pedestrian risks make it a high-risk area for traffic accidents.
Columbia drivers face many of the same problems,distracted drivers, road crashes, and outdated infrastructure. By studying how Atlanta is (or isn’t) solving its issues, Columbia can make proactive changes.
After an Accident: What to Do
Whether the crash occurs on Panola Road, Buford Highway, or in downtown Columbia, take the following steps:
- Call 911 – Report the accident immediately and request an official accident report.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor; many severe injuries surface hours or days later.
- Document Evidence – Photos of the scene, sharp curves, road conditions, and injuries help support your personal injury claim.
- Avoid Talking to the Insurance Company Alone – Let your attorney handle communications.
- Hire an Experienced Attorney – Especially one with interstate litigation experience.
Understanding Your Rights: Personal Injury Compensation
You may be entitled to damages if the accident was caused by:
- Another driver’s negligence or driver error
- The city’s failure to maintain safe roads
- A commercial vehicle operating unsafely
You can recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care or therapy
- Property damage
Even in shared-fault cases, South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence law allows recovery if you’re less than 51% at fault.
Ted Law Firm: Representing Victims on Both Sides of the Border
At Ted Law Firm, we advocate for those injured on dangerous highways,whether it’s on Atlanta’s busiest roads or Columbia’s inner-city corridors. We handle:
- Fatal accidents
- Multi-car crashes
- Distracted driving cases
- Fatal pedestrian collisions
- Defective road design claims
A Wake-Up Call for Southeastern Drivers
Atlanta’s roads offer a sobering look into what can happen when traffic laws aren’t enforced and infrastructure lags behind growth. Columbia must take proactive steps to reduce fatal crashes, especially as traffic volume and urban development increase. Contact Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys will guide you through every step and help secure the justice your family deserves. Let Ted Law Firm handle the legal stress while you focus on healing. In addition to Georgia we also proudly help people in Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Athens, Savannah, Warner Robins, and all of Georgia! We advocate for accident victims across South Carolina and Georgia. We fight for fair compensation – even when insurance companies don’t.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
