Denver’s rapid growth means more cars on the road and more traffic headaches. While the city’s scenic routes and breathtaking mountains offer great views, some roads have become accident hotspots. Knowing where these danger zones are and how to navigate them safely can help you steer clear of a crash.
If you were injured in a collision at one of Denver’s most dangerous roads, a Denver car accident lawyer at Zara Injury Law is here to help.
Denver’s most dangerous roadways
If you’re a Denver commuter, you should know that these roads consistently rank among the most dangerous in Denver. According to the 2024 crash data report from the Colorado Department of Transportation, many of these roads see high crash volumes from traffic congestion, limited visibility, poor signage, and a high number of turning vehicles.
1. East 13th Avenue
East 13th Avenue topped the list with 10 reported crashes. This east-west corridor cuts through Capitol Hill and downtown Denver, where one-way traffic, limited visibility, and high pedestrian activity make collisions more likely. Left turns and rear-end accidents are more common during rush hour and weekends.
2. Jackson Street
Jackson Street saw seven crashes in the early part of 2024. Running through neighborhoods like Congress Park and Hale, it’s a narrow, residential street where poor visibility and tight intersections increase the risk of collisions, especially when drivers speed or fail to yield.
3. Central Park Boulevard
With seven recorded crashes, Central Park Boulevard remains a high-risk area in Northeast Denver. This major corridor runs through residential developments and crosses several busy intersections. Heavy traffic, turning vehicles, and limited pedestrian crossings make it a common area for accidents.
4. East Bayoud Avenue
East Bayoud Avenue also saw seven crashes in the dataset. Located near Cherry Creek and Virginia Village, this road experiences steady neighborhood traffic. Drivers frequently misjudge turns or overlook cyclists and pedestrians on side streets and driveways.
5. Evans Avenue
Evans Avenue, with six reported collisions, is a high-traffic east-west road connecting I‑25 with the University of Denver and several retail hubs. Sudden lane changes, speeding, and congested intersections make this a common crash location for drivers.
6. Colorado Boulevard
Colorado Boulevard is one of the city’s main thoroughfares near the Denver Zoo. This road logged five crashes early in 2024. It’s a multi-lane road lined with shopping centers and medical campuses, and drivers often face complicated merges and heavy turning traffic.
7. Washington Street
Washington Street also had five reported crashes in 2024. This busy north-south corridor serves both residential and industrial zones. It’s especially dangerous where traffic narrows near I‑70, and large trucks share lanes with daily commuters.
8. Peña Boulevard
Peña Boulevard, the primary route to Denver International Airport, had five reported accidents. With high-speed limits, distracted drivers, and frequent lane changes near terminal access points, it remains one of the metro area’s most unpredictable roads.
9. Quebec Street
Quebec Street saw five crashes in early 2024. This north-south arterial connects multiple neighborhoods and intersects with major roads like Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Poor lane discipline and speeding make it particularly hazardous.
10. Mississippi Avenue
Mississippi Avenue rounds out the list with five crashes. This east-west corridor stretches through residential and commercial zones, including schools and shopping centers. Crashes here often involve speeding or driver inattention at signalized intersections.
Why are these roads so dangerous?
Many of these roads and intersections are plagued by:
- High-speed traffic on major arterials
- Left-turn hazards without protected signals
- Distracted driving from smartphones or GPS
- Inadequate signage or traffic signals
- Heavy pedestrian and cyclist traffic
- Merging or weaving lanes
A moment of distraction or a poor split-second decision can result in serious injuries, especially in busy or confusing intersections.
How to avoid accidents in Denver’s high-risk intersections
While not every crash is preventable, you can reduce your risk by staying alert and taking extra precautions in known danger zones:
Slow Down
Speeding reduces your ability to react and increases the force of impact. Stick to posted speed limits, especially near intersections.
Avoid Yellow-Light Gambles
Many Denver crashes happen when drivers try to “beat the light.” If the light turns yellow as you approach, slow down and prepare to stop.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Busy intersections like those near Auraria Campus and Capitol Hill have heavy foot traffic. Stay vigilant, especially during evening hours.
Use Extra Caution at Night
Many of Denver’s worst accidents happen after dark. Reduced visibility, fatigue, and impaired drivers all increase risk.
Don’t Rely Solely on Traffic Signals
Always look both ways, even on a green light, and check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
Injured in a crash at a dangerous intersection? We can help.
Even the most cautious driver can be hit by someone running a red light, making an illegal turn, or speeding through a busy intersection. If you or a loved one were injured in a crash, Zara Injury Law is ready to step in and fight for you.
We handle everything from dealing with insurance adjusters and medical bills to proving liability and calculating long-term losses. If your injuries involve whiplash or a traumatic brain injury, we’ll make sure your voice is heard.
Keep in mind that under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-111, car accident victims generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. But acting quickly is important because evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories can fade.
Even if you were partially at fault, Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% responsible.
Why choose Zara Injury Law?
For nearly 20 years, Zara Injury Law has been Denver’s trusted boutique law firm for personal injury representation. Clients appreciate our:
- 24-hour accessibility
- Compassionate, personalized attention
- Expert negotiation with insurers
- Track record of maximum settlements
- Knowledge of Colorado’s comparative fault and insurance laws
Auto accident cases can be complex, especially when fault is disputed or injuries are severe. Let our experienced attorneys take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.
Contact a Denver car accident lawyer today
If you’ve been hurt in a crash at one of Denver’s most dangerous roads, don’t face the aftermath alone. Let Zara Injury Law advocate for your health, your rights, and your future. Give us a call at (866) 823-8288 or contact us online for a free consultation.