get your free consultation
Car accidents happen without warning, but certain places consistently see a higher frequency of collisions. Understanding where do most crashes happen and the contributing factors can help you stay alert and reduce your risk. At Goldblatt + Singer, our legal team has spent decades reviewing accident data, identifying patterns in driver behavior, road design, and environmental conditions, and helping victims navigate the aftermath with clarity and confidence.
Car accidents in Missouri remain a pressing safety issue. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 2024 Crash Statistics Report, the state reported 138,433 total crashes, 962 of which were fatal, resulting in 1,057 lives lost.
These numbers reflect the widespread impact of collisions across both urban and rural regions of Missouri. From property damage and traffic congestion to the emotional toll of injury and loss, the effects ripple far beyond the initial incident.
The following list shows the most common types of collisions recorded across Missouri in 2024:
While rural roads tend to have more fatal crashes per mile, urban areas like St. Louis see more total collisions, often involving rear-end impacts, lane changes, and failure to yield in congested zones. In particular, highways I-70, I-64, and I-270 are consistently noted for high accident volume.
Most car crashes in Missouri and the St. Louis area occur at intersections, on highways, and in parking lots. These locations often combine driver error with environmental hazards like congestion, limited visibility, or confusing signals, making them especially prone to collisions during peak hours, inclement weather, or when traffic systems are poorly maintained.
Parking lots are a hotspot for low-speed, high-frequency crashes. These environments are often congested, with vehicles backing out unexpectedly, limited space, and frequent pedestrian activity. While rarely fatal, these crashes can still result in soft tissue injuries such as whiplash or muscle strains, pedestrian-related incidents, minor to moderate property damage, and conflicts over poor visibility or inadequate signage.
In Missouri, property owners may share liability if poor lighting, unclear signage, or neglected surface conditions contributed to the incident.
It may sound surprising, but the majority of car accidents happen close to home. In fact, a Progressive Insurance study from 2004 found that approximately 52% of all accidents occur within just five miles of a person’s home. The same study also found that a total of 77% of accidents take place within 15 miles of a driver’s home.
This is partially explained by our brain’s propensity for going on “autopilot” when we are driving familiar routes. It’s important to maintain our vigilance even when driving our most familiar routes. Since serious accidents can and often do occur near home, always buckle up and stay alert. Another reason for the statistic is that around our homes is naturally where we most often drive.
Many people think a large number of accidents occur in urban areas, but statistics show far more fatal accidents take place on rural two-lane roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nationwide, six out of ten highway deaths occur on rural roads. When traveling on rural route,s be mindful of the speed limit and exercise extra caution. Be mindful of slower or stopped cars ahead, as well as unexpected hazards such as wild animals.
Around 15 percent of fatal car crashes occur in intersections, the remaining 85 percent take place on open roads. However, many car crashes (non-fatal and fatal) do take place in intersections as a result of improper left turns, violations of traffic laws, speeding, and distracted driving. Accidents that take place in intersections are often classified as T-bone crashes, which tend to cause more serious injuries, including whiplash, hearing damage, broken shoulders, head trauma, and internal injuries.
Multiple parties may be liable for a car accident, including drivers, government entities, and private property owners. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning even partially at-fault drivers can recover compensation, reduced by their share of responsibility. This legal standard ensures that responsibility is divided based on each party’s role in causing the crash, promoting fairness in the claims process.
Common Liable Parties Include:
In 2024, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reported a 34% increase in general liability claims and a 43% increase in claim payouts. Over 80% of claims were related to pavement defects, guardrail issues, or insufficient road design. In one tragic case, a fatality occurred where a guard cable ended prematurely, settling for $550,000.
Rather than isolated events, these incidents demonstrate a broader concern: poor infrastructure, not just individual driver choices, can play a significant role in how and why accidents happen.
A St. Louis car accident lawyer helps you gather evidence, determine liability, negotiate with insurers, and recover maximum compensation.
When a crash occurs, the insurance company’s goal is often to minimize your payout. The earlier you involve an attorney, the stronger your claim may be, especially when complex factors like multiple parties, unclear fault, or long-term medical needs are involved in your case.
Here’s what legal representation typically includes:
Legal guidance can help protect your rights, manage insurer communications, keep deadlines on track, and maximize your chances of a fair recovery.
The first thing to do is call for the assistance of the police and/or an ambulance. Your health is the greatest priority, so consider being checked out by a medical professional even if you don’t have an obvious injury. Injuries like concussions, whiplash, internal injuries, and others can be serious but not immediately apparent. Better safe than sorry when your health is at stake.
If you feel you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, contact us immediately. We can help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For a free case evaluation, call or text our car accident attorneys today at (314) 231-4100.