Let’s get the painfully obvious out of the way early: Atlanta and car accidents go hand-in-hand. If you live in the city, are commuting to work, or are just passing through, odds are you’ll see an accident or two during your drive. Over the Thanksgiving 2025 holiday alone, the metro area saw 11 deaths and 236 traffic-related injuries.
So, where do most car accidents happen in Atlanta? Let’s break it down.
The Atlanta Highways That are Known for Traffic
With traffic comes accidents. To pinpoint where most car accidents happen in Atlanta, you don’t have to look much further than our congested highways. Between 2020 and 2024, Fulton County experienced over 160,000 car accidents, resulting in more than 68,000 injuries. Many of these wrecks occurred in the city’s notorious interchanges: I-20 at 285 East, 285 at SR 400, and the I-75/85 “Downtown Connector”. Let’s be honest, there’s a reason you’ll see lawyers plastered on billboards from the airport through the city’s northern suburbs.
Outside the immediate Atlanta/Fulton County area, other highways known for traffic include I-75 at 575, I-75 at 675, and “Spaghetti Junction”, which connects 285 with I-85 and US-23.
Now, where do most car accidents happen in Atlanta, off the highways? Here are some of the Atlanta locations that also recorded serious or fatal car accidents during the same 2020-2024 period:
- Cleveland Ave. SW
- Moreland Ave. SE
- Marietta Blvd. NW
- Chattahoochee Ave. NW
- Howell Mill Rd.
- Joseph E. Lowery Blvd.
- Metropolitan Pkwy. SW
- Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
- Northside Dr.
- Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy. NW
What Causes Atlanta Car Accidents?
We know where most car accidents happen across Atlanta, so let’s quickly explore why they happen. These are the most common accidents:
- Distracted Driving: It’s easy for other drivers sitting on Atlanta highways known for traffic to become distracted by their phone or other factors. This is one of the leading causes of Atlanta’s car accidents.
- Drunk Driving: The sad reality is that many will still get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence. It is estimated that around 20,000 or more people are arrested in Atlanta each year for DUIs.
- Speeding: Speeding also plays a major role in many of Atlanta’s car accidents. Always be aware of your surroundings when driving on the highways known for traffic.
- Disregard for Laws: At many intersections across the metro area, drivers will run red lights, drive through stop signs, and even disregard pedestrians. This creates many dangerous accidents each year.
- Aggressive Driving: Because so many sit in hours of traffic each day, Atlanta is home to many aggressive drivers. It’s important not to engage those who weave through traffic, lane split, or disregard other traffic laws.
What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident
If you’re in a car accident in Atlanta, understanding what you’re entitled to is critical, especially if you’re injured. Common expenses that follow serious car accidents can include medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, and other out-of-pocket costs. At Rafi Law Firm, our Atlanta-based car accident lawyers work to get you and your family the best compensation possible after a wreck.
If you’re injured from an Atlanta car accident, need to ensure you are compensated for medical bills after an accident, or have other questions regarding a potential case, fill out a free case evaluation or call us 24/7 to discuss your case. There are no fees unless we win your case.
FAQs
What are the most dangerous intersections in Atlanta for car accidents?
Atlanta car accidents happen in all corners of the metro area. However, some of the most dangerous intersections that consistently rank towards the top of most dangerous include North Druid Hills at I-85, Memorial Drive at N Hairston Road, Peachtree Street at Lenox Road, Peachtree Street at North Avenue, and Moreland Avenue at Glenwood Road.
What Atlanta highways have the most traffic accidents?
I-285, an Atlanta highway known for traffic, consistently records the highest number of accidents due to its volume, frequent lane changes, and busy interchanges. I-75/85 through Downtown and the Connector are also where most car accidents happen in Atlanta.
Why does Atlanta have so many accidents?
Atlanta car accidents are common for several reasons. Primarily, long commutes, distracted driving, and complicated interchanges heighten crash risks. Additionally, the metro area is home to over 6 million people, ensuring our roadways remain densely packed throughout the year.
