Morgantown’s downtown wasn’t designed for the level of traffic it sees today. More students, more businesses, and more drivers mean busier intersections and more opportunities for crashes. With narrow streets, frequent road work, and unpredictable pedestrian traffic, drivers often struggle to navigate safely.
A driver in a hurry may run a red light, fail to check their blind spot, or make a quick left turn without looking for pedestrians. These choices can lead to serious injuries, and the consequences fall on the people who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
If you’ve been hurt in an intersection accident in Morgantown’s downtown, you don’t have to handle it alone. The Desai Firm helps accident victims fight for compensation. Get in touch with our Morgantown car accident lawyers to discuss your case.
High Pedestrian Traffic & Student Presence
Morgantown’s downtown district is a hub of activity, significantly influenced by its proximity to West Virginia University (WVU). The main campus, with an average of 22,000 students and 5,000 employees, borders the historic downtown area. This influx, combined with over 2,500 downtown employees in local businesses and public offices, results in an average of 3,000 pedestrians navigating the streets daily. The convergence of students, faculty, and professionals creates a vibrant atmosphere but also heightens the potential for intersection accidents.
The constant movement, especially during class changes and peak business hours, leads to crowded crosswalks and increased jaywalking incidents. Drivers may struggle with the unpredictable flow of pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
One-Way Streets & Unconventional Road Layout
If you’re not familiar with Morgantown’s road system, downtown can feel like a maze. Key thoroughfares like High Street, Spruce Street, Walnut Street, and Pleasant Street are designated one-way routes. While this design aims to streamline traffic flow, it often leads to increased vehicle speeds, making intersections more hazardous. Out-of-town drivers, in particular, struggle with these roads. They may turn the wrong way down a one-way street, make sudden lane changes, or stop in the middle of an intersection because they’re unsure where to go.
The unconventional road layouts don’t make things any easier. For instance, Belmar Avenue and Waverly Street recently switched to one-way traffic patterns as part of a study to improve flow and safety. These changes, while aimed at bettering traffic conditions, can catch drivers off guard. Such sudden shifts and intricate street designs can lead to confusion, increasing the risk of intersection accidents.
Public Transportation & Ride-Sharing Traffic
Navigating Morgantown’s downtown district means sharing the road with various public transportation options and ride-sharing services. The Mountain Line Transit Authority operates 24 routes throughout Monongalia County, ensuring that buses frequently traverse downtown streets. The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system also offers an automated transportation solution with five stations connecting key areas, including Walnut Street Downtown and Beechurst Avenue.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available, providing on-demand rides throughout Morgantown. While these services enhance mobility, they contribute to increased traffic complexity at intersections. Frequent stops by buses and ride-share vehicles can lead to sudden lane changes or unexpected pedestrian crossings, elevating the risk of accidents.
Construction & Changing Traffic Patterns
Morgantown’s downtown is no stranger to construction, and while these projects aim to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, they often create short-term hazards at intersections. With ongoing and upcoming roadwork, drivers face detours, sudden lane shifts, and changing traffic signals, making crashes at intersections more likely.
The Green Bag Road expansion will widen lanes and add sidewalks. While great for long-term safety, the road closures and temporary traffic shifts they create will increase the risk of crashes at key intersections. Smaller projects, like sidewalk repairs and utility work, contribute to unexpected roadblocks and reduced visibility. Construction crews may misplace signage or fail to provide clear detours, leaving drivers scrambling to react. When drivers make sudden decisions at busy intersections, the chances of rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, and pedestrian accidents skyrocket.
The problem isn’t just confusion—it’s also impatient drivers ignoring construction rules. Speeding through work zones, running red lights, or weaving between traffic cones are all reckless behaviors that put other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians at risk. Just because an intersection is temporarily modified doesn’t mean drivers can ignore traffic laws. Those who do should be held responsible when their carelessness causes harm.
Increased Bicycle and Scooter Traffic
Morgantown’s downtown has seen a rise in bicycle and scooter traffic, particularly near West Virginia University (WVU), where students rely on alternative transportation. With major routes like Beechurst Avenue and High Street frequently used by cyclists, intersections have become high-risk areas. Drivers making right turns without checking for cyclists, cutting into bike lanes, or failing to yield at crosswalks are common causes of accidents.
The Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization has mapped key bicycle routes, showing areas with high vehicle speeds and heavy traffic volumes, which increases the likelihood of intersection crashes. Additionally, e-scooter use has surged, adding another layer of complexity to already congested streets. Many intersections lack clear bike lane markings, forcing cyclists and scooter riders to navigate unpredictable traffic, often leading to preventable collisions.
Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable with Morgantown Car Accident Lawyers
After an intersection accident in downtown Morgantown, you might think the insurance company will handle everything fairly. But here’s the truth—they’re not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, often offering a settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, that’s it. No going back, even if your medical bills pile up.
That’s why you need The Desai Firm. We know how insurance companies operate and won’t let them take advantage of you. Our legal team gathers traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports to build a strong case. More importantly, we fight for the full compensation you deserve—not just a quick payout.
Before you talk to an insurance adjuster, talk to our seasoned car accident lawyers. Dial (304) 974-1974 now, or take a moment to send us your details online—we’ll take it from there.
