The 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Denver for T-Bone Collisions, Based on 2024 Data

Every driver in Denver knows the frustration of a congested intersection, but some of these daily crossings pose a much greater threat than others. A moment of inattention, a misjudged yellow light, or a failure to yield can result in a violent T-bone collision, often with devastating consequences.

At Flanagan Law, we analyzed the most recent 2024 crash data from the City of Denver and the Colorado Department of Transportation to identify the intersections with the highest frequency of crashes, particularly those with a high potential for side-impact collisions. This isn’t about fear; it’s about awareness. Knowing where the greatest risks lie is the first step in protecting yourself and your family.

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Why T-Bone Collisions Are So Dangerous

Before we get to the list, it’s critical to understand why T-bone (or side-impact) collisions are so catastrophic. When a vehicle is struck from the side, there is very little to protect the occupants—only a door and a window stand between them and the force of the impact. This can lead to severe and life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Pelvic Fractures
• Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in a side-impact crash are immense, and the potential for serious harm is significantly higher than in many other types of collisions.

Denver’s Highest-Risk Intersections

While the official data often combines all crash types, the following intersections consistently appear at the top of the list for overall collisions, injuries, and fatalities in 2024. Their design—featuring high traffic volumes, multiple turning lanes, and highway ramp merges—makes them prime locations for the types of errors that lead to T-bone accidents.

Please Note: This list is compiled from an analysis of 2024 crash frequency data. The #1 spot is the location with the highest overall number of reported crashes.

1. I-70 & North Peoria Street: With over 100 crashes in 2024, this complex highway interchange is Denver’s most dangerous intersection. The combination of high-speed highway traffic merging with local traffic creates a chaotic environment where misjudgments are frequent and severe.
2. I-25 & West 6th Avenue: Another major highway interchange, this location sees nearly 100 crashes annually. The constant merging and exiting of vehicles at high speeds create a high-risk environment for side-impact collisions.
3. I-25 & East Hampden Avenue: This intersection struggles with heavy commuter volume and complex turning phases, contributing to a high number of crashes, many of which involve failures to yield.
4. West 6th Avenue & North Federal Boulevard: A major arterial intersection that combines heavy local traffic with commuters heading to and from the highway.
5. I-25 & 20th Street: The proximity to downtown, Coors Field, and major residential areas leads to significant congestion and a high potential for angle collisions.
6. I-25 & Colfax Avenue: The intersection of a major interstate with one of Denver’s most famous and busiest streets is a recipe for frequent accidents.
7. West Alameda Avenue & South Federal Boulevard: This intersection is a perennial feature on lists of Denver’s most dangerous spots, known for high traffic volume and a high rate of injury accidents.
8. I-25 & East Yale Avenue: Serving dense residential and commercial areas, this intersection is another high-frequency crash location.
9. South Colorado Boulevard & East Evans Avenue: Two of Denver’s busiest surface streets intersect here, creating a hotspot for red-light violations and turning-related crashes.
10. I-70 Westbound & North Peoria Street: The westbound side of the top intersection on our list also presents significant dangers, underscoring the overall hazardous nature of this entire interchange.

What to Do If You’re Injured in a Side-Impact Crash

Being the victim of a T-bone collision is a terrifying experience. The legal aftermath can be just as confusing, especially when dealing with insurance companies that want to minimize your claim or shift the blame.

If you have been injured in a T-bone collision at one of these intersections—or any other in Colorado—it is crucial to take steps to protect your rights. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence to prove the other driver’s fault, and fight for the full compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and recovery. [Link “T-bone collision” to your /t-bone-collisions/ page]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are highway interchanges like I-70 & Peoria so dangerous?

Highway interchanges combine high-speed traffic with vehicles that are slowing down, speeding up, and changing lanes in a concentrated area. This speed differential is a major contributing factor. Drivers merging onto the highway may misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic, while those exiting may fail to slow down adequately for the surface street, leading to high-impact collisions.

What is the most common cause of T-bone accidents at city intersections?

At traditional city intersections like Colorado Blvd & Evans Ave, the most common cause is a “failure to yield the right-of-way.” This often happens when a driver runs a red light or a stop sign, or when they make a left turn into the path of an oncoming vehicle without having enough space or time to do so safely.

Does the city do anything to make these dangerous intersections safer?

Yes. The City of Denver’s Vision Zero program actively identifies and works to improve locations on its “High Injury Network.” Improvements can include changing signal timing to allow for protected turning phases, increasing visibility, improving road markings, and redesigning the physical layout of an intersection to calm traffic and reduce conflict points.

If I am partially at fault, can I still file a claim?

Yes. Colorado follows a “modified comparative fault” rule. As long as you are found to be 49% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages from the other at-fault party. However, your final settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is why it is so important to have an attorney who can fight against an unfair assignment of blame.

How can I prove the other driver ran a red light in a T-bone crash?

Proving who had the green light can be challenging and often comes down to evidence. This is where an immediate investigation is critical. Evidence can include statements from independent witnesses, footage from nearby traffic or security cameras, and data from the vehicles’ “black box” event data recorders, which can show speed and braking just before impact.