If you’re going to (or live near) the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, expect traffic patterns in the area to change quickly, particularly around Levi’s Stadium, which could mean road closures and possible accident risks.
Stadium traffic will pick up, as the venue is expected to draw tens of thousands of people, including rideshare drivers and police officers. Road closures can back up game traffic for hours, and drivers who may not be paying attention can cause injuries in places people least expect.
Accidents during Super Bowl weekend often raise questions about fault, insurance coverage, and what steps come next. If you were involved in a crash, our San Jose car accident lawyer can explain how traffic conditions and shared responsibility may affect your case.
Why Super Bowl Traffic Raises Accident Risks in Santa Clara
Even though traffic will pick up significantly around the stadium, game-day congestion spreads into the city, affecting highways, surface streets, parking areas, and nearby neighborhoods.
Our personal injury lawyer serving San Jose anticipates an increase in injury claims tied to major sporting events because driving conditions change quickly, and drivers may not know the area well.
Common Causes of Super Bowl Weekend Crashes
Several factors raise the risk of crashes in Super Bowl traffic, including:
- Out-of-town drivers who don’t know the local roads and exits. Drivers may realize too late that they are in the wrong lane and brake suddenly or miss a turn, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Sudden lane changes near stadium entrances and parking zones. Cutting across lanes to reach parking areas, shuttles, or drop-off points can leave other drivers little time to react.
- Heavy rideshare activity with frequent stops and pickups. Vehicles may slow or stop in active lanes while loading or unloading passengers, increasing the risk of a collision when nearby drivers do not expect a stop.
- Distracted driving from navigation apps and event alerts. Looking down to follow detours or check arrival details can pull attention away from changing traffic conditions.
- Impaired driving after pre-game or post-game gatherings. Alcohol or drug use can affect judgment, reaction time, and lane control, and driving under the influence violates California law.
Any of these conditions can raise crash risks on roads that usually feel familiar, especially during peak arrival and departure periods around the game.
High-Risk Areas for Accidents Near Levi’s Stadium
During large events like the Super Bowl, local roads hold heavy traffic leading to and from the stadium. When more vehicles share space—including rideshares, deliveries, and event traffic—the potential for sudden stops, lane changes, and slowdowns increases.
Roads and corridors that handle heavy event traffic include:
- Great America Parkway
- Tasman Drive
- Lawrence Expressway
- Highway 101 and Interstate 880 interchanges
- Stadium-adjacent parking routes and shuttle corridors
Traffic officers frequently redirect vehicles, which can confuse drivers and increase the risk of rear-end or side-impact collisions.
(310) 526-8383Road Closures and Traffic Changes During the Super Bowl
Road closures play a major role in Super Bowl traffic accidents. Temporary changes may start days before the game and continue through the cleanup and departure periods.
Types of Closures Drivers May Encounter
If you plan to drive in the Santa Clara area during the Super Bowl, you may see:
- Streets fully closed down near the stadium perimeter
- Lane reductions on major access roads
- Detours through areas where people live
- Restricted access zones for authorized vehicles only
- Temporary parking enforcement changes
These closures often shift traffic into unfamiliar routes, raising the risk of sudden stops and wrong turns.
How Road Closures Can Affect Accident Claims
Changes in routes can complicate injury claims. A driver may argue they followed posted signs, while another claims the closure created confusion. In some cases, liability questions involve more than one party, including drivers, event organizers, or contractors responsible for traffic control.
Legal Complications After a Santa Clara Super Bowl Traffic Crash
Accidents tied to major events like a Super Bowl football game can raise issues that do not appear in ordinary car crash cases.
More Than One Party May Share Fault
Liability for a Super Bowl accident may involve:
- One or more drivers
- Rideshare companies
- Commercial vehicle operators
- Event vendors or shuttle services
- Government entities overseeing traffic control
Sorting out responsibility may benefit from a legal team reviewing reports, traffic plans, and timing.
Rideshare and Commercial Vehicle Issues
Super Bowl weekends bring a surge in ridesharing services, including Uber, Lyft, taxis, and delivery vans. Different insurance rules cover these vehicles, depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Coverage limits can change based on app status or job activity.
(310) 526-8383How a Santa Clara Car Accident Lawyer Leads Accident Claims
Our car accident lawyer serving Santa Clara looks at everything to get the full picture of what happened.
Legal support in your case may involve:
- Reviewing police and traffic control reports to establish what happened
- Identifying all liable parties
- Gathering evidence to support your claims about the accident
- Managing communication with insurance providers
- Preserving evidence tied to the event and traffic planning for the game
- Pursuing damages through settlement or court
Throughout the process, our legal team communicates regularly and clearly, providing steady guidance throughout the duration of a case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
California generally allows two years from the date of injury under CCP § 335.1. Some cases involving public entities have shorter deadlines. An attorney from our firm can advise you on how much time you have to take legal action if necessary.
Have you been involved
in an accident?
(310) 526-8383 Safety Tips for Driving During Super Bowl Traffic in Santa Clara
You can reduce risk on the road by adjusting how you drive during a major game event. The following tips focus on staying alert and navigating Super Bowl traffic more safely:
- Plan routes early and expect delays. Check the local traffic report before leaving and be ready to follow posted detours if roads are closed or restricted.
- Allow extra time to reach destinations. Rushing to make up lost time can lead to risky decisions, especially if you have to drive in heavy traffic.
- Avoid making aggressive lane changes near closures. Sudden moves can surprise nearby drivers who are already navigating tight or unfamiliar routes.
- Watch for pedestrians near parking zones. People may cross outside marked areas as they move between parking lots, shuttles, and nearby streets.
- Limit distractions and follow posted directions. Keep your attention on the road and obey temporary signs or officer instructions, even if they differ from your usual route.
Passengers should also stay alert and speak up if a driver seems impaired or overly distracted.
Talk With Us About Your Super Bowl Traffic Crash in Santa Clara
Super Bowl traffic accidents can turn a planned trip into a stressful and costly situation. Injuries, vehicle damage, missed work, and questions about insurance often follow, especially when the crash happens far from home or in unfamiliar traffic conditions.
Sorting out fault and coverage after a major event can take more time and attention than people realize. Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys treats every case with care and respect.
Our team stays in touch, answers questions, and works to handle the legal work so families can focus on getting back on their feet. Let our family take care of your family. Choose a firm dedicated to your recovery. Call us today for a free consultation.
