Car accidents are a harsh reality in Montgomery, where hundreds of crashes occur every year, many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
In fact, according to data from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), a person is injured in a car accident every 11 minutes in Alabama. With Montgomery serving as a central hub for major highways like I-65 and I-85, it’s not surprising that the city sees a significant share of the state’s traffic incidents.
These accidents don’t just cause physical harm—they disrupt lives, burden families, and leave victims dealing with painful recovery, lost income, and mounting medical bills.
An experienced Montgomery car accident lawyer can be a powerful advocate when you’re faced with navigating the aftermath of a car accident and trying to obtain the compensation you deserve. Alexander Shunnarah Trial Lawyers, we understand what you’re going through. Our firm brings the strength and determination needed to fight for your rights, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Table of contents
- Traffic Accident Data for Montgomery and Alabama
- Most Dangerous Roads in Montgomery
- Most Dangerous Intersections in Montgomery
- Where Should Drivers Take Extra Caution?
- What Causes So Many Car Accidents in Montgomery?
- Types of Injuries Associated with Car Accidents in Montgomery
- Car Accident Damages and Losses You Might Claim
- Let a Lawyer Handle the Insurance Companies
- What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Montgomery?
- Legal Recourse for Montgomery Car Accident Victims
- Call Alexander Shunnarah Trial Lawyers for Help Today
Traffic Accident Data for Montgomery and Alabama
Car accidents are a serious problem across Alabama, and Montgomery is no exception. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, in 2022 alone, there were more than 159,000 crashes statewide, leading to over 45,000 injuries and nearly 1,000 fatalities.
The southern end of I-85 is in Montgomery, where I-65 connects, bringing heavy traffic through the city and increasing the chances of collisions. U.S. highways 231 and 331 are also heavily traveled, serving as popular routes for beach traffic headed to and from Panama City and Destin, Florida.
The combination of dense urban areas, commuter traffic, and long stretches of highway makes the Montgomery area particularly accident-prone.
According to ALDOT, car accidents are on a steep upward trajectory statewide. One car crash occurs every three minutes in Alabama, and one person is injured every 14 minutes. For every 38 injuries, one person is killed.
Alarmingly, this means that Alabama drivers have more than a two in five chance of being involved in an injury or fatal crash while driving in their lifetime. The probability of any Alabama driver being involved in a traffic accident of any severity is higher than 80%.
Most Dangerous Roads in Montgomery
When considering the most dangerous places for car accidents in Montgomery, one road consistently tops the list: I-65. According to recent studies, I-65 is the most dangerous highway in Alabama, and the portion that runs through Montgomery is especially hazardous. This highway sees heavy commercial traffic, fast speeds, and numerous merging points, creating a perfect storm for accidents.
But I-65 isn’t the only dangerous roadway. Other high-risk roads and intersections in and around Montgomery include:
- I-85: This interstate is notorious for accidents. The stretch through Montgomery sees heavy traffic, especially during rush hours, leading to frequent collisions.
- Eastern Boulevard: Intersecting with various roads like Carmichael and Vaughn, Eastern Boulevard has a reputation for high accident rates, particularly due to the sheer volume of traffic and the number of merging lanes and access roads around commercial shopping centers.
These roads, along with other problematic intersections listed below, are known for frequent car accidents, largely due to a combination of heavy traffic, complex merges, and high speeds.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Montgomery
Montgomery County contributes significantly to these statistics, with its busy streets and highways seeing numerous accidents every year. According to ALDOT, 9,224 traffic collisions occurred in Montgomery in one recent year. Most of those crashes – 7,280 to be exact – occurred at intersections, while 1,944 were non-intersection crashes.
Montgomery has several intersections that are well-known accident hotspots. These intersections pose significant risks due to factors like congestion, poor visibility, and driver confusion. Some of the most accident-prone intersections in our city are:
- I-85 and Chantilly Parkway—In this area, high–speed traffic merges with slower-moving vehicles, creating a chaotic environment that can lead to rear-end collisions and sideswipes.
- Eastern Boulevard at Carmichael Road – With traffic flowing from residential areas into commercial districts, this intersection is prone to fender-benders and T-bone accidents during peak hours.
- Carmichael Road and I-85 – The interchange between a busy road and a major highway creates a complex, high-traffic intersection with frequent merging, leading to accidents, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.
- Eastern Boulevard and Vaughn Road – This heavily trafficked area near shopping centers and restaurants often leads to congestion and rear-end collisions.
- I-85 and Eastern Boulevard Interchange – A complicated interchange that confuses many drivers, leading to lane-change accidents and sideswipes.
- I-85 and Taylor Road – One of the busiest sections of Montgomery, with high-speed traffic and confusing merges that result in frequent crashes as drivers jockey for the right lane.
- Taylor Road and Vaughn Road – Another busy commercial area with heavy congestion during rush hours, leading to stop-and-go traffic and rear-end accidents.
- Troy Highway and Virginia Loop Road – Known for high traffic volumes and frequent driver distractions, this intersection has a history of dangerous accidents.
- Southern Boulevard at Woodley Road – An accident hotspot due to merging traffic, lack of proper signals, and poor visibility.
- Atlanta Highway and Ann Street – This major artery is a danger zone for drivers, with complex turns and frequent red-light violations.
- Atlanta Highway and Perry Hill Road – Traffic flow issues combined with driver impatience at this intersection lead to frequent collisions.
- Southern Boulevard and Norman Bridge Road – This intersection has high accident rates due to heavy traffic from surrounding residential and commercial areas.
- Ann Street and Highland Avenue – Poor signage and heavy congestion make this one of the riskiest intersections in the city.
If you often drive in these areas, you’re likely aware of the dangers. But even the most cautious drivers can fall victim to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Where Should Drivers Take Extra Caution?
Certain roads and environments in Montgomery are more prone to accidents, and it’s important to remain cautious when driving on them. Here are the key areas where drivers should be extra vigilant:
- Rural Highways
Despite lighter traffic, rural highways like Troy Highway (US-231) and US-82 in Montgomery County see a high number of severe accidents. These roads often have higher speeds, poor lighting, improper passing, and long stretches without intersections, which increases the risk of fatal crashes. - Stroads (Street-Road Hybrids)
Roads around commercial areas like EastChase Parkway and Taylor Road combine high-speed traffic with frequent stops for local businesses. This mix of fast-moving vehicles and frequent turning or merging increases the likelihood of accidents, especially for drivers unfamiliar with the area. - Busy Intersections
High-traffic intersections such as Eastern Boulevard at Vaughn Road and I-85 at Taylor Road are notorious for accidents. These areas see frequent lane changes, quick stops, and heavy congestion, leading to rear-end collisions and sideswipes. - Intersections with Crosswalks
In busy pedestrian areas like downtown Montgomery, confusion about the right-of-way between drivers and pedestrians often leads to accidents. Distracted driving and walking further increase the risk of collisions at these intersections. - Areas Near Schools and Residential Zones
School zones are inherently dangerous due to increased pedestrian activity and distracted drivers during pick-up and drop-off times. Residential areas also experience frequent accidents due to speeding and children playing near streets. - Shopping Centers and Commercial Areas
Parking lots and roads around shopping hubs like Eastdale Mall are common spots for rear-end accidents, T-bone crashes, and other accidents. The mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and congestion increases the chance of fender benders.
What Causes So Many Car Accidents in Montgomery?
Accidents in Montgomery are caused by a range of factors, many of which are similar to those found in other urban areas. However, Montgomery’s unique traffic conditions make some behaviors and circumstances especially hazardous. These include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to yield right of way
- Improper lane changes
- Running off the road
- Obstructed views
- Swerving to avoid hazards
- Failure to obey traffic signs or signals
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Misjudging stopping distance
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Weather conditions
- Construction zones
- Road design issues
- Driver aggression
Types of Injuries Associated with Car Accidents in Montgomery
Car accidents in Montgomery can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately noticeable. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash: Often caused by rear-end collisions, this neck injury can lead to long-term pain.
- Fractures and broken bones: The impact of a crash can result in broken arms, legs, and ribs.
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head injuries can occur in any serious accident, especially when there is an impact with the steering wheel or dashboard.
- Back and spinal injuries: These can lead to long-term disability and require extensive medical treatment.
- Internal injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage can result from the force of the crash.
- Cuts and bruises: Airbag deployment and broken glass can cause cuts, lacerations, and contusions.
Car Accident Damages and Losses You Might Claim
Understanding and pursuing the full range of damages you may be entitled to after being injured in a car accident is a complex process. A skilled car accident lawyer knows how to thoroughly and fairly identify all of the damages you may claim and then aggressively pursue the best possible recovery.
Car accident victims may be eligible for various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages or income
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or disability
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
- Wrongful death
Each of these categories can significantly impact your life and financial stability. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that no stone is left unturned in pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Let a Lawyer Handle the Insurance Companies
When negotiating car accident claims, insurance companies always prioritize their profits over your needs. They employ various tactics to minimize payouts, including quick lowball offers, delayed processing, disputing injury severity, and misrepresenting policy coverage. These strategies can leave you undercompensated and struggling with the aftermath of your accident.
An experienced car accident lawyer serves as your advocate, helping you avoid the pitfalls of dealing with insurance companies on your own. They will:
- Protect you from manipulative insurance tactics
- Accurately calculate all your damages, including future expenses
- Gather all the evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate effectively with insurance adjusters
- Represent you in court if necessary
By hiring a skilled attorney, you level the playing field against insurance companies and significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t risk compromising your claim – let an experienced personal injury lawyer handle your claim while you focus on your recovery.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Montgomery?
If you’ve been in a car accident, the steps you take afterward can have a big impact on your health, recovery, and any car accident claim or personal injury claim you may make.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you didn’t go to the hospital immediately after the accident, it’s critical to get checked out as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time.
- Document your injuries and accident-related expenses: Keep a record of all medical visits, treatments, medications, and out-of-pocket costs related to the accident.
- Speak with a Montgomery car accident lawyer: Alexander Shunnarah’s Montgomery lawyers can deal with insurance companies, calculate the true cost of your injuries, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Don’t talk to the insurance company without legal advice: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the value of your claim. Before you accept any offer or make a statement, consult with your lawyer.
- Keep track of time missed from work: Your lawyer will use this information to calculate lost wages and the impact on your overall compensation.
Legal Recourse for Montgomery Car Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation. However, each case is unique and handled differently depending on the circumstances.
If the accident was caused by another driver, their insurance is typically responsible for covering your damages. In the case of a hit-and-run or uninsured driver, your own insurance may come into play.
Working with a Montgomery car accident lawyer is your best bet for getting a fair settlement – a deal that covers all of your damages fully and fairly. Car accidents are often complex, and insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with.
Our team at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Lawyers will fight aggressively for compensation that covers all of your injuries, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more so you won’t have to settle for any lowball insurance offers.
Call Alexander Shunnarah Trial Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t wait to take action. The team of Montgomery personal injury lawyers with Alexander Shunnarah has the knowledge, experience and tenacity to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Reach out today for a free consultation, and let us help you through this difficult time. Call us at (334) 489-2163 or fill out our quick online form.