Car accidents can cause significant injuries and property damage in an instant. In Huntsville, Alabama, car accidents happen often, and certain areas are more prone to accidents than others.
Whether you're a resident or a visitor to Huntsville, it helps to be aware of where accidents occur most often. Understanding these high-risk areas can help you stay vigilant and take precautions to avoid accidents. However, accidents can happen anywhere, and negligent drivers can hit even the safest ones.
In the unfortunate event of a car crash, seek legal representation from a Huntsville car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Crashes on I-565
I-565 is a major highway that runs through Huntsville. The highway connects Huntsville to neighboring cities like Decatur and Athens, making it a busy thoroughfare for commuters and travelers. Its traffic and high speed limits make accidents on I-565 common.
Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and reckless behavior contribute to the higher rate of accidents on this stretch of highway. There are also many commercial trucks using I-565, which increases the chances of a high-speed semi-truck collision.
Collisions at Urban Intersections
Huntsville is a growing city with numerous busy intersections where collisions frequently occur. Intersections such as University Drive and Memorial Parkway, Airport Road and Whitesburg Drive, and Meridian Street and Oakwood Avenue witness a high volume of traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Factors contributing to these collisions include red-light violations, failure to yield, and distracted driving. Determining liability for intersection accidents can often be challenging, as multiple drivers might be involved and pointing the blame at one another.
Drunk Driving Crashes in Downtown Huntsville
Downtown Huntsville has nightlife, arts, and entertainment. Unfortunately, this means it can also be a hot spot for drunk driving crashes. The combination of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues makes Downtown Huntsville a gathering place for people looking to have a good time.
However, some individuals make the dangerous choice to drink and drive, putting themselves and others at risk.
While the Huntsville police do their best to patrol, enforce the law, and catch drunk drivers in the area, they cannot arrest all impaired drivers before they cause accidents and injuries to others.
If you've suffered an injury in a drunk driving crash in Downtown Huntsville, always work with a Huntsville car accident attorney who has experience handling cases involving intoxicated drivers. They will know how to use drunk driving arrests and criminal cases to your advantage whenever possible in your civil injury claim.
Accidents in Residential Neighborhoods
It's not just busy highways and urban intersections or districts where car accidents occur in Huntsville. Residential neighborhoods also witness their fair share of accidents. Factors such as speeding, reckless driving, and failure to observe stop signs contribute to these crashes.
Failing to follow traffic rules in residential areas can have severe consequences, as these neighborhoods often have many pedestrians, children, and pets. Even though these collisions often occur at lower speeds, victims can still suffer serious injuries and losses, especially if they are riding a bicycle or walking at the time.
Never take a residential accident lightly. Just because it wasn’t a high-speed highway crash does not mean you don’t have injuries or legal rights. A car accident lawyer should evaluate your situation like any other car accident.
What to Do After a Huntsville Car Crash
After a crash, it’s common to be confused about what to do or not do. Always stay calm and take the appropriate steps to ensure your safety and protect a possible future legal claim. Here are some important things you should do after a car accident in Huntsville.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a car accident. Even if you don't feel any immediate pain or visible injuries, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not immediately manifest but can have serious long-term effects if untreated.
When you visit a healthcare professional, they can assess your injuries, provide necessary medical treatment, and document your condition. This documentation will be necessary for potential legal claims. Additionally, seeking prompt medical attention strengthens your case by establishing a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
Avoid Speaking With Insurers or Accepting a Settlement Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies often reach out to accident victims soon after the incident to gather information and determine liability.
While it may seem harmless to discuss the details of the accident and accept a quick settlement, remember that insurance adjusters are not on your side. They work for the insurance company, and their primary goal is to minimize costs and protect their bottom line, not to provide you with the support you deserve.
Consult a Huntsville car accident lawyer before speaking with any insurance company or accepting any settlement offer. They will ensure you do not accept less than you need to cover your losses.
Consult a Huntsville Car Accident Lawyer
When dealing with injuries, property damage, and the emotional toll of the incident, you need professional help with your car accident claim. Consulting a Huntsville car accident attorney is the best way to get the legal support and representation you need.
An attorney who handles car accident cases can assess liability for your crash and build a strong case. They will investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and more.
They can determine the full extent of your damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost earnings if your injuries keep you out of work
- Physical and mental pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or impairment
Once you know what your claim is worth, you will better know not to accept an insufficient offer. Your lawyer can negotiate for a higher settlement that covers your losses and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Having a knowledgeable and experienced legal advocate by your side can make all the difference in ensuring a fair outcome and allowing you to focus on your recovery. Seek your free case evaluation from a car accident attorney in Huntsville today.
Garrett Dennis
Attorney
For nearly a decade I have been representing the people of North Alabama who have been victims to accidents. I have seen firsthand the impact a wreck can have on a victim and their families.
Author's Bio