When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, the densely populated areas of central Alabama, which includes the cities of Birmingham and Montgomery, are the most dangerous for drivers. Every year, hundreds of people die in car accidents in central Alabama and thousands more are injured. Motor vehicle accidents often take place at busy intersections and some of the most dangerous are located in Birmingham.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident, contact our Birmingham car accident lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. today at (205) 933-1500.
Why are Intersections Accident-Prone?
Intersections are common scene of motor vehicle collisions because they require more vigilance on the part of the driver in that there are at least two or more roads connecting, they tend to be overcrowded, and there are more activities taking place that increase the potential for conflicts such as:
- Turning left
- Merging
- Presence of cyclists and/or pedestrians
According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common causes for intersection crashes include:
- Inadequate surveillance
- Distracted driving
- False assumption about another driver’s action
- Turning with an obstructed view
- Illegal maneuver
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Failure to obey traffic signals (i.e. running a red light or stop sign)
Birmingham Crash Statistics
According to the most recent Alabama Department of Transportation crash data from the Alabama Department of Transportation, the majority of motor vehicle accidents occur in urban areas. An accident is more likely to take place when traffic is most congested, meaning between the 3 to 6 pm.
Residents of Birmingham and its surrounding suburbs drive around 34 miles per day on average, which is the fourth highest in the United States. The sprawling highways and congested intersections of Birmingham are where a large percentage of accidents in the state occur each year.
It is, therefore, no surprise that Jefferson County, home to Birmingham and the most densely populated area in the state, saw the highest number of fatal accidents from 2009 to 2013. In 2014 alone, Jefferson County experienced 4,286 intersection-related crashes.
Although the traffic fatality rate in urban areas decreased overall from 2013 to 2014, the number of crashes and injuries in Birmingham increased during that time period. Overall, there were 13,033 total crashes, 31 fatalities, and 2,931 injuries in 2014.
Dangerous Intersections in Birmingham
One of the busiest and most dangerous intersections in the Birmingham areas is Morgan Road, also known as Jefferson County Road 52. The most problematic section of the roadway stretches from Interstate 459 south to South Shades Crest Road in Birmingham.
Morgan Road was recently designated by Jefferson County officials and residents as the worst intersection in the state. Not only is Morgan Road one of the most trafficked in the state and the site of frequent accidents, the poor condition of the road makes it a public safety threat to drivers.
The junction of U.S. Highway 280 and State Highway 119 is one of the top 10 most dangerous intersections in the state and the most dangerous in Birmingham. Car accidents are common at this intersection. The state has recognized the risks at this location, slating it for improvement over the past several years.
Contact a Birmingham Car Accident Attorney Today for Help
If you have been injured in a collision through no fault of your own, contact the skilled Birmingham car accident lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. right away to discuss your case. Our team of auto injury attorneys in Alabama have more than 65 years of collective experience handling car accident cases and claims involving other types of vehicles including:
- Vehicle-pedestrian accidents
- Vehicle-bicycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Recreational vehicle accidents
Our Alabama personal injury law firm will aggressively fight for the maximum compensation available for your injuries and be by your side throughout the legal process so that you can make informed decisions about your case. Let us put our extensive resources, skills, and experience to work for you while you focus on recovery.
Call our Birmingham car accident lawyers today at (205) 933-1500 or contact us online for a free consultation.
