What is the most dangerous road in Alabama
U.S. Route 431 is the most dangerous road in Alabama. It is a major north-south state highway that runs along the eastern part of the state. For decades, it has been called the “highway to hell.”
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What Makes US Hwy 431 So Dangerous?
Route 431 is dangerous for numerous reasons. Since it is a major highway, many people travel on it daily. Heavy traffic and driver error often lead to car accidents. However, the dangers of this road are often attributed to the design. The factors most associated with the hazards of this highway are:
- A significant stretch of the road has poor visibility.
- The highway is mostly a two-lane road but switches suddenly to four lanes and then back to two at crucial points.
- Drivers must reduce their speed and stop abruptly in locations where the road cuts through many towns.
- The part of Route 431 that goes through Alabama is long, running most of the length of the state.
- A significant number of vehicles exit and enter the highway constantly.
- The road has multiple curves, narrow bridges, and steep rolling hills.
How Can I Drive More Safely on Highway 431 in Alabama?
You can’t control how other people drive. However, you can take some safety precautions to keep yourself safe and reduce the risk of a crash. Consider these safety tips the next time you’re planning on driving on Route 431:
- Avoid tailgating – You should never follow someone else’s vehicle too closely. When you tailgate, there isn’t enough space between both cars for you to brake if traffic ahead comes to a stop.
- Don’t speed – Speeding is dangerous and often leads to severe injuries in accidents. Pay attention to the speed limit and slow down if you encounter hazardous stretches of road or poor weather conditions.
- Avoid fatigued driving – Fatigued driving impairs physical and mental abilities. It affects a driver’s reflexes, attention span, decision-making, and reaction time. You should never drive while tired. If you start feeling fatigued, pull off the road to rest or grab a cup of coffee.
- Wear your seatbelt – Wearing a seatbelt can’t lower the risk of an accident. But it can reduce the risk of catastrophic injuries and save your life. You shouldn’t be ejected from your vehicle during a collision if you’re wearing a seatbelt.
- Don’t get distracted – Although you might be used to texting, eating, and performing other tasks at the wheel, all distractions limit your driving abilities. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a couple of seconds, can lead to a crash.
- Never drive after drinking – Driving under the influence can have severe consequences. You can injure others and face criminal penalties. Get an Uber or ask a friend to take you home if you’ve had anything to drink.
- Check your blind spots – Changing lanes requires using turn signals so other drivers know what you’re about to do. You should also check your blind spots so you don’t sideswipe another vehicle.
- Avoid bad weather – Checking the weather before driving is always a good idea. Pull off the highway and wait for the heavy rain or strong winds to pass. If possible, avoid driving in poor weather conditions altogether.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in an Accident on Hwy 431?
Knowing how to handle the next weeks and months is critical if you’re injured in an accident on U.S. Route 431. Emergency services might have arrived at the scene to transport you to the hospital. You must put your health first and get checked out by a doctor.
If you didn’t seek treatment after the crash, go to the hospital now. The physician might recommend follow-up care or appointments with a specialist. You must listen to their recommendations. Ongoing treatment helps your recovery and an injury claim or lawsuit.
Document your symptoms in a journal and note how your injury affects your daily life. Keep copies of every record related to the accident. Your physical therapy notes, prescriptions, hospital reports, and billing statements are valuable. They can prove the extent of your injuries and your crash-related expenses.
It’s also a good idea to hire an attorney. Personal injury attorneys are familiar with car accident cases and can handle injury claims effectively. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will do everything possible to reduce your claim’s value. With an experienced lawyer standing up for what you deserve, you can demand maximum compensation for your losses.
What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
Many people drive without liability car insurance, even though Alabama requires it. If you get hurt and the at-fault driver doesn’t have liability coverage, other options might exist, including:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage – UM coverage isn’t mandatory, but insurance carriers must offer it. It should be on your policy if you didn’t reject this option in writing. It covers lost wages, medical bills, and other accident-related expenses. Some insurers will also compensate you for your pain and suffering.
- Car accident lawsuit – You might be able to sue the negligent motorist if you’re within the timeframe allowed for filing a lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Alabama?
Insurance companies typically request policyholders to file their claims promptly or within a reasonable amount of time. There is no state-wide statute that mandates a timeline to file a claim.
However, you must follow the statute of limitations to sue someone after a car wreck. The statute of limitations in Alabama gives you two years from the crash date to file your lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident, you deserve a compassionate and dedicated legal team. Gartlan Injury Law knows how to maximize a client’s case and pursue the compensation they deserve after being injured by someone else’s wrongdoing.
We believe in ongoing communication and dependable customer service. When you hire us, we will spend time getting to know you so we can meet your needs. If you were injured in a car crash because of someone else’s negligence, call Gartlan Injury Law or contact us online for a free consultation.
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Aaron Gartlan is a graduate of Troy University and the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law who focuses his practice exclusively on representing those injured by the wrongdoing of others. He is member of the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. In addition to his legal practice, Aaron teaches Business Law as an adjunct instructor at Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business and serves as a field artillery sergeant in the Alabama National Guard.
