The areas that car accidents happen in are inextricably linked to their causes.

While accidents can be caused by driver error or negligence, road designs, dangerous intersections, and other roadway planning aspects can lead to higher rates of accidents.

It’s important to note that while accidents happen at higher rates in some areas versus others, it is still up to drivers to be aware of their surroundings and try their best to stay out of harm’s way.

Birmingham and Jefferson County have some of the highest rates of car crashes in the state. Over 19,000 accidents occurred in 2019, and an average of around 40 people die on Birmingham highways and roads every year.

What are the Most Dangerous Intersections and Roads in the Birmingham Area?

Some roads in and around Birmingham see much higher rates of crashes and fatalities. These roads tend to be main arterial roads or state/county highways.

High speeds, distracted driving, inclement weather, and other factors can make a dangerous road even more threatening.

Where Do Fatalities Occur the Most?

The most frequent accidents happen in urban areas of Birmingham and Jefferson County, and most fatal accidents happen on high-speed roadways.

According to city-data.com’s interactive data sets for fatal crashes, the most dangerous roads in Birmingham are the following:

1. Interstate 20 and Interstate 59

These two highways, which run concurrent to one another across the Birmingham area, have seen over 100 deaths between 2005-2019.

2. Interstate 65

This highway runs slightly north to south through Birmingham in an S shape. Interstate 65 has seen over 30 deaths between 2005-2019.

3. Interstate 459

Interstate 459 has seen over 20 deaths between 2005-2019. This highway crosses only a small sliver of Birmingham, but is a busy roadway nonetheless connecting numerous suburbs, medical centers and shopping centers.

4. South Shades Crest Road

South Shades Crest Road is a rural road southeast of Birmingham with a high number of car crashes and fatal accidents.

5. Jefferson Avenue SW

Jefferson Avenue is a four-lane arterial road in Southwest Birmingham which has had a number of fatal accidents over the years.

Alabama Car Accident Statistics

Alabama roads see too many accidents every day. Below are some startling statistics on Alabama traffic crashes and fatalities in 2020 (most recent available statistics):

• A traffic crash was reported every 3 minutes and 55 seconds
• There were 932 people killed in 853 fatal crashes
• A person was killed in a traffic crash every 9 hours and 20 minutes
• 58% of those fatalities were not wearing a seatbelt
• Most Alabama crashes occur within urban areas (75%), while most fatalities occur in rural areas (62%)
• Speeding is the top contributing factor in fatal crashes
• Failure to yield the right-of-way at traffic signals is the number one cause of most non-fatal crashes

The number of traffic accidents that lead to fatalities increases every year.

US Highway 431: “The Highway to Hell”

Alabama is home to one of the most dangerous highways in the country. Highway 431 stretches 353 miles from Huntsville in the North, hugging the border with Georgia and reaching the southeastern tip of the state.

Highway 431 is statistically the most deadly road in Alabama and one of the deadliest roads in America. Being listed by the World Health Organization as one of most dangerous and the fourth deadliest road in the world, Highway 431 is aptly nicknamed the “The Highway to Hell”.

Poor visibility, illegal maneuver, speeding, sudden lane-shifts, numerous crosses, and other factors relating to the design of the highway are often the cause of traffic crashes on Highway 431.

What to do if You’re in a Traffic Crash

If you’re in a car accident, do the following things to keep yourself safe and protect your legal rights:

• Stay at the accident scene
• Call the authorities and seek medical treatment
• If need be, move your car to a safe location
• Do not admit fault for the accident
• Collect any and all evidence: take photos, videos, and get contact information for authorities and any witnesses
• Keep track of all medical costs, damage bills, etc. associated with the traffic crash.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer.

Hiring a Car Accident Law Firm | Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

After being involved in a car accident, the last thing victims want to deal with is the legal process and hiring a lawyer.

At Bodewell Injury Law Firm, we offer legal services and representation to those harmed at no fault of their own.

Don’t work with the at-fault party’s insurance company for a payout, contact the Car Accident Legal Team at Bodewell Law for a free consultation and free case review.

Our law firm understands the pain and confusion associated with car accidents and will work hard to make sure your medical bills and any other associated costs are taken care of.

We will seek the maximum compensation award for your injuries and hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.

Don’t hesitate – reach out to us today for a free consultation or use the chatbot on the Car Accident Lawyer page to see if you qualify for a lawsuit instantly.