I-565 Truck Accidents: Why Huntsville Sees More Semi Wrecks Than Most Alabama Cities

According to a recent report from TRIP, the volume of freight moved by large trucks in Alabama is expected to grow by almost 60% between now and 2050. Given that Alabama has recently ranked among the highest in the nation for fatal crashes involving large trucks, the projected increase in freight volume raises serious concerns about the current and future safety of local motorists.

Here in Huntsville, many of us rely on interstates like I-565 to get us where we need to be from day to day. Unfortunately, this interstate is also a hub for freight traffic, which may put passenger vehicle drivers at an increased risk of being involved in a truck-related accident. Here’s a quick overview of some of the factors that contribute to Huntsville’s relatively high number of large truck accidents and an explanation of what legal options may be available to victims of these dangerous crashes.

Interstate 565: What you need to know

Interstate 565 is a 22-mile-long interstate that connects I-65 with U.S. Route 72 here in Huntsville. I-565 serves one of Alabama’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas and plays a major role in the state’s broader transportation infrastructure. In addition to providing an accessible route to the airport for many Alabama residents, I-565 also serves as a streamlined corridor for commercial vehicles carrying freight across the state.

While I-565 was initially constructed to alleviate some of the traffic strain caused by Huntsville’s population explosion in the 60s, it has required ongoing maintenance and expansion efforts to address the city’s continued growth and development. Today, I-565 is often recognized as one of the most congested roadways in Huntsville and is a popular source of frustration for locals and visitors alike.

How common are truck accidents on I-565?

Congestion on I-565 causes more than periodic irritation or impatience. In fact, the densely packed nature of this notoriously busy corridor may actually be contributing to an increased rate of truck-related accidents in and around Huntsville. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), over 10,000 large trucks were involved in traffic accidents in 2021, and 32% of those accidents took place on interstates.

Tragically, crashes on Alabama’s interstates accounted for a large share of all truck accident-related fatalities. The sheer volume of commercial vehicles passing through via I-565, coupled with Huntsville’s ever-growing commuter population, likely plays a major role in these relatively high fatality rates and indicates that drivers on I-565 may be at increased risk of experiencing harm in a truck-related crash.

Common causes of I-565 truck accidents

There is no singular cause of most commercial truck accidents, as these crashes tend to be the result of a complex interplay between various risk factors. Still, understanding some commonly reported causes of these crashes can help truck drivers, regulatory bodies, and other motor vehicle operators make more intentional choices behind the wheel.

Here are the relative frequencies of some of the primary causes of truck crashes reported in ALDOT’s 2021 crash report:

• Improper lane change or use: 15.6%
• Failure to yield: 9.9%
• Unseen object, person, or vehicle: 7.8%
• Tailgating: 7.2%
• Misjudged stopping distance: 4.3%
• Defective equipment: 4.2%
• Driving too fast for conditions: 2.7%
• Driver fatigue: 2.0%
• Driving under the influence: 1.5%

As you can see, many truck accidents may be preventable when drivers follow safety regulations and exercise reasonable care and concern for the safety of others. Behaviors like speeding, tailgating, or even driving while tired reflect poor choices rather than unintentional missteps.

Yes, some crashes cannot be prevented due to complex factors like increased traffic density or unseen roadway hazards. But crash data consistently indicates that safe driving practices and compliance with regulatory requirements can go a long way towards protecting motorists from suffering the consequences of a potentially catastrophic truck accident.

Who can be held liable for an I-565 truck crash?

If a truck accident on I-565 happens because one or more parties failed to exercise reasonable care, anyone injured in the crash may be entitled to compensation for their losses under Alabama law. The challenge is sometimes determining (a) whether the alleged at-fault party actually behaved negligently and (b) if the negligence in question directly caused the crash.

In these cases, insurers and courts generally look for evidence that one party owed a legal duty of care to the other and caused harm by violating that duty in some way. An investigation could reveal negligence on the part of the truck driver, or it could reveal another at-fault party – such as the carrier, the truck manufacturer, or certain third-party maintenance providers.

Here are a few different scenarios that could indicate a source of liability beyond the drivers involved in the crash:

• Motor carriers: If a trucking company failed to properly vet its employees, did not enforce mandated hour-of-service requirements, or did not properly inspect or maintain its fleet, the motor carrier itself could be deemed liable for a crash resulting from a lack of compliance or oversight.
• Truck manufacturers: Some large truck accidents are caused by equipment failures or malfunctions. If you can show that a truck manufacturer knew or reasonably should have known that a truck or its components were not safe for operation and did not take steps to address the issue, you may have a basis for a claim against the manufacturer.
• Maintenance professionals: Trucking companies are held to strict standards with respect to the regular inspection and maintenance of their vehicles. If a motor carrier contracted out its inspection or maintenance needs to a third-party company, and that company failed to exercise reasonable care when performing those services, the maintenance provider could be considered liable for a directly related crash.

An important asterisk here is that Alabama follows a contributory negligence system, which can affect your ability to recover compensation if you’re found to have contributed to the accident. However, these issues are often fact-specific, and a truck accident lawyer can help you better understand the potential impact of contributory negligence on your claim and work with you to identify all possible sources of liability based on the facts of your case.

Final thoughts

As if traffic congestion on I-565 wasn’t enough of a nightmare already, Huntsville’s growth is only expected to continue in the years ahead. Even as expansion efforts continue along the corridor, the risk of being involved in a truck-related accident on this stretch of interstate is nothing to take lightly when making your daily commute.

At Martin & Helms, we understand some of the unique challenges associated with rapid municipal growth. Our Huntsville semi-truck lawyers are committed to supporting members of our local community who are negatively impacted by overly-crowded interstates and rapidly scaling freight operations in our part of the country.

If you or someone you know was injured in a large truck accident on I-565, and you suspect that another party’s negligence was to blame, we’re here to answer your questions about your case. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you get a sense for whether your case is viable under Alabama law and work with you to identify all possible sources of liability in your truck accident case.