Dealing With High-Speed Auto Accidents on I-65: What Alabama Drivers Need to Know

At various points on I-65, the speed limit maxes out at 65 or 70 MPH—and yet, many drivers exceed those limits. A lot of Alabama drivers treat I-65 speed limits as a suggestion, rather than a law. The open stretches between major cities, heavy commercial traffic, and impatient drivers lay the groundwork for high-speed crashes that cause devastation for everyone involved.

If you’ve been injured in a high-speed crash in Alabama, it’s time to talk to a car accident lawyer about your next steps. Call Martin & Helms to discuss your options now.

Why high-speed crashes are so dangerous on I-65

Speeding is always dangerous, but it’s considerably worse on highways than in the city. There are several reasons for that:

• Longer stopping distances: The faster you’re driving, the more time you need to stop. At 70 MPH, you need hundreds of feet to come to a complete stop—so people driving even faster than that need even more time.
• Reduced reaction times: It’s harder to respond to obstacles, collisions, and other issues on the road when speeding. Fractions of a second matter when you’re traveling faster than 70 MPH. Add in the risks of distracted driving, which is common even on highways, and you see why accidents are so common.
• Increased force of impact: More speed creates more force, and that force leads to more severe injuries.

Rear-end accidents, side-swipe collisions, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups are all unfortunately common sights on I-65. A crash that would be minor at lower speeds can cause catastrophic damage at highway speeds.

Top causes of high-speed wrecks on I-65

Understanding why these collisions are so common on I-65 can help you take steps to protect yourself and your family. While driving fast is a common factor in many highway accidents, it is definitely not the only factor. Other issues include:

• Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving is a notorious problem on highways across the United States, not just I-65. Weaving in and out of traffic to get from Montgomery to Birmingham, brake-checking, and other aggressive behaviors make I-65 an unsafe place during rush hour.
• Tailgating: Leaving enough space between vehicles is a key part of preventing accidents, so why don’t more drivers do it? Drivers tailgate all the time on I-65, often to pressure other drivers to either speed up or move out of the way. Unfortunately, if there are obstacles or other crashes to account for, additional collisions could
• Distracted driving: Phones, music systems, and discussions with passengers can make I-65 incredibly unsafe for drivers and passengers alike.
• Inclement weather: While Alabama may not struggle with the stress of snow, it is no stranger to wind, fog, and other dangerous weather conditions that limit visibility. When you combine poor weather with speeding, the results are deadly.

What to do after a high-speed accident on I-65

If you’re involved in a high-speed accident on I-65, it is crucial to take the right steps to protect yourself, tend to your injuries, and protect your right to seek compensation. We recommend:

• Notifying Highway Patrol: Call Alabama Highway Patrol. They’ll send emergency responders and begin the process of investigating the collision and writing an accident report.
• Seeking medical attention: This should be non-negotiable for anyone, regardless of whether or not you feel injured. Some injuries aren’t immediately visible, but they can still be serious or even fatal. Immediate medical care ensures that you get any treatment you need from the very beginning. It also makes it easier to link the accident to your injuries.
• Documenting the scene: Take photos and video footage of the crash scene—you only get one chance to document it as thoroughly as possible. Additionally, if any witnesses stop to offer help, get their contact information.
• Speaking to an attorney: You should connect with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. You could be entitled to compensation, but the other party’s insurance company will do everything it can to keep that from happening.

Understanding Alabama’s contributory negligence law

Alabama is one of just a few states with a pure contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, if a jury finds that you are partly at fault for a collision, you may be barred from recovering damages. If you are found guilty of contributory negligence, it doesn’t matter how severe your injuries and losses are or how minimal your role in the accident is—if the jury decides you are partially to blame, you receive nothing. This can be used against you in many ways, and you need an attorney who knows that.

For instance, insurance companies may use this to their advantage during negotiations and in court, especially if you have the insurance company a recorded statement without knowing your legal rights. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an Alabama car accident lawyer from the very beginning. They understand the challenges posed by the contributory negligence law, and they know how to work around it while fighting for you to get a fair settlement or court award.

Reach out to Martin & Helms today

Don’t wait to find out if you are owed compensation after a high-speed crash in Alabama. Let’s talk about your options and what comes next. Just give us a call or contact us online now.