Facts about Alabama Traffic Accidents

While the number of licensed drivers and vehicle miles traveled in Alabama increased in 2011 over 2010 levels, the overall traffic crashes decreased. Injury crashes in the state declined by 0.81 percent. The bad news is that 2011 traffic fatalities increased by 4.29 percent. 899 people died on Alabama roads and highways in 814 traffic crashes. In 42 percent of these fatalities, those who died failed to use seatbelts. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (DOT) a person sitting in the front seat of a vehicle that is in a collision who fails to use a proper seatbelt increases his or her probability of dying by 50 times. For every one fatality that occurred in 2011 traffic accidents, 42 others were injured during the year. Most Alabama traffic accidents occurred in urban areas though 60 percent of the fatalities occurred in rural areas.

Based on the above statistics, the DOT has calculated that the average driver in the state has more than a one in three chance of being involved in a traffic accident during his or her lifetime. Alabama's fatality rate for 2011 stood at 1.4 per hundred million vehicle miles, which was slightly higher than the national average of 1.1 per hundred million vehicle miles. 71 percent of those drivers responsible for a traffic accident were driving within 25 miles of their home. Failing to yield the right of way, speeding, and driving while under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs were the most common contributing factors in all traffic collisions in the state.

Personal Injury Representation in Dothan, Alabama

Suffering serious injuries or losing a loved one in a traffic crash is one of the most devastating experiences you can face. Aside from the physical and / or emotional pain stemming from such an event, you may also be subject to an enormous financial toll from medical expenses, co-payments, or other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. The most effective action you can take to ensure that you receive commensurate compensation for such losses in any negligence-based accident is to consult with a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury lawyer.

The law firm of Morris, Cary, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC serves injury and wrongful death clients in Montgomery and Dothan as well as throughout Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. The firm has a proven track record of success and has achieved historic verdicts in the past. The firm's attorneys have earned many legal industry accolades, including those from Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, a 10 Superb rating with Avvo, and an AV peer-reviewed rating with Martindale-Hubbell. All of these reflect the level of excellence in legal work that you will obtain when bringing your case to them. You can tell a skilled attorney at the firm about your case in a free consultation. Contact their offices to get started.