On roads like US-278, AL-157 and I-65, it only takes one driver looking at a phone or running a bus stop arm to put a student in the hospital. Alabama law imposes clear duties on motorists to prevent tragedy, but parents see these rules broken every morning. If another motorist’s negligence hurts your child this school year, you need to know what options your family has.
1. School zone speed limits are enforceable by law
Drivers must comply with strict speed limits in school zones to protect students during arrival and dismissal times. Most zones require vehicle operators to slow to 15 or 25 mph when lights flash or signs are posted. A driver who speeds through a school zone and hits your child has violated state law.
2. Bus stop arm laws exist to save lives
When a school bus extends its stop arm and flashes red lights, motorists traveling in both directions must come to a complete stop. The only exception under state law is for vehicles traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway with a physical barrier or an unpaved median. On undivided four-lane roads, all lanes must stop.
3. Alabama bans using phones behind the wheel
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of crashes near schools and bus stops. Under the state’s Hands-Free Law, it is illegal for anyone to physically hold or manually operate a wireless telecommunication device while driving.
If a distracted motorist hurts your child, an attorney can subpoena mobile phone records and telemetry data to demonstrate whether the driver was texting, browsing or physically holding a device at the time of impact.
4. Teen drivers face additional restrictions
Alabama’s Graduated Driver License law places strict limits on 16- and 17-year-old Stage II drivers. These young motorists cannot operate vehicles between midnight and 6 a.m., and new license holders face restrictions on the number of passengers they can carry.
When a teen driver violates these regulations and causes a crash, they are liable for damages. The teen’s parents may also face liability if they meet specific legal criteria, such as negligently entrusting the vehicle to the young motorist.
5. The law offers an avenue to pursue recovery if an accident occurs
In the event of an avoidable accident, you can seek a personal injury claim on behalf of your child. Available compensation often includes:
- Hospital bills and future medical care
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Scarring or permanent disability
Your injured child’s personal injury claim is tolled until they reach age 19, giving them until their 21st birthday to initiate legal action.
Head into the school year with confidence and clarity
Safe commutes start with alert driving, and no parent should have to watch their child suffer because another driver chose to break the law. Alabama has protections to back you up when others fail to drive responsibly. If an unsafe driver disrupts your family’s routine, knowing your legal rights ensures you can seek full justice and accountability.
Subscribe To This Blog's Feed