Holiday travel brings heavier traffic to Alabama highways as families head out for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Busy routes like I-65 and I-10 can become more dangerous when congestion, winter weather and unsafe driving habits combine.
Even if you follow traffic laws, another motorist’s negligence can put you at risk. Understanding these common hazards can help you prepare for your holiday trips.
What makes holiday driving more dangerous?
Four common hazards deserve your attention:
- Heavy interstate congestion: Stop-and-go traffic and sudden braking can lead to rear-end crashes. Leaving extra space between vehicles gives you more time to react.
- Winter weather: Freezing rain and black ice can make roads slippery, especially on bridges and overpasses in North Alabama. Reducing your speed helps you maintain control.
- Driver fatigue: Long drives and late-night trips can slow reaction times and affect judgment. Taking regular breaks helps you stay alert.
- Impaired driving: Holiday celebrations may involve alcohol, increasing the risk of encountering drunk drivers. Impaired motorists may speed, drift between lanes or fail to react to traffic signals.
These risks become even more dangerous when other drivers fail to adjust their driving to road and traffic conditions.
What if another driver causes your accident?
If a negligent driver injures you, reporting the crash, taking photos when safe and getting medical care can help document what happened. Police crash reports may help identify witnesses and other details, while medical records can help show the extent of your injuries.
Alabama follows a strict rule called contributory negligence. If you share blame for a crash, you generally cannot receive money for your injuries, even if the other driver was mostly at fault. Some exceptions apply, so proof of what caused the crash matters.
Understanding your rights after a holiday crash
A holiday accident can leave you facing medical bills, lost income and time away from work. Our firm reviews crash reports, witness accounts and other evidence to determine how negligence contributed to your injuries.
You should not have to manage the financial consequences of another driver’s negligence without understanding your legal options. We help injured motorists across Alabama evaluate their claims and pursue compensation for eligible losses.
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