Tuscaloosa’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections
Holding drivers and others accountable for vehicle accidents on unsafe roads in Alabama
Tuscaloosa is primarily a college town. It is the home of the University of Alabama, Stillman College, and Shelton State Community College. There is also an expanding number of private and public sector employers. Some of these employers include Mercedes-Benz, JVC America, BFGoodrich, Westervelt Company, DCH Regional Medical Center, and many smaller retail stores.
Trucks, cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians all drive, make deliveries, and walk regularly. The city’s expansion and use are often in conflict with the ability of the city’s roads and intersections to handle large amounts of vehicle and foot traffic.
We discuss some of the more dangerous locations in and about Tuscaloosa below, and how injury victims can protect their personal injury rights when accidents happen.
How can we help?
- The McFarland Boulevard (US-82) corridor: Tuscaloosa’s accident epicenter
- High-speed risks
- The University of Alabama & downtown: Student and pedestrian safety
- Why certain Tuscaloosa intersections stay dangerous
- Who is liable when accidents occur on dangerous Tuscaloosa roads and intersections?
- What to do after an accident at a high-traffic intersection
- Do you have a Tuscaloosa accident lawyer who handles accidents on dangerous roads and intersections?
The McFarland Boulevard (US-82) corridor: Tuscaloosa’s accident epicenter
McFarland Boulevard is the primary commercial artery of the city, handling both local shoppers and through-traffic.
McFarland Blvd & 15th Street
This intersection is dangerous because it’s heavily congested, there are many cars that turn, and there are many students nearby. Common accidents at this site include rear-end collisions and broadsides/T-bone accidents, especially during peak commute hours.
McFarland Blvd & Skyland Blvd (US-11)
This intersection is where two major highways intersect. Many commercial trucks drive through this intersection. There’s also a lot of "big box" retail traffic. Both McFarland Boulevard (US-82) and Skyland Boulevard (US-11) carry a large amount of commercial and commuter traffic through Tuscaloosa. Complex traffic movement and heavy pedestrian traffic add to the dangers.
The "University Boulevard" overpass
This location is dangerous because vehicles need to merge at high speeds and because the location is a transition point for students heading toward the University of Alabama campus. University Boulevard, which connects downtown Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama area, has a lot of traffic volume. Drivers may need to change lanes, merge, and turn – increasing the risk of accidents.
High-speed risks
I-20/59 and I-359
The risk of accidents increases on high-speed roads, such as I-20/59 and I-359. Exit 71 to I-359 and Exit 73 to McFarland Boulevard are the “Gateway to Tuscaloosa.” Some of the reasons these locations are dangerous, in addition to high speeds, include:
- High-traffic volume
- Complex merge and exit points
- Limited access and short distances make merging and exiting at this entry point toward downtown Tuscaloosa difficult
- Regular road condition and maintenance projects, such as guardrail improvements and resurfacing
I-20/59 is a busy truck corridor, carrying long-haul freight at interstate speeds. I-359, by contrast, is just a few miles and feeds directly into downtown Tuscaloosa. Transition from one road to another involves switching from fast, heavy interstate traffic to slower urban traffic.
Commercial freight and 18-wheeler hazards
These areas are primary routes for log trucks and interstate freight. Our Tuscaloosa truck accident attorneys understand why truck accidents happen and who is responsible for them. In addition to the truck drivers, the companies involved in the shipment may also be liable. We understand the unique challenges in handling truck accident claims, including the preservation of electronic data (‘black box’ or ECM data) when available.
The University of Alabama & downtown: Student and pedestrian safety
Intersections and roads can be dangerous where there are many vehicles and many pedestrians (such as students and faculty). Bryant–Denny Stadium, where people cheer on the Crimson Tide, holds more than 100,000 people on “Game Day” Saturdays. Traffic patterns change drastically on "Game Day" Saturdays. Traffic is also much heavier when school is in session.
University Boulevard & Greensboro Avenue
Downtown foot traffic combined with narrow lanes and ride-share vehicle stops (for Uber/Lyft) make this intersection very dangerous.
The "Strip" and campus crosswalks
This is a heavily trafficked student location. Drivers who drive while distracted (such as by using a cell phone or looking at a GPS) can easily cause serious injuries.
Game Day traffic dynamics
Our lawyers understand why drivers need to use extra caution during Game Day. We also understand which governmental or school entities may be liable for failing to control traffic during Game Day, such as by arranging for local officers to direct traffic. Depending on the facts, claims may involve governmental entities or contractors responsible for traffic control, but Alabama immunity rules can significantly limit when and how those claims can be pursued.
Why certain Tuscaloosa intersections stay dangerous
Some of the reasons intersections are especially dangerous include:
- Multiple lanes of traffic on each intersecting road
- Heavy traffic
- A lack of proper traffic controls, such as traffic signals and stop signs
- Uncertainty as to which driver has the right of way
- Uncertainty as to how much time a driver has to complete their turn
- Unclear crosswalks or the lack of crosswalks
- Many other factors
Drivers and the entities responsible for intersection traffic safety may be liable, as Alabama law permits, for:
- Poor road design
- Limited visibility
- Failing to yield, speeding, and other traffic violations
- Driver distraction
- Failing to control high traffic volume
- Other reasons
Infrastructure and ongoing construction
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is continually working on construction projects throughout Tuscaloosa and the West Alabama region. Because Alabama’s sovereign immunity is extremely broad, claims tied to state roadway work often can’t be brought directly against ALDOT for damages in court. Depending on the facts, liability may involve contractors or other parties, or may require pursuing limited claims against the proper officials or a Board of Adjustment claim where appropriate. At Prince Glover Hayes, we can explain if and when ALDOT may be liable for any accidents that occur at the construction sites they’re building, repairing, or maintaining.
The impact of heavy trucking (Hwy 43 & Hwy 69 & Hwy 82)
Tuscaloosa serves as a hub for the timber and manufacturing industries, leading to a higher-than-average ratio of heavy trucks to passenger cars. Heavily trafficked roads usually require more road repairs and more traffic control.
Trucks are dangerous for many reasons. They’re harder to control. They need more time and distance to stop. Trucks have blind spots that make visibility difficult. Passenger cars have difficulty seeing in front of and around trucks. When collisions happen, the occupants of cars are likely to suffer the most serious injuries.
Who is liable when accidents occur on dangerous Tuscaloosa roads and intersections?
At Prince Glover Hayes, we file personal injury and wrongful death claims against whoever is responsible for vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents in Tuscaloosa. The possible defendants may include:
- One or more drivers
- Employers of negligent drivers
- Owners of the vehicles driven by negligent drivers
- Manufacturers of defective vehicle parts
- A seller of alcohol who unlawfully provides alcohol to a minor or visibly intoxicated person, where that unlawful provision contributes to intoxication leading to injury (Ala. Code § 6-5-71)
What to do after an accident at a high-traffic intersection
Like most vehicle accidents, there are a few key steps that accident victims should take after any accident, including accidents at high-traffic intersections. These steps include:
Contacting the police and obtaining a police report
Call the police. They can clear traffic away from the injured victims and damaged vehicles. They’ll get everyone’s driver’s registration, insurance, and contact information. The police should arrange for emergency medical transport. The police should also conduct an initial investigation.
After the police investigate the accident, they should prepare a written police report. Prince Glover Hayes can obtain this police report for you. We also speak with the officers who prepared the report if necessary.
Depending on which law agency responds, we can obtain the report from the Tuscaloosa Police Department (TPD), the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), or another responding law-enforcement authority.
Seek medical evaluation in West Alabama
If the police don’t arrange for medical transportation to a nearby hospital (such as DCH Regional Medical Center), accident victims should arrange to be seen by an ER doctor or a family doctor as soon as possible. A medical review helps in two respects:
- Medical care. An ER doctor or another doctor can diagnose your injuries and begin a course of treatment.
- Legal claim. An early review helps show your injuries are indeed very serious.
Contact legal counsel
Contact Prince Glover Hayes. We’re able to arrange for investigators to review the accident site, speak with witnesses, and examine if there are any videos of the accident. Our team can review your medical needs, explain your rights, answer your questions, and pursue your claims. We also notify the insurance carriers for the defendants and your own carrier (if you have not already done so).
Why local legal knowledge is essential in Tuscaloosa
Our local representation helps in many ways, including the following:
- We understand how to file personal injury and wrongful death claims with the Tuscaloosa courts.
- We understand the local rules of court and court operations.
- We work with investigators and with traffic reconstruction experts who understand the various roads and intersections throughout Tuscaloosa.
- We understand the community, which helps when these residents are members of a jury.
Do you have a Tuscaloosa accident lawyer who handles accidents on dangerous roads and intersections?
Yes, Prince Glover Hayes meets clients at our office located at 2311 University Boulevard, Suite A, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. If your injuries prevent you from visiting us in person, we can make arrangements to see you away from our office. We also discuss accident claims by phone and through video consultations.
We’re here to guide you step-by-step through this difficult time.
Contact our accomplished Tuscaloosa vehicle accident lawyers today
Drivers should understand when roads or intersections are dangerous and be extra careful. At Prince Glover Hayes, we’ve been fighting for car, truck, and pedestrian accident victims since 1979. We have the experience and resources to help you seek compensation for your injuries or the death of a loved one. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.