Every year during Alabama’s hurricane season, people’s homes become destroyed, and injuries occur. The wind and rain that come with hurricane season can also cause fatal car accidents on Alabama roads. A devastating car accident that resulted in the death of 10 victims, including nine children, occurred last week in Southern Alabama. Officials who investigated the truck accident described it as one of the worst accidents ever in Butler County. The pileup began when one driver allegedly hydroplaned on a waterlogged road on Interstate 65. The driver collided with another driver, setting off a 17-vehicle pile-up. Seven of the vehicles involved in the accident caught on fire.
Some of the victims died because of the force of the impact, including a Tennessee resident and his 9-month-old daughter. Their vehicle, as well as a van carrying at-risk youth who were heading home from a beach vacation, caught on fire, resulting in the children dying after their vehicle burst into flames. Even though first responders arrived shortly after the accident, the victim’s vehicles were on fire by the time they arrived, and it was impossible to rescue them.
Tropical Depression Claudette Has Resulted in Several Deaths in Alabama
Tropical Storm Claudette has already caused many deaths. Suppose the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency determines that this accident was related to inclement weather. In that case, another 10 fatalities will be attributed to Tropical Depression Claudette. one investigator stated that the road where the accident occurred tends to hold onto water, especially during hurricanes and tropical storms. The water runs down from a nearby hill and begins to pool, creating a hazard.
Filing a Claim Against a Municipality
Local governments and the state of Alabama have an obligation to maintain their roadways. When a victim dies in a car accident caused by defective roadways, the victim’s family may have a right to bring a lawsuit against the municipality. However, it is vital that the victim speaks to an attorney as soon as possible. Filing a claim against a government entity can be more challenging than filing a personal injury lawsuit in some ways. For example, there are strict time deadlines for filing legal claims against municipalities. The claimant must file a notice that here she intends to file a claim probably after the accident occurs or risk losing the ability to submit a claim altogether.
Bad Weather Contributes to Car Accidents in Alabama
Inclement weather conditions caused by Alabama hurricanes and tropical storms directly impact drivers in Alabama. Unfortunately, as seen in the case above, bad weather often increases motor vehicle collisions. Rain, wind, and wintry conditions can make it more difficult for drivers to operate a vehicle safely. We cannot control the weather, but drivers have a legal obligation to drive safely under the circumstances. As a result, every driver must use reasonable care in inclement weather conditions while driving.
Drivers must take the outside weather conditions into account when they consider their driving and respond safely. Depending on the circumstances, the driver may need to use less speed than the speed limit or keep a greater distance between himself and the vehicle in front due to bad weather. Actions that could be safe during ideal weather conditions could become unsafe because of weather-related hazards.
Proving Liability After an Inclement Weather Car Accident
Car accident victims that occurred during Alabama hurricanes may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries, but they will need to prove the at-fault driver’s liability first. In other words, the plaintiff will need to show that the at-fault driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident that resulted in his or her injuries. Under Alabama law, drivers must operate their vehicle safely for the visibility conditions. If the driver failed to drive below the speed limit, did not turn on their headlights in time, or even failed to pull off the road until the visibility improved, you may be able to prove that their negligence caused your car accident.
Consult With an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer
Have you or your loved one been injured in an Alabama car accident during hurricane season?
If so, you need an aggressive personal injury lawyer who will investigate your case and gather evidence that the at-fault driver’s negligence caused your injuries. Contact the skilled personal injury lawyers at Heninger Garrison Davis today to schedule your free initial consultation.
