Most drivers know that they should obey all traffic signs and signals and pay attention to the road. But after a car accident, these and other traffic rules take on additional importance. These laws inform decisions about who was responsible for the accident and what happens next.
In Alabama, even a minor mistake behind the wheel can have consequences that go beyond a ticket or a warning. As such, all drivers need to know common Alabama traffic laws.
This article discusses several traffic safety laws that most often affect car accident claims. It also explains how a Birmingham car accident attorney can help you protect your rights after a crash.
Contributory Negligence: The Rule That Changes Everything
To win a car crash injury claim, you’ll have to prove that the other driver was negligent. Negligence is a legal term that describes a specific type of carelessness. To prove negligence in Alabama, you’ll have to show that you were injured. Then, you’ll have to prove that the other driver had a duty to act in a particular way but did not comply with that duty. Finally, you’ll have to show that this failure was the cause of your injuries. If you can do this, you’ll be eligible to receive damages – money designed to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.
Judges and juries decide negligence by assigning a percentage of fault to each party. So, a jury might decide that Driver A was 20% at fault for the accident while Driver B was 80% responsible.
In most states, even though Driver A was partially at fault, they can still recover. However, their damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. So, if the jury awarded Driver A $10,000, they would only receive $8,000.
Alabama is one of the few states that follows a different rule: contributory negligence. In contributory negligence states, a person who is even slightly responsible for causing their accident injuries is completely barred from recovering any damages. This rule applies if a person is just one percent at fault. So, in Alabama, if Driver A was 20% responsible, they would get nothing.
Why Traffic Laws Matter in Alabama
In Alabama, traffic laws do more than promote safety. Remember, to prove negligence, you must show that someone had a duty to act in a certain way. A law that tells someone to do something is a good example of a duty. A failure to obey that law is evidence that a person did not comply with that duty. This gets you one step closer to proving negligence.
However, it can also help to prove contributory negligence. After a rear-end collision, you may be able to show that the other driver ran a red light. Despite this, if they can show that you were texting at the time, that could be used to prove that you were contributorily negligent. Knowing and following all traffic laws will help prevent this outcome.
Important Alabama Traffic Laws
There are many Alabama traffic safety laws, far more than can be explained in one blog post. So here, we’ll highlight traffic laws that typically cause issues in car accident injury claims.
Speed and “Reasonable and Prudent” Driving
Speeding plays a role in nearly one-third of car accidents. So, obeying the speed limit is crucial. But in addition, Alabama Code § 32-5A-170 requires drivers to travel at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for current conditions. So, if the posted speed limit is 35 MPH but weather or other conditions make it dangerous to travel at that speed, drivers must go slower.
Alabama’s Hands-Free Driving Law
Distracted driving is a common allegation in car accident cases. To protect the roads, Alabama law prohibits drivers from holding a phone while driving. The law forbids texting, dialing, browsing, or physically interacting with the device while the vehicle is in motion.
Following Too Closely
Sudden stops can lead to rear-end collisions and other accidents. Alabama Code § 32-5A-89 requires drivers to maintain a following distance that is “reasonable and prudent.” Drivers must leave enough space to stop safely. There are no set guidelines, so what is “reasonable and prudent” will depend on factors such as weather and traffic.
Lane Discipline and Lane Changes
Disputes over lane position are common in accident cases, particularly sideswipe accidents. One driver may claim the other drifted or cut over too quickly. Alabama law requires drivers to remain within a single lane and conduct a safety check before changing lanes.
Failure to Signal
Failure to signal is a leading cause of rear-end collisions and intersection crashes. Alabama law, specifically Alabama Code § 32-5A-133, requires drivers to signal before turning.
Failure to Yield
Alabama law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way in specific situations, including:
- Turning left at an intersection
- Entering an intersection
- Entering a roadway from a non-roadway (e.g., parking lot, driveway)
Failing to yield properly is a common cause of T-bone (angle) collisions.
Get Legal Help with Alabama Traffic Laws
Alabama’s contributory negligence rule means that even small mistakes can lead to serious consequences. Understanding our state’s traffic laws is the first step in protecting your safety and your rights.
If you’ve been injured because someone else violated a traffic law, contact Collins Law, LLC. We understand Alabama traffic and personal injury laws. Call 205-588-1411 or use our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
