If you suspected serious car crashes have recently increased, you would be correct. In fact, 2015 saw the largest national traffic fatality percentage increase in fifty years at 7.2%, according to a report from al.com. Alabama also saw an increase in fatal accidents in 2015, though at a slightly slower rate than the national average.

Of Alabama’s 4.86 million people, there were 17.41 fatalities per 100,000 people, and alcohol-related fatalities numbered 4.98 per 100,000 people. Alabama’s statewide average was well above the national average of 10.92 fatalities per 100,000 people.

AxleGeeks (a website division of Graphiq) compiled a list of ‘The Car Accident Capitals of America.’ Perhaps not surprisingly, Alabama was well represented, with Birmingham and Montgomery both taking high spots. We should point out, however, that only cities with a population over 100,000 were considered.

Birmingham was number four on the list, with over 19 car crash fatalities per 100,000 people. Alarmingly, traffic fatalities increased over two-hundred percent from 2001 to 2015 in Birmingham. Over 12% fatal accidents involved alcohol. While many of the Birmingham car accidents could not have been avoided, far too many involved the negligence or carelessness of another driver. Check out our resource page on Birmingham accidents here. Interstate 59, which runs east-west across north Birmingham, saw more fatal accidents than any other stretch of road in Jefferson County.

Montgomery also made ‘The Car Accident Capitals’ list at number 34, with 12.5 fatalities per 100,000 people. About a third of the accidents in Montgomery involved alcohol, many more than in Birmingham. Having served all of Alabama since 1937, we know what it’s like to be involved in a car accident in Montgomery due to someone else’s negligence. Our resource page on Montgomery car accidents can help answer some of the questions you may have after an accident.

The rate of fatal accidents in Huntsville was comparatively lower, at only 6.82 per 100,000 people. There were 1.05 alcohol-related fatalities in Huntsville per 100,000 people. Car accident fatalities declined slightly from 2001 and 2015 in Huntsville. The I-565 corridor saw the most fatal wrecks in Huntsville/Madison County. While there are fewer fatal accidents in Huntsville then Birmingham or Montgomery, serious accidents do occur. For more Huntsville-specific car accident information, visit our resource page here.

Unfortunately, the rate of fatal car accident is up across the country, including many parts of Alabama. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, seek immediate medical attention for all injuries. It’s also important to have an attorney review your legal options as soon as possible after the wreck if your accident was caused by the fault of another driver. For a free review of your case, contact our experienced attorneys today.