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Jul 11, 2011 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) list of the “most wanted” drivers in the United States has been released. On this list are a number of drivers that are most likely to cause a car accident in Alabama and elsewhere. You bet drunk drivers in Alabama are on the list. These are drivers that cause serious and fatal accidents with alarming regularity — nationwide, more than one-third of all fatal crashes involve a drunk driver. Alabama is currently targeting drunk drivers. Governor Robert Bentley recently signed Senate Bill 361 into law. This law provides stricter penalties for those who have been convicted of a DUI in Alabama, according to WAFF 48 News. The new law requires that some convicted drunk drivers install ignition interlocks on their cars.

Jul 5, 2011 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Red-light cameras will be installed in another city to reduce the risks of Alabama car accidents. Late last week, the Midfield City Council adopted a new ordinance that will allow for photographic traffic signal enforcement systems, or red-light cameras, to be installed at a number of intersections that have been deemed dangerous throughout city, according to Alabama Live. This ordinance could allow the city to be the first in Jefferson County to use red-light cameras to enforce traffic laws and to charge motorists a pretty penny for disobeying traffic signals. The ordinance was approved shortly after the state Legislature approved a bill, presented by Rep. Merika Coleman, D-Hueytown, which allows the city to use these red-light cameras. The bill was recently signed into law by Gov. Robert Bentley. Our Tuscaloosa car accident attorneys understand the dangers of intersection accidents and hope these cameras deter red-light runners. Once they’re installed, if you’re busted speeding through a red light the city can fine owners of vehicles $100 for the offense. Officials say that red-light runners are a big problem in Midfield, especially along stretches of the Bessemer Superhighway in the city.

Jun 27, 2011 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Our Alabama Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys wish each of you a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July. Please celebrate responsibly, don’t drink and drive, and stay safe around water, whether it’s in the pool or on the boat. Summer is officially upon us, and many people will be out on the roads driving during the weekend, while others may enjoy boating on the state’s many lakes or on the Gulf of Mexico. Some may choose to stay close to home and enjoy barbecues, swimming and personal fireworks. Vehicle accidents: AAA estimates that about 39 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their home over the long weekend, USA Today reports. That’s actually down from 40 million last year, and the national auto group attributes that to the nearly $1 increase in gas from this time last year.

Jun 24, 2011 - Personal Injury by Cross & Smith

The National Safety Council is using the entire month of June to raise awareness of preventable injuries. They will be using June 19th through the 25th to raise awareness about the danger and the common occurrence of slips, trips and falls. These accidents are among some of the top causes of unintentional personal injuries in Alabama and elsewhere. It has been reported that nearly 9 million people visit an emergency department each year because of these accidents. Our Tuscaloosa personal injury lawyers would like to speak directly to those that are 55 and older as this is the age group that is most likely to be the victim of one of these falls. When a resident of this age experiences a fall, they are likely to suffer from a number of injuries that can hinder their ability to lead an independent and active life. Many times it is the fault of property owners for not properly caring for their facilities. These owners can be held responsible for damages in these instances. It is important to contact an attorney immediately if you experience a fall in a public area.

Jun 22, 2011 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

The summer season is finally here. That means school has let and out teens have their mind on everything but school work as they’ll be setting out to hang out with friends and soak in the beautiful weather. Unfortunately, these upcoming months are some of the deadliest for our teen drivers as these young drivers typically experience an increased risk for a fatal car accidents in Alabama between now and Labor Day. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, May, June, July and August hold 9 of the 10 deadliest days of the year for teens on our road. This season also kicks off the start of the 100 deadliest days for our teenage drivers. More teens are expected to die during these months than the average of any other time period throughout the year.

Jun 16, 2011 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Huntsville police recently announced the kickoff of a new pedestrian awareness campaign, according to the Huntsville Times. And with good reason – pedestrian accidents continue to be a leading cause of serious and fatal injuries statewide and across the nation. A new report by Transportation For America takes a look at all of the pedestrian accidents that have occurred nationwide in the last decade. During this time there were approximately 47,000 pedestrian deaths and roughly 688,000 pedestrian injuries that occurred on roadways across the U.S. Now, Dangerous by Design 2011 will look at the pedestrian accidents in Alabama and elsewhere in the United States in an attempt to construct solutions to fix this deadly problem that is too often overlooked. Our Alabama personal injury attorneys understand that one of the most beneficial ways to avoid these serious accidents is to examine and fix poor driving habits. Most of these accidents occur because of driver inattention.

Jun 12, 2011 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

A recent report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that today’s sport utility vehicles are among the vehicles least likely to roll over and most likely to keep occupants safe during an SUV accident in Alabama and elsewhere throughout the country. This report analyzed the most recent data of accident death rates throughout the country, according to a post entitled “S.U.V.’s, Longtime Targets of Auto Safety Analysts, Get High Marks From I.I.H.S.” by Cheryl Jensen at The New York Times. Another new finding released in the study is that the Institute no longer urges parents to keep their young drivers from behind the wheel of an SUV. By contrast, in 2/car-accidents/alabama-traffic-accidents-likely-to-increase-with-economic-recovery/ the Institute reported that the vehicles’ high centers of gravity made them more prone to rollovers. The type of car you choose can greatly affects your chances, and your teen driver’s chances, of survival in a serious accident.

Jun 9, 2011 - Bus Accidents by Cross & Smith

A charter bus traveling from Texas crashed into an overturned tractor-trailer rig in a bus accident in Alabama last week. The bus was traveling on Interstate 10 near the Mississippi line during the dark morning hours Monday, according to The Washington Post. The bus was filled with teenage students. According to authorities, one passenger was listed in serious condition while the rest sustained minor injuries. Since 2000, there have been nearly 1,500 fatal motor-vehicle accidents that were classified as school transportation-related, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Jun 4, 2011 - Personal Injury by Cross & Smith

Businesses, communities and residents are urged to join the month-long celebration of National Safety Month. The National Safety Council aims to use this month to raise awareness about the top causes of preventable deaths and injuries in Alabama and elsewhere throughout the country. The Council looks to educate residents about safe behaviors that can be practiced to help keep you and your loved ones safe this summer. Our Alabama personal injury attorneys ask that all residents enjoy their summer vacation time safely. There are a number of ways to get injured during these hot summer months.

May 27, 2011 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

An arrest has finally been made in the hit and run Alabama motorcycle accident that resulted in serious injuries to a Prattville motorcycle officer. A 47-year-old driver has been arrested by the Prattville Police Department and charged with a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident, and 1st degree assault, according to CBS 8. Our Alabama personal injury attorneys understand the risks our law enforcement officers face each day. However, all riders are at high risk of a Tuscaloosa motorcycle accident during the spring and summer riding season.