Highway's Defects Cause Wrongful Death: Part 3 of 3
This post is the conclusion of a three part post discussing a fatal auto accident in which the poor condition of an Alabama interstate played a central role. Part one can be accessed by clicking here, and part two can be found here.
South Carolina auto accident lawyers mentioned in the last remarks of Part 2, both drivers in the incident were not found at fault because it was determined by an investigation conducted by Alabama state troopers that both drivers were observing the speed limit and driving in a safe manner. It was also determined, and noted in the official report, that the defective highway conditions were a contributor to the serious auto accident that killed a wife and mother of two pre-schoolers.
Unfortunately, the federal government does not keep statistics on how many auto accidents and deaths are caused by poor road maintenance. So it is difficult to determine the frequency of such sad incidents that occur similar to that of the Goose Creek family that has been discussed over the past two posts. However, it is known that of the 123,470 wrecks involving motor vehicles last year in Alabama, 33 of those were on roads with ruts, potholes, bumps, and crumbles, according to state trooper reports and study done for the Associated Press by the Center for Advanced Public Safety at the University of Alabama. The study concluded that none of the injuries incurred in those 33 wrecks were directly blamed for the condition of the road, nor were there any deaths. Interesting results as they somewhat suggest the event discussed over the last two posts was some sort of freak accident.
The husband of the pickup's deceased passenger has hired an attorney, but has said little to nothing about the hapless collision of car and pavement. The father-in-law of the deceased has been more outspoken than his son, blaming the state of Alabama and claiming they are at fault for not maintaining their roadways.
The Cleburne County Coroner noted there have not been any more fatalities due to road conditions since the accident last March, but readily admitted the road has been dotted with potholes and similar ruts for years, and felt the poor condition of Alabama roads is not likely to change anytime soon.
Although there have not been any more fatal instances since March, a change in speed limit has occurred. A 30-mile portion of Interstate 20 has been reduced from 70 mph down to 55 mph. This change happened three days after the accident and has remained at 55 mph. Also, the asphalt patch that emitted the fatal fragment has been fully repaired and the state is resurfacing parts of I-20 with a clean, smooth surface on the eastbound lanes from Alabama to Georgia.
It is commendable for the state of Alabama to take strides to make their roads safer for travelers, but it is nonetheless tragic that the wrongful death of mother had to incite such changes. In the state's defense, tax dollars to make extensive changes and repairs to interstates are tough to come by, especially during these tough economic times.
