Fort Payne, Alabama Automobile Accident Attorney

Nestled in DeKalb County in northeastern Alabama between the ridges of Sand Mountain and Lookout Mountain, Fort Payne is a small city consisting of just more than 14,000 residents. The region’s terrain presents its own unique traffic and roadway challenges which often lead to automobile accidents. For instance, Alabama State Route 35 descends the mountain ridge near Fort Payne and includes a sharp 90-degree turn just within the city limits—a location where truck brake-failures and crashes have occurred historically. Additionally, the city periodically hosts large events and festivals during which downtown streets are closed or heavily detoured, contributing to local traffic disruptions beyond regular daily flow.

In terms of major roadway infrastructure, Interstate 59 (I-59) runs through the vicinity of Fort Payne and is currently undergoing significant reconstruction. For example, a 13-mile stretch in Dekalb County between Collinsville and Fort Payne is being repaired with single-lane closures in each direction. And another project north of town will shift all traffic onto the southbound roadway temporarily, with two-way traffic in one direction plus concrete barriers, while the northbound side is rebuilt. For drivers, this means staying alert for lane shifts, reduced speeds, and potential delays. On top of construction, heavy rainfall has recently caused flash flooding at intersections in Fort Payne which can also cause accidents.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Fort Payne or the surrounding areas, be sure to call the Fort Payne car accident attorneys at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. to handle the insurance company so you can focus on your medical treatment and recovery. Your consultation is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. Our attorneys only represent clients on a CONTINGENCY FEE basis which means we don’t get paid unless we successfully recover money for you. You will NEVER receive an invoice for legal services from our office. You can reach us here online or via phone at 205.324.3600 or 844.LAW.TALK.

Fort Payne has a complicated roadway structure which presents several important considerations:

1. Major construction and lane shifts on the interstate: The Interstate 59 corridor north of Fort Payne is undergoing significant reconstruction. Traffic is being shifted so that one roadway carries two-way traffic while the opposite direction is rebuilt under concrete barriers. Because of this, drivers should expect reduced lanes, slower speeds, and potential backups.
2. Steep grades and tricky geometry on state routes: The route of Alabama State Route 35 as it descends Lookout Mountain into Fort Payne has a known sharp turn at the foot of the mountain that has been the site of truck brake-failures and crashes. If you’re driving a heavy vehicle, towing or going downhill, you should be extra cautious with braking, speed, and curve negotiations.
3. Frequent flooding or water-covering roadways in certain conditions: After heavy rainfall, some intersections around Fort Payne become hazardous or temporarily blocked by water. For example, flash-flood incidents are often reported at 45^th NE & Stadium Dr. If you see water covering a roadway, you should avoid crossing, slow your vehicle down, and consider alternate routes.
4. Rail crossings and traffic disruption: Within Fort Payne’s city limits, there are many at-grade rail crossings operated by Norfolk Southern. Since trains may delay or block roadways, this creates potential bottlenecks for both regular traffic and emergency vehicles. These railroad crossings also present a serios danger to drivers. A car accident involving a train will undoubtedly involve catastrophic injuries and even deaths.
5. Event-related street closures and pedestrian congestion: During special events (e.g. festivals) the downtown area may have multiple street closures, heavy pedestrian traffic, and detours. For instance, during the “June Jam” weekend, several streets in Fort Payne are closed to vehicles. If you are traveling through downtown or planning to arrive around event times, give yourself extra time or consider alternate parking/approach routes.
6. Intermittent lane closures for sidewalk and drainage work: Even in non-highway areas such as along Highway 11/Gault Avenue, Fort Payne has ongoing infrastructure work, including sidewalk installation, curb replacement, and drainage improvements, that cause lane closures and detours.

Our team of attorneys has handled numerous car wreck cases on behalf of clients residing in Fort Payne and would welcome the opportunity to help you and your family. The most common types of injuries that our Fort Payne clients have sustained in an automobile accident are:

1. Neck and back injuries – sometimes resulting in surgery
2. Broken limbs that can require surgery
3. Head injuries – like concussions, fractured skulls and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
4. Joint injuries – knees, ankles, elbows, wrists and shoulders

Some of the injuries our Fort Payne clients have sustained resulted in severe permanent injuries that will require life-time medical treatment and care. On these occasions, our attorneys enlisted a team of healthcare providers and life-care planners to formulate a plan of future care for these clients. These plans are incredibly powerful when presenting claims to an insurance adjuster, a judge or jury.

Further, our team of attorneys had the privilege of previously representing the estates of two people that were killed in Fort Payne on I-59 when a tractor-trailer driver failed to set his parking brakes and the unit rolled backwards causing a collision in the early morning hours when it was still dark outside. The Hollis Wright attorneys aggressively pursued claims against the truck driver and his company and eventually settled the claims for a confidential amount.

As with any city in Alabama, there are certain roadway considerations you should consider. These, including some specific to Fort Payne, are below.

1. Familiarize yourself with Alabama’s rules of the road:
   1. In Alabama, you must drive no faster than what is “reasonable under existing conditions.” This is the basic speed law. In some circumstances, what is “reasonable” is less than the posted speed limit.
   2. When your windshield wipers are on, you must also turn on your headlights.
   3. Pedestrians have the right of way, even sometimes when they are crossing illegally.
   4. Ensure all of your passengers are wearing seat belts.
2. Anticipating changing terrain and weather near Fort Payne.
   1. Fort Payne is in the northeastern part of Alabama and near mountainous terrain. For instance, Alabama State Route 35 descends steeply in places.
   2. Rain, fog, or slick roads can be more hazardous in this region, so reduce speed in these environments.
   3. Pay attention to road conditions as they may change quickly.
3. Be especially cautious in certain local spots.
   1. On steep declines, inclines or curves, including descending Lookout Mountain, brake early and maintain a safe distance. Do not rely solely on the brakes in extreme terrain.
   2. In rural stretches or less-lit areas, watch for wildlife crossings, slower vehicles, and sudden changes in road conditions.
   3. Within city limits, obey local speed limits, and watch for pedestrians, bikes, and local traffic patterns that differ from major highways.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Fort Payne, you will quickly find that the at-fault driver’s insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to minimize what they pay out, even when your injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering or lost wages are very real. The Fort Payne car accident attorneys at Hollis Wright can step in and handle the insurance company for you, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight to make sure you’re treated fairly. Instead of facing adjusters, paperwork, the court system and negotiations alone, let our experienced Fort Payne car accident attorneys advocate on your behalf and work to secure the compensation you deserve. You can reach us online here or via phone at 205.324.3600 or 844.LAW.TALK. Your consultation is always free and confidential.