Birmingham and Jefferson County are often among the most dangerous places in Alabama for car accidents. ALDOT reports thousands of crashes each year that cause serious injuries and deaths. In fact, Jefferson County has around 19,000 crashes per year, which accounts for over 11% of all traffic deaths statewide.
Several high-risk locations—including Dead Man’s Curve on I-59/20, Malfunction Junction, Highway 280, I-459, and major corridors near downtown—see disproportionately high numbers of collisions because of heavy traffic, speeding, sharp curves, lane merges, and limited visibility. Knowing where these crashes happen can help drivers stay safe. Victims often need help after a car accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Birmingham can provide that help. In this article, we look at the most dangerous roads and intersections in Birmingham. We base this on recent crash data from Jefferson County, known roadway hazards, and our own experience.
Why Certain Roads in Birmingham Are More Dangerous
Several factors contribute to high crash rates in Jefferson County, including:
- Heavy commuter and commercial traffic
- Complex highway interchanges
- Speed differentials between local and through-traffic
- Limited visibility or short merge lanes
- Frequent turning movements at busy commercial corridors
- Increased pedestrian and cyclist activity in urban areas
Understanding these risks can help drivers anticipate hazards and avoid preventable crashes.
Related: ALDOT Car Accident Statistics for 2024
1. I-20 West and I-65 South (“Dead Man’s Curve”)
The I-59 / I-20 west interchange in Birmingham is known as “Dead Man’s Curve.” It is famous for many serious crashes, especially with semi-truck rollovers. ALDOT acknowledges that designing the loop ramp was hard. The tight space, nearby landmarks like a cemetery, Woodlawn High School, and the airport made the curve very sharp.
Over the years, multiple 18-wheelers have overturned in the curve. For example, in July 2024 an 18-wheeler flipped, spilling diesel fuel and prompting a lengthy closure. ALDOT says one of the most common causes of these crashes is excessive speed, especially by trucks navigating the tight loop.
To improve safety, ALDOT has added a series of mitigation measures:
- Extra warning signs leading into the curve
- Rumble strips, designed to alert drivers (especially truckers) who may be going too fast
- Flashing lights and other safety devices to catch drivers’ attention before the loop
ALDOT says these efforts are working. Fortunately, crash numbers at the curve have gone down.
What drivers should do:
- Slow down significantly when approaching the curve — especially in a truck.
- Watch for and heed warning signs and flashing alerts.
- Stay out of large trucks’ blind spots, particularly in curves, to avoid being caught in a rollover or sudden maneuver.
2. I-20 / I-59 / I-65 Interchange (“Malfunction Junction”)
The downtown interchange where I-20, I-59, and I-65 converge has long been one of Alabama’s most notorious crash hotspots.
Why it’s dangerous:
- Heavy daily traffic (over 260,000 vehicles)
- Short merge and weave zones
- Multiple ramp changes in tight areas
- Congestion during rush hour and events
This interchange has had construction and upgrades. However, it is still one of the most dangerous places in Birmingham for multi-vehicle crashes.
3. Highway 280 (Especially Near Lakeshore Drive & Red Mountain Expressway)
Highway 280 consistently ranks among the busiest — and most dangerous — corridors in Jefferson County. Recent lane closures due to road work have added fuel to the congestoin and chaos.
Why it’s dangerous:
- High-speed traffic
- Commercial entrances and exits
- Frequent lane changes
- Congestion during morning and evening rush
Intersections around Lakeshore Drive and the Red Mountain Expressway see particularly high crash volumes.
4. Morgan Road (I-459 to South Shades Cress Road)
Known as “the absolute worst intersection in the state”, Morgan Road from Interstate 459 south to South Shades Crest Road is often described by both commuters and county officials as a nightmare. Indeed, Morgan Road’s rapid growth in the southwestern part of the Jefferson County has led to increased traffic and congestion.
Risk factors:
- Limited turning lanes
- High traffic volume
- Speeding
- Insufficient roadway capacity for population growth
The mix of school traffic, residential commuters, and commercial delivery vehicles increases collision risks.
5. UAB Area: University Boulevard (near 28th), Montclair Road & Montevallo Road
The UAB district combines heavy vehicle traffic with a significant pedestrian population. In fact, a TIME magazine study labeled University Boulevard and 28th Street) as the most dangerous intersection in Alabama.
Why it’s dangerous:
- Frequent left-turn conflicts
- Students, hospital staff, and visitors crossing
- Congestion near medical facilities
- Complex intersections in tight urban layouts
Drivers must stay especially alert in this zone due to elevated pedestrian injury risk.
Related: Highway 431: Alabama’s Most Dangerous Road
Safety Tips for Driving in Birmingham
To reduce your risk of an accident:
- Slow down during heavy traffic or at complex interchanges
- Increase following distance on interstates and highways
- Minimize lane changes on busy corridors
- Always signal well in advance
- Stay especially alert in pedestrian-heavy zones such as UAB and downtown
- Avoid distractions — especially on interstates and ramps
Being proactive and defensive can significantly reduce your crash risk on Birmingham’s busiest roadways.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Birmingham
If you’re involved in a crash on one of these problematic roads, here is what you need to do:
1. Prioritize Safety
Move your vehicle to a safe area if possible and call 911 for injuries.
2. Document the Scene
Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Intersections, traffic lights, or signs
- Any injuries
3. Obtain a Police Report
A police report is essential for insurance claims and legal cases.
4. Seek Medical Care
Even minor collisions can cause injuries that appear days later.
5. Contact a Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney
A lawyer can help you:
- Obtain crash reports
- Deal with insurance companies
- Preserve critical evidence
- Pursue compensation for damages
How We Help Victims Injured on These Roads
For more than 40 years, Fob James Law Firm has fought for victims injured in car accidents throughout Jefferson County. We handle claims involving:
Our Birmingham personal injury attorneys provide:
- Personalized Attention – Speak directly with your dedicated lawyer, not an assistant.
- Fast, Aggressive Representation – We take action immediately to investigate the crash scene and preserve key evidence like black-box (EDR) and cell phone data.
- Trial-Ready Experience – We take your case to court if necessary.
- Proven Results – Multiple seven-figure settlements for clients.
- No Upfront Fees – You pay nothing unless we win.
- Trusted by Clients – Many 5-star reviews from satisfied clients in Birmingham.
We know how serious a car accident can be. We work hard to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured, Fob James Law Firm is here to help.
📞 Contact us for a free consultation — our team is ready to help you understand your legal options.
1. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Call 911 to report the accident.
3. Document the scene – take photos, collect witness statements, and exchange insurance information.
4. Contact an experienced Birmingham personal injury lawyer to protect your legal rights and begin the claims process.
– Investigate the accident
– Collect and preserve evidence
– Handle insurance company negotiations
– Calculate damages
– Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses
Fob James Law Firm specializes in guiding clients through the claims process from start to finish.
Fob James, IV
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large national firm for several years, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society. Many of Fob’s cases are high profile and have been featured in, among others: Bloomberg News, PlanAdvisor, AL.com, PlanSponsor, InsuranceJournal, and BusinessInsider. For his work in obtaining numerous multi-million dollar outcomes for his clients, Fob has been recognized by: National Trial Lawyers Top 100, SuperLawyers Rising Star (2020-2025), Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law (2023-2025), and TrustAnalytica – Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Alabama.