A multi-lane traffic collision disrupted the Thursday morning commute on Interstate 85 northbound in Montgomery, Alabama, causing significant delays for travelers heading through the capital city. The incident occurred near Exit 1 at Union Street and Court Street, in the vicinity of downtown Montgomery, according to ALGO Traffic reports. The crash was serious enough to block three critical portions of the highway simultaneously—the middle lane, left lane, and left shoulder—leaving only the right lane available for traffic flow during the height of the morning rush. Emergency responders worked efficiently to clear the scene, and by 9:45 a.m., all lanes had been reopened to traffic. While specific details about the cause of the collision, the number of vehicles involved, and whether any injuries occurred were not immediately available, the extent of the lane blockage suggests a significant impact event. The crash's location near a major downtown exit during peak travel hours likely compounded congestion throughout the surrounding area as commuters sought alternate routes or waited for the roadway to clear.

Location and Infrastructure

Interstate 85 serves as a critical transportation artery through Montgomery, connecting the city to Atlanta to the northeast and Mobile to the southwest via other interstate connections. The crash location near Exit 1 at Union Street/Court Street sits at a strategic point where the highway intersects with downtown Montgomery's street grid. This area experiences heavy traffic volumes during weekday morning hours as commuters flow into the capital city's business district and government office complexes. The proximity to downtown means this section of I-85 sees frequent merging and lane-change maneuvers as drivers prepare to exit or continue through the city. The interchange serves as a gateway to Montgomery's central business district, the Alabama State Capitol complex, and numerous municipal facilities. Traffic patterns in this area are typically congested during rush hours, and any incident that blocks multiple lanes can quickly create backups extending several miles as the reduced capacity struggles to accommodate normal traffic volumes.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, victims of highway accidents may be entitled to pursue compensation for injuries, property damage, and related losses. Alabama operates under a contributory negligence system, which is one of the strictest in the nation—if an injured party is found to bear any fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovery. This makes thorough accident investigation and documentation critically important. Alabama Code § 6-2-38 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents, meaning potential claimants must file lawsuits within two years of the incident date. Accident victims should be aware that Alabama is an "at-fault" insurance state, requiring the responsible party's insurance to cover damages. Compensation in successful claims may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in cases involving severe negligence, punitive damages. Given the complexity of Alabama's contributory negligence rules and the compressed timeline for legal action, individuals involved in serious accidents should consider consulting with a qualified attorney to protect their rights and evaluate potential claims.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Montgomery Police Department: (334) 625-2831
• Montgomery Fire/Rescue: 911 for emergencies
• Baptist Medical Center South (Montgomery): (334) 288-2100
• Jackson Hospital & Clinic: (334) 293-8000

Traffic and Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT): www.dot.state.al.us
• ALGO Traffic (Real-time traffic information): www.algotraffic.com
• Alabama Highway Safety Office: www.highwaysafety.alabama.gov
• Montgomery Area Traffic Safety: (334) 625-2960

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission: (800) 541-9388
• Alabama Department of Mental Health Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255
• Legal Services Alabama (Montgomery): (334) 832-4570

Legal Information:

• Alabama Rules of the Road: www.alabamainteractive.org/dps_driver_manual
• Alabama Code (Traffic Laws): Title 32
• Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 392-5660