There is nothing quite like a fall Saturday in Auburn.
Thousands of fans pour into town, tailgates start early, Jordan-Hare fills up, and for a few hours, just about everything in Auburn revolves around football. But anyone who lives here knows game day also means one other thing: traffic. A lot of it.
From South College Street and Wire Road to Donahue Drive, Opelika Road, I-85 and the roads throughout Auburn and Opelika, the increase in vehicles can make getting around town more challenging before and after a home game.
Most people will make it home with nothing more than a little frustration from sitting in traffic. Unfortunately, increased congestion, unfamiliar drivers, distractions and alcohol can also increase the risk of serious car accidents.
If you are involved in a crash during an Auburn football weekend, knowing what to do next can make a significant difference.
Why Auburn Game-Day Traffic Can Be Different
Auburn is accustomed to football crowds, but home games still bring a major influx of visitors into a relatively small area.
Many drivers may be navigating Auburn for the first time. Others may be looking for parking, following GPS directions, watching for pedestrians or trying to make last-minute turns because their usual route is blocked.
Add thousands of pedestrians walking between campus, downtown, parking areas and tailgates, and there are more opportunities for something to go wrong.
Some of the most common risks include:
- Stop-and-go traffic and rear-end collisions
- Drivers making sudden lane changes or turns
- Distracted driving while using GPS or looking for parking
- Pedestrian accidents near campus and downtown
- Drivers unfamiliar with Auburn’s roads and intersections
- Impaired driving after tailgates or the game
- Increased traffic on I-85 before and after kickoff
Whether you are an Auburn resident, student, visiting fan or simply trying to get across town, a car accident can turn game day into something much more serious.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Auburn?
The moments immediately following a crash can be confusing, particularly when traffic is heavy and emotions are running high.
Your first priority should always be safety.
If you are able, move away from moving traffic and call 911. If anyone may be injured, request medical assistance. Do not assume an injury is minor simply because you are able to walk away from the crash. Some injuries may not become obvious until hours or even days later.
Once everyone is safe, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself.
Document the Scene
If it is safe to do so, take photographs and video of the accident scene.
Try to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Vehicle positions
- License plates
- Traffic signs and signals
- Skid marks or debris
- Road and weather conditions
- Any visible injuries
On a busy game day, the scene can change quickly once vehicles are moved and traffic begins flowing again.
Exchange Information
Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license information and insurance information.
Alabama requires vehicles operated on public roads to carry liability insurance. However, that does not necessarily mean every driver on the road is properly insured or has enough coverage to compensate someone seriously injured in a crash.
Look for Witnesses
Game-day accidents may happen in front of dozens of people, but those witnesses can disappear quickly.
If someone saw what happened, ask for their name and contact information. Independent witnesses may become important if there is later a disagreement about how the accident occurred.
Be Careful About What You Say
It is natural to apologize or say something like, “I’m fine,” immediately after an accident.
Try not to speculate about who caused the crash or the extent of your injuries.
You may still be processing what happened, and adrenaline can temporarily mask pain. Stick to the facts when speaking with law enforcement, the other driver and insurance companies.
Ready to discuss your case? Contact our experienced team of personal injury lawyers for a free initial case consultation*
Review Auburn’s Current Game Day Traffic and Parking Information:
Auburn University / Auburn Athletics Game Day Parking & Traffic: This is the most useful all-in-one resource. It includes parking maps, post-game traffic information, Tiger Transit stops, accessible parking, and game-day regulations. Auburn Football Game Day Parking & Traffic Guide
City of Auburn Post-Game Traffic Advisory: This one is especially helpful for explaining how traffic patterns change after home games, including Donahue, Magnolia, Wire Road, Heisman Drive and West Thach. City of Auburn Post-Game Traffic Pattern Advisory
Do You Need Medical Attention if You Feel Fine?
Sometimes.
Not every minor accident requires an emergency room visit, but symptoms following a crash should not be ignored.
Neck and back injuries, concussions, soft-tissue injuries and other conditions may not cause significant pain immediately.
Seek medical care promptly if you experience symptoms such as:
- Headaches or dizziness
- Neck or back pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Shoulder or joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Unusual fatigue
- Bruising or swelling
Your health should come first.
Medical documentation can also become important if an insurance company later questions whether your injuries were actually related to the accident.
What if the Other Driver Was Drinking?
Football weekends involve plenty of celebrations, and unfortunately, some people still choose to drive after drinking.
If you suspect another driver may be impaired, do not confront them. Tell the responding law enforcement officer what you observed and allow law enforcement to handle the situation.
Evidence of impairment can become extremely important in a personal injury case.
More importantly, there is never a good reason to drive impaired. Auburn has rideshare services, designated drivers and other transportation options available. A football game is never worth risking someone’s life.
What if You Are Hit While Walking?
Drivers are not the only people at risk during Auburn football weekends.
Tens of thousands of pedestrians travel between downtown Auburn, campus, parking areas and Jordan-Hare Stadium before and after each home game.
If you are struck by a vehicle while walking, call 911 and seek medical attention. Pedestrian injuries can be severe even when a vehicle is traveling at relatively low speeds.
Whenever possible, pedestrians should use designated crosswalks, follow traffic signals and stay alert around vehicles. Drivers should also expect heavy pedestrian traffic throughout the campus and downtown areas and use additional caution.
Be Careful With the Insurance Company
After an accident, you may receive a call from an insurance adjuster sooner than you expect.
Remember that the insurance company is investigating the claim on behalf of the insurer. Before giving a recorded statement, signing documents or accepting a settlement, make sure you understand what you are agreeing to.
A quick settlement can be tempting, particularly when medical bills or vehicle repairs are already piling up. But once a claim is resolved, you generally cannot go back later because your injuries turned out to be more serious than you initially realized.
Injured in an Auburn or Opelika Car Accident?
Walton Law Firm has been part of the Auburn and Opelika community for decades. We know these roads because we drive them too.
If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident in Auburn, Opelika or anywhere in Lee County, you do not have to figure out what comes next alone.
Our team can help you understand your options, deal with the insurance company and determine what steps may be appropriate for your situation.
Put a Fighter in Your Corner.
Contact Walton Law Firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced Auburn car accident attorney.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
