Rate of Fatal Car Accidents on the Rise
If you suspected serious car crashes have recently increased, you would be correct. In fact, 2015 saw the largest national traffic fatality percentage increase in fifty years at 7.2%, according to a report from al.com. Alabama also saw an increase in fatal accidents in 2015, though at a slightly slower rate than the national average.
Of Alabama’s 4.86 million people, there were 17.41 fatalities per 100,000 people, and alcohol-related fatalities numbered 4.98 per 100,000 people. Alabama’s statewide average was well above the national average of 10.92 fatalities per 100,000 people.
AxleGeeks (a website division of Graphiq) compiled a list of ‘The Car Accident Capitals of America.’ Perhaps not surprisingly, Alabama was well represented, with Birmingham and Montgomery both taking high spots. We should point out, however, that only cities with a population over 100,000 were considered.
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which is the federal appellate court for Alabama cases, recently ruled that a Mobile company’s ban on dreadlocks for their employees does not violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The lawsuit was filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of an African American woman who wore her hair in dreadlocks. The woman’s job offer was terminated after she refused to change her hairstyle.
Circuit Judge Adalberto Jordan, who authored the unanimous opinion, acknowledged such determinations are often difficult: “We recognize that the distinction between immutable and mutable characteristics of race can sometimes be a fine (and difficult) one, but it is a line that courts have drawn.” The full opinion of the case, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Catastrophe Management Solutions, is available 
When traveling out of state, even the safest driver faces the possibility of an unexpected car accident. Driving on unfamiliar roads in an unfamiliar city heightens the risk for an accident. Of course, with any accident, contact 911 immediately, take pictures of the accident scene and any damage to the vehicles, write down the names and numbers of any other involved parties or witnesses, and contact your insurance company. Visit our page on the steps to take after a car accident 
Cue the fireworks, fire up the grill, and hang the stars and stripes proudly for all of Huntsville to see—the Fourth of July holiday weekend is nearly here! Independence Day holds a special meaning to the team at 
When was the last time you looked up at the stars? Really, truly looked, letting the majesty of infinite space sink in?
Just like most of us don’t take the time to stop and smell the roses, few of us take the time to look at the stars. However, it’s time to start—and there has never been a better opportunity this year.
Tonight, the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year, will peak overhead. After dark, be sure to put on a few extra lawyers, grab a blanket, and set up camp outside to view an amazing show. The shower is projected to peak around 3-4 a.m.
In May, our community was shaken by the death of a ten-year-old in a tragic car accident.
A man, later identified as Gunner Joseph Scarano, was driving a black truck and travelling north on Bailey Cove Road when he hit three vehicles and a motorcycle. No injuries were reported from this accident.
Scarano then continued to drive until he caused another accident at the Weatherly Road intersection. This accident involved four vehicles, injuring eight and killing ten-year-old Jaden Coppens.