Experienced Alabama Car Accident Attorneys
According to the Safe Home Alabama Crash Facts Book for 2020, an Alabama driver has more than a 40% chance of being involved in a car accident that results in injury or death at some point in their lifetime. While the majority of auto accidents happen in urban settings like Montgomery or Mobile, the car crashes that occur on more rural roads and highways tend to be more deadly, accounting for 62% of Alabama auto fatalities, as reported by Drivesafe Alabama. This means that you can find yourself the victim of a collision no matter where you’re driving, and in the unfortunate situation you do, you will need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. The experienced team at Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys are well acquainted with the law concerning Alabama car accidents, and will stand up to the insurance company to make sure you get compensated fairly. Don’t try to do it alone! Call or text 251-888-8888 or fill out a simple online form to contact our auto accident attorneys and receive a free consultation regarding your case.
What You Should Do After an Alabama Car Crash
A car crash happens quickly and can be one of the most terrifying experiences many residents of Alabama will ever have to go through. While the collision itself is unexpected and usually out of the victim’s control, the moments following an auto collision, and what you do in them, can make all the difference when it comes time to litigate your case.
- Right after a car accident, your top priority should always be the health and safety of yourself and those around you, so get everyone away from the vehicles and to a protected area away from the road.
- Once safe, call 911. Not only can the police secure the area and provide aid, they will document the scene and take statements from everyone involved.
- In addition to the evidence collected by the authorities, make sure to personally document everything you can at the scene. If possible, take photos or video, which can prove invaluable later.
- It is extremely important to get the insurance information of the other driver, including company name and policy number, as well as their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and license plate number. Once you have it, don’t forget to call your own insurance agency immediately.
- Afterward, don’t discuss the details of your accident with anyone except your car accident lawyer. They will advise you on the best course of action going forward and answer any questions you may have.
- Even if you don’t think you were seriously hurt, see your doctor for a medical evaluation. They may find an injury or trauma that you weren’t aware of, and in some cases, they may save you from future complications.
- From your mechanic to your general practitioner, make sure to keep all repair and medical bills. The better the documentation you have, the better a case for fair compensation can be made. Make copies and share them with your attorney.
Types of compensation you can get after you’ve been in a car accident
Alabama is what is known as a tort, or at-fault state. This means that when there is a car accident in Montgomery, the driver that caused the accident is liable to pay the ensuing costs of the driver they hit, through their insurance. Who is at fault is very important in Alabama car accident cases, and is usually determined by the police and insurance companies. If you have been in an auto collision, and the other driver was at fault, factors that can be taken into consideration when determining your settlement include
- The repair costs for your vehicle, or the cost to replace it if it is totaled.
- Your immediate medical expenses, for things like an ambulance ride, emergency room visit, surgery, and medication.
- Your future medical expenses and/or rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy, long-term medical devices, psychological care, and other specialized services. Some trauma, like back injuries and shoulder injuries, can require treatment for many years, decades or even longer, after an accident.
- Any lost income resulting from the accident. This can be lost wages from time away from work during recovery, as well as a reduced earning capacity due to injuries resulting from the accident.
- Losses resulting from the death of a family member. In the unfortunate event that a loved one dies as a result of a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss in income, funeral expenses, and more.
How long do you have to file a claim in Alabama?
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Alabama is two years from the day of the accident. After this time, the courts will probably not hear your case, though some exceptions may apply if an injury wasn’t immediately apparent or if the victim was a minor at the time of the incident. Generally, it is best to contact your auto injury attorney as soon as possible, so they have the maximum amount of time to properly prepare your case.
We Can Help You – Contact our Alabama Car Accident Attorneys Today!
One Call Could Get You 3.5x More!
A car crash is a traumatic experience to go through. After something so horrible, your focus should be on the important things, like healing and moving forward, not on fighting with insurance companies. Let the Alabama car accident lawyers at Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys do what they have done for many Alabamians, and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve! Give us a call today to see how we can help. We have offices in these Alabama communities:
- Mobile Car Accident Lawyers
- Montgomery Car Accident Lawyers
- Daphne Car Accident Lawyers
- Foley Car Accident Lawyers
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Car Accidents
How long does it take to settle a car crash injury case in Alabama?
- There is no short answer, but the sooner you contact a car accident attorney, the sooner they can start building your case and filing the appropriate documents. The long answer is that every car crash is different, so every car crash injury case is different as a result. A variety of factors, from the willingness of insurance companies to cooperate to the severity of the wreck, affect the time frame, and can mean the difference of months when it comes to seeing an actual settlement.
What if I get in an auto accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance?
- If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your best bet is to be thoroughly insured yourself. Even though legally you may be within your rights to sue the uninsured driver, they may not have the resources or assets to fulfill a court’s judgment, and therefore, there is little you can do to get actual compensation. Elective insurance options, like uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection, can ensure that you are not stuck with the full bill after a car accident. You should always contact a reputable car injury attorney before deciding which course to pursue.
How is it determined who is ‘at fault’?
- ‘Fault’ is decided by the police, insurance companies, and rarely, the court. Initially, the police responding to the scene will make a determination of what happened and who was at fault, and they will put it in their report, which insurance companies rely heavily on when making their own decisions. Disputes very seldom go to court, but do have the potential to be seen by a jury. It is important to note that Alabama is one of just four states where a plaintiff is not entitled to any compensation whatsoever if they are found to be at all responsible for the accident in any way, no matter how minorly, a legal approach known as ‘pure contributory negligence.’
Is Alabama a No-Fault State?
- Alabama is not a no-fault insurance state. Motorists who are found legally liable, or at fault, in a traffic accident may be held financially accountable for the other party’s losses. These losses can include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and the pain and suffering the victim has experienced since the accident.
What this means for you is that, if you’re involved in an accident, you should file a claim with the other driver’s insurance to seek compensation for your damages.
Should I Get an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer?
- In the event of a car accident, you should always contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible, and that applies to any situation where you or a loved one is injured or killed due to the negligence of another. Especially in states like Alabama that practice strict rules about who is entitled to compensation after a car wreck, an auto accident attorney who knows their way around the legal obstacle course is essential. Did you know that people who
Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys knows Alabama car accident law, having served communities like Mobile, Daphne, and Montgomery for over thirty-five years. We have dealt with the insurance companies and the courts, as well as the people that make them up, and we have the experience to help you get a fair settlement. Give us a call or contact us online, and get a free consultation on your case.
