At Gathings Law, we believe in compassionate representation for our clients. Car accidents can come with a host of problems—from property damage to post-traumatic stress—which is why our attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve.
Working with a Car Accident Lawyer in Birmingham, AL
Working with a car accident attorney is vital to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve from your case. Your attorney will help you figure out exactly how much money you could be eligible for, and help you file your claim correctly. It is important to understand that how you file your claim will likely influence the outcome, which is why an experienced attorney can help you through each step of the process—from finding the at-fault party to filing the claim correctly.
While you can represent yourself in your car accident claim, an experienced Birmingham car accident attorney can help you use the full extent of local, state, and federal laws that discuss car accident cases. At the same time, you are given the time needed to recover and recuperate after your accident. Your attorney will also help you collect evidence and compile the best chance possible for your case.
What Causes Auto Accidents?
The cause of a car accident is vital information. It will allow your car accident lawyer to compile the most accurate claim based on evidence, and enable you to file for the correct personal injury settlement.Causes can include:
- Distracted driving;
- Driving while impaired;
- Driving while unlicensed;
- Driver fatigue;
- Loss of vehicle control due to weather conditions;
- Vehicle fault;
- Sudden onset medical conditions such as heart attacks;
- Improperly maintained roads.
The cause of the accident will play an essential role in the kind of claim you can file. Ask for a free consultation with one of the personal injury and motor accident attorneys at Gathings Law to learn more about your rights.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
You’ve been in a motor vehicle accident—what happens next? The most crucial part of any accident is remaining calm: Assessing yourself for injuries is the next step. If you can get out of your vehicle, you may want to check on anyone else involved and call emergency services.
You might also want to collect evidence, such as photographs of the scene and collecting information about those involved. Once you are able to do so, make sure you are checked over by a medical professional and that a report is drawn up. This is vital, even if you feel like you are not injured. Motor vehicle accidents often involve high amounts of adrenaline that can mask feelings of pain. Always check in with medical personnel to ensure there are no severe and life-threatening injuries to deal with.
The Evidence
The evidence collected will form one of the most integral parts of your car wreck claim. Information critical to your case includes:
- Insurance company details of all involved;
- Your personal medical records relating to the accident;
- An accident report and statement;
- In cases where it is needed, a reconstruction of the scene;
- Photographic or video footage of the scene;
- Witness statements and accounts;
- Vehicle reports.
As the list above suggests, guidance from a legal professional is critical as it can ensure that you get the full and fair compensation owed to you from the correct at-fault party. The whole process can get rather complex, especially if you struggle with ongoing medical treatment and face non-economic damages such as PTSD and chronic pain. Experienced attorneys can help guide you through the process.
Types of Auto Accidents
There are many different types of car accidents. They can all be serious and lead to catastrophic injuries.
Here are the most common types:
- Head-on collision;
- Hit and run accidents;
- Vehicle failure;
- Rear-end collisions;
- Side Impact;
- Pedestrian collision;
- Minor fender-bender accidents.
No matter the kind of accident, it is crucial to understand your rights and how car accident injury cases work. It is doubly important to collect as many notes and as much information as soon as you can—as this will help law enforcement and your personal injury lawyers understand who is at fault and how you can seek compensation.
Alabama Law Surrounding Car Accidents
There are specific guidelines you need to adhere to as a driver in Alabama. All drivers are legally required to have insurance coverage in order to use the roads legally. Another factor is the statute of limitations. This does not impact the time in which you will need to file a claim with your insurance company: This pertains to the time you have to file a claim against another party involved in the accident, for personal injuries or loss of life.
Contributory Negligence
In Alabama, the laws are strict when it comes to car crashes. Contributory negligence law constitutes that, if it is deemed that the plaintiff was even partly responsible for the accident, they will not be able to claim. This is another reason why speaking to a qualified Birmingham car accident lawyer is beyond essential.
Working with an attorney can help you ascertain whether this will affect your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents?
The statute of limitations for an auto accident in Alabama is two (2) years from the date of the injuries or accident. This means that you have two years from your injuries or accident to file any claims and lawsuits in Birmingham, AL.
The statute of limitations is an important factor, as some cases might take a little longer to file: Ongoing medical treatments, such as those for a spine or neck injury, can take longer or prolong the case. It is essential to start finding and working with your car accident attorneys as soon as possible to ensure that you meet statute of limitations’ guidelines.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents?
Your personal injury lawsuit will need to contain an accurate and detailed record of your injuries. Whether you believe you have serious injuries or not, it is crucial to seek medical assistance after an accident. Car accident victims often face long-term personal injuries as well as mental and emotional trauma.
While not all injuries are listed as severe injuries, they can still have a devastating impact on your life or the lives of your loved ones. These are the most common injuries you could face after an accident:
- Internal injuries such as bleeding, organ ruptures;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Lost limbs and digits;
- Permanent disability;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Spinal injuries;
- Neck injuries;
- Lung and chest injuries;
- Various bodily injuries.
Any sustained injuries will need to be documented by medical professionals; for this reason, it is important to be checked over by a medical team. Injuries such as traumatic brain injury can have lifelong effects that are hard to recover from as they can lead to both economic and non-economic damages. This will be taken into consideration during car accident claims.
Who Is Liable in a Car Accident in Alabama?
As a driver, your actions can cost lives; it is essential to follow the rules of the road, and hold those responsible accountable for any damages they may cause. There are many different scenarios that can impact the liability in your Birmingham car accident case. Skilled and experienced car accident lawyers can help you determine who is at fault and liable for the accident.
- The Negligent Driver. This might be the clear case when it comes to a car accident; however, there might be more than one negligent party.
- The City or Government. This is particularly important to understand. There might not be another party responsible for the accident: It might have been caused by the local cities’ failure to properly maintain roadways.
- The Rideshare Driver or Company. Rideshare companies are required to insure their drivers; if the driver was on the clock and working at the time of the accident, you might be able to file a claim against their insurance company.
- The Vehicle Manufacturer. Vehicle faults in defective vehicles can cause a serious car accident, injuries, and wrongful death claims. This can be used against the vehicle manufacturer in certain circumstances.
Birmingham car accident cases can be complex, and there might be more than one party involved in the case, with more than one injured party as well. This is why it is vital to connect with a personal injury law firm for the best possible chance at recovering compensation.
The Claim
Whether you are involved in a minor fender-bender or something more serious such as a head-on collision, your case is still important. You might be wondering what you can claim as a result of a car crash? Here is a list of the most common compensation claims:
- Lost wages;
- Medical expenses, especially for ongoing medical treatments;
- Legal fees;
- Property damage;
- Emotional trauma;
- Wrongful death;
- Reduced ability to earn through permanent disability;
- Out-of-Pocket expenses.
Your personal injury attorneys will help represent you, and help you recover compensation for your losses and damages. You shouldn’t have to suffer alone and be afraid of the future. Get started with your case; get in touch with Birmingham car accident lawyers at Gathings Law to get the compensation you deserve.
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
A Birmingham car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and file the correct documentation to ensure that your claim has the most chance for success. While you can represent yourself, it is typically best to work with an experienced attorney who can use the full extent of local and federal laws that govern car accidents in Alabama.
You must complete your personal injury claim correctly to receive due compensation: Legal services can offer you insight and representation in areas you might not have understood or missed. An auto accident can come with a lot of stress, so it is vital to ensure that you work with an experienced team that can help relieve at least a part of it.
Gathings Law: Birmingham Car Accident Attorneys
Gathings Law has 20 years of experience representing the needs of the people of Alabama. Our team of compassionate Birmingham, AL personal injury lawyers are ready to represent you when you need it most. We offer expert legal representation, as well as a full suite of legal services. Get in touch with one of our attorneys for a free case evaluation and dedicated assistance from a qualified legal team.