Most people hurt in an accident in Alabama focus on their recovery first and their legal options second. That instinct is understandable. But insurance companies count on your ignorance. Hiring an Alabama accident attorney prepares you for both the negotiation table and the courtroom.
Learn which major Alabama laws could affect your claim. Then, consider how a personal injury lawyer gives you an advantage.
How Alabama Law Affects Your Accident Claim
Alabama’s legal landscape sets it apart from almost every state in the country.
The first rule is pure contributory negligence. Most states let injured people recover compensation, even if they share blame for an accident. Alabama does not. If a court or insurance company finds that you were even 1% at fault, you may lose your right to all compensation.
The second rule you need to know is the statute of limitations. In Alabama, the clock on most personal injury claims starts the day the accident happens. You generally have two years to file a lawsuit. However, the window may close faster if a government-owned vehicle is involved.
When you know these rules, you handle accidents better. You think differently about what you say at the scene, and if you give a recorded statement. You consider your attorneys differently.
The Types of Accidents Personal Injury Lawyers Take On
Our accident attorneys practice in several different areas. Potential cases range from two-car fender benders, multi-vehicle commercial crashes, and injuries on someone else’s property.
Car accidents make up the bulk of personal injury claims in Alabama. But not all car accident cases are alike. A rear-end collision on I-65 and a t-bone wreck at a Montgomery intersection need different legal strategies.
Then, commercial vehicle accidents belong in a separate legal category altogether. FMCSA regulations apply along with state law. Multiple parties may share liability, including the driver, the employer, or the vehicle manufacturer. Our commercial vehicle accident legal team handles the full scope, even with out-of-state trucks.
Beyond the road, accident claims in Alabama also begin with:
- Slip and fall incidents on unsafe properties
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Defective consumer products
- Workplace injuries not covered by workers’ compensation
- Nursing home neglect and abuse
Are you unsure if you have a claim? No case is too big or too small for our firm. Book a free case review with our team today.
What Happens When You Hire an Alabama Accident Attorney
Legal guidance is essential, whether in a premises liability claim or a medical malpractice case. But most people who hire a personal injury attorney for the first time don’t know what to expect. The process looks different from the outside than it does once you’ve signed a contract. The right attorney becomes your investigator, negotiator, and advocate at every part of your case.
- Investigate the accident and review the facts
- Protect you from insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your claim
- Negotiate for your maximum compensation
- Bring the case to trial if necessary
Most cases settle before trial. However, your attorney should prepare for that possibility. We build every file as if it’s going to a jury. Insurance companies respond differently when they know your attorney is ready to take them to court.
Compensation You May Recover After an Accident in Alabama
Your maximum compensation depends on your injuries and who was at fault. A well-built claim accounts for every category of loss, not just the obvious. Our attorneys are experienced at calculating compensation for the following costs:
- Medical expenses, like emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, assistive devices, and any future medical treatment
- Lost wages and earning capacity, especially if you can no longer work
- Property damage, including repairing your vehicle or replacing personal items
- Non-economic damages like pain and suffering
However, in cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, Alabama courts may award punitive damages. Wrongful death claims are a common example. Punitive damages punish the liable party, not reward the victim’s family.
Read our blog about Alabama wrongful death lawyers to learn more.
Common Questions About Alabama Accident Attorneys
We’ve represented more than 250,000 clients nationwide. These are the most common questions our team receives. We understand that hiring a lawyer can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time needing legal counsel.
What do Alabama accident attorneys do?
Alabama accident attorneys review the facts to calculate the full cost of your claim. They also manage all communication with insurance companies. An attorney should negotiate a settlement or take your case to trial. They hold the at-fault party responsible and fight for the greatest compensation you can receive.
Do I need an Alabama accident attorney if the accident wasn’t my fault?
Yes, especially in Alabama. Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule. The other side only needs to show some fault on your part. An attorney can protect you from that argument from the start.
How much does it cost to hire an accident lawyer in Alabama?
Most accident lawyers in Alabama work on a contingency fee basis. Our Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys team does the same. You only pay if you win a settlement or verdict in your favor.
How do Alabama accident lawyers calculate what a case is worth?
Each case is different. Many factors affect your potential maximum compensation. Alabama accident lawyers consider the severity of your injuries, total medical costs, lost income, and non-economic damages.
How long do I have to file an accident claim in Alabama?
Alabama grants you two years from the accident date to file a claim. If a government person or vehicle is involved, the deadline may be shorter. When you miss that deadline, you may miss the right to file entirely.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys With Your Case
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has spent more than 20 years fighting for folks across Alabama. We prepare every case for trial against corporate America. With our law firm, you’re more than a case file. You’re a person.
Book a free case review today. You only pay if we win.
