Montgomery, AL Automobile Accidents Lawyers

What began as a simple commute, an errand run, or a family vacation could quickly take a negative turn. Even on a road that you’ve traveled many times in the past, the chances of an accident are very real.

If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident in the Montgomery area, your life can change in an instant. You may face many uncertainties and questions, such as: Who is responsible for my injuries? Do I have a car accident case? Should I speak with a car accident attorney?

At Clay Phillips Law Firm Firm, we want to help you get answers and justice after a serious automobile accident. Our experienced Montgomery personal injury attorney will review the circumstances of your accident and let you know the strength of your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Types of Car Accidents and Injuries

Motor vehicles might be simple enough to operate, but they are complex pieces of equipment. If the driver isn’t paying attention or something else goes wrong, the results can be catastrophic. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver error is the cause of roughly 94% of all automobile crashes.

Some of the top causes of car accident claims that our law firm sees include:

• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Failing to yield
• Poor road conditions
• Other traffic violations or acts of negligence

Injuries resulting from car crashes can vary widely, from minor scratches and aches to severe and permanent disability. Some of the most common car accident injuries our clients experience include:

• Broken bones
• Head trauma, including traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Burns
• Lacerations
• Whiplash
• Soft tissue injuries

Negligence is the Key to Car Accident Cases in Alabama

If you’ve watched certain television shows or movies, you’ve probably heard the term “negligence” at some point. In a legal context, this refers to the failure of a party to observe a basic standard of care in a given situation. This can happen in many different types of situations and in a variety of ways.

Assuming you are driving down the road, you could be found negligent if you were found to be drunk, texting, or driving well over the posted speed limit. A tire company could be found negligent if they allowed defective products to be installed on vehicles.

When it comes to auto accident cases, negligence is a primary consideration in having a successful case. Alabama is not a no-fault state, meaning the person who caused your accident should be held responsible for your damages. To collect damages, you must prove negligence.

One of the things that injury victims need to understand is that Alabama follows the doctrine of “contributory negligence.” This means that, if you are found to be partially at fault in the accident (even just one percent), you will not be able to collect any compensation from the party that caused your injuries.

Types of Compensation Available in Car Accident Cases

Auto accidents can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. When you work with our car accident lawyer, our goal is to seek compensation for the full value of your damages. This means that we ask the insurance company to pay you a settlement that includes different types of losses:

• Medical bills, including the value of your future medical care and any rehabilitation
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage and other related expenses
• The value of all non-economic losses, which includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life

When we represent Alabama car accident victims, we pursue all available sources of recovery to maximize your settlement. This might include the insurance company of the other driver as well as any third parties that could have liability.

Filing a Car Accident Claim in Alabama

As you learned with negligence, personal injury cases can be complex. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you have to defend yourself against false allegations to collect the compensation you need and deserve. Insurance companies can be tricky and even unethical at times. It’s always a good idea to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who will protect your interests.

You also don’t have an unlimited timeframe to file a car accident lawsuit. In Alabama, the time limit, or statute of limitations, is just two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this date, you won’t be able to recover anything.

Immediate Steps to Take If You’ve Been Involved in a Car Accident

A vehicle accident can happen quickly. Remember, most of these crashes are due to driver error. Many also result in serious injuries and damages. If you have been hurt in an auto accident in the Montgomery area, our firm recommends that you do the following:

1. Get medical care.

Whether you feel hurt initially or not, seek immediate medical attention. It’s not uncommon for accident victims to think they are “fine” because of the adrenaline rushing through their bodies after a crash. But a few hours or days later, the pain arrives. Getting medical care quickly can ensure you document the accident and your injuries and get the treatment you need.

2. Report the accident.

You should also report the accident to the local authorities. This might happen on the scene. If it doesn’t, contact them within 24 hours to file a report. This is another way to establish a record of your accident and prove negligence.

3. Gather evidence.

Whether you can do it yourself or you need to rely on someone else, make sure you gather evidence at the scene of the accident. This should include photos of the accident scene and damages, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses.

4. Secure legal assistance.

Most importantly, you should consult with a car accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash. You should do this before agreeing to an interview with an insurance company for the best chance at protecting your interests.

Speak With a Qualified Montgomery Automobile Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, you don’t have to manage the claims process on your own. In fact, there’s a good chance you won’t be given fair treatment by the insurance company. At Clay Phillips Law Firm, our personal injury attorney will even the playing field and make sure you have a strong case to pursue maximum recovery.  Call our Montgomery office today at (334) 277-8753 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.