Top-Rated Alabama Car Accident Lawyers

The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be very overwhelming and may leave you feeling helpless. However, there are a few things you can do to help ease the process.

1. Call 911 – the first thing you need to do is call emergency services, even if you do not feel like it is necessary. You may not be aware of the full scope of the scene but first responders are trained to handle anything that may arise. You may not realize you are injured, for instance, until an emergency medical technician advises you to go to the hospital for further medical attention. If you are absolutely positive that it was a very minor accident and there are zero injuries, you can always call the non-emergency line for the police.
2. Exchange insurance information with the other driver – you will need to obtain the insurance information of the other driver in case you need to file a claim. Usually your insurance company will do the communicating themselves but they will ask you for the information when you call them. They may also need the contact information for the other driver.
3. Hang on to medical records – it is important that you collect and hold onto any records regarding medical treatment you received as a result of the car accident. Items such as medical bills can be helpful to your insurance company and your car accident lawyer in the event that you need to build a case.
4. Obtain a copy of the police report – You are going to want to get a copy of the police report. The report will state who is likely at fault for the accident. This is important because of Alabama accident laws that state if you were in any way responsible, you cannot be compensated for it.

These are just the very basic beginning steps that you need to take after an auto accident. Using LegalFinders to help find a reliable and well-trusted Birmingham car accident lawyer should be your fifth step.

The human body can be quite fragile. Being involved in a car wreck can do a number to your body. Car accident victims can experience a number of injuries, ranging from minor injuries such as cuts and bruises, to more serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Other injuries that are possible in a car accident can include the following:

• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Internal bleeding
• Burns 
• Soft tissue injuries
• Disfigurement

There are many types of injuries that may not be noticeable or visible until the shock and adrenaline have worn off. This is why it is so important to make sure you receive medical care from either the emergency room or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

In the state of Alabama, you are required to have and maintain insurance in order to register a vehicle. Insurance claims that are filed will be covered by your policy. There is a minimum of liability insurance coverage you have to have:

• $25,000 per injured person
• $25,000 per death of a person
• $25,000 for property damage

Notice that this does not cover the cost of damage to you or to your vehicle. This is the minimum amount required to cover damage to another person or vehicle.

When you call your insurance company after you have been in a car wreck, you will need to have a few things on hand.

• Your insurance policy and reference number.
• Any photos, videos and contact information for witnesses to the accident (if there were any).
• Any medical bills regarding your medical treatment as a result of the car accident.
• Any bills related to property damage caused by the auto accident.
• The police report – this helps the insurance company establish who is at fault for the accident.

After your insurance company has received the basic information for the car accident claim, they will send an insurance adjuster. The job of an insurance adjuster is to examine personally if possible the scene of the accident, speak with you about the accident and examine the vehicle in person. Once they have done this, they will put together what they believe the total value of your claim is. If you disagree with them, a car accident lawyer can assist you in seeking to adjust the value with your insurance company.

The short answer is no, Alabama is not a no-fault state. In Alabama, whoever causes an accident is responsible financially. However, Alabama is a contributory negligence state, which means that if it is found that you were in any way responsible for the accident, you will not be able to recover any damages.

It is important to understand that you have a deadline for filing a suit. Statute of limitations refers to the amount of time a person has to bring a suit against someone. In the case of personal injury and property damage, a car accident victim has two years max to file a car accident claim,  personal injury claim or wrongful death claim. The clock starts ticking the day of the accident and you need to be aware of that. Hiring an auto accident attorney can help you keep track of these very tight and important deadlines. Once they have passed, it is too late.

Alabama is a beautiful state with gorgeous weather. The sunshine and warm weather can leave you feeling relaxed and may make your reaction times slower. Alabama is also a tourist destination. The influx of drivers who are unfamiliar with the roads can cause congested and dangerous situations. While all motorists know to be alert while driving, you cannot control or predict the actions of other drivers.

The most dangerous highway in Alabama, US Highway 431, has been nicknamed the “highway to hell” due to the many turns in the road, the poor visibility, the unpredictable number of lanes and the high speeds. Other dangerous highways include but are not limited to: I-10, I-20, I-65 and I-85. Motorists should be sure to be on high alert when finding themselves on these roads.