If you've been injured in a car accident, and you're based in Hoover or another Alabama city, you have the right to receive financial compensation for the damages you've suffered. Want to find out more about the compensation that you're eligible for? Would you like to ensure that you receive the biggest settlement possible? If so, you'll want to think about talking to a law firm that specializes in these kinds of cases.
You can get the assistance you need from the Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers. Based in Birmingham, our firm can provide people in the Hoover area with legal assistance and solutions after a car wreck. We're one of Hoover's premier law firms, which is why we offer free, no-obligation case evaluations to anyone in the area. We want to ensure that locals are able to get assistance when they need it. If you're the victim of an accident, we'll provide you with guidance. We'll make sure your rights are protected and figure out how much your claim is worth.
We're one of Alabama's top law firms. Over the years, our Hoover auto accident lawyers have assisted thousands of injured victims. Our attorneys have helped people to collect the compensation that you're entitled to. Receiving the appropriate compensation for any damages or injuries you've suffered will help to mitigate the impact this accident has on your life. It's likely that you have medical bills you need to cover. You may also have lost wages, and your vehicle may need repairs. Can you afford to cover these expenses out of pocket?
At Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, our goal is to make sure that our clients receive the compensation that they're entitled to. Our personal injury attorneys in Hoover take on cases of all sizes, from fender-benders to cases that are worth millions of dollars. We'll work hard to ensure that your rights are protected. Call 205-666-6000 today to learn how we can help your claim.
Car Accident Statistics in Alabama
How frequently do people in Alabama get into car accidents? After people are involved in accidents, what kinds of injuries do they usually sustain? Data from the Alabama Department of Public Safety says that there were 156,993 accidents just in 2017. There were more than 37,000 people injured in these accidents. There were also 948 fatalities.
Additional statistics include:
- Every 11 minutes a person was injured in a traffic accident.
- A traffic accident was reported every 3 minutes and 20 seconds.
- 78% of Alabama's accidents occurred in urban areas.
You should be aware that the seriousness of injuries sustained in a car accident can vary.
The accomplished legal team at Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers has represented victims that have sustained:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Broken or Fractured Bones
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Burns
- Wrongful Death
Many accidents involve severe injuries, but sadly, there are also accidents that end in death. If someone you love was killed in a car accident, you'll want to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible so that you're able to pursue justice. Our legal team has extensive experience with wrongful death claims in Hoover and is familiar with the laws surrounding these suits. Most of the time, it won't be possible for family members to receive compensation after a fatal crash unless they make a wrongful death claim that is successful.
How Much Do Car Accident Lawyer Services Cost in Hoover Cost?
Many people are reluctant to contact a lawyer after being involved in a car wreck. They may have concerns about the costs of legal services. If this is something you're worried about, you'll be glad to know that, for the most part, law firms and personal injury lawyers throughout Alabama work on contingency. This means that you won't have to pay any legal fees unless the attorney wins your case for you.
If your attorney does win your case for you, you'll give them a percentage of the compensation that you receive. The percentage will be agreed upon in advance and will typically be somewhere around 25 to 40 percent. More often than on, the percentage owed will be based on the amount of work that it will take for the attorney to get you your compensation.
Because of this, if the case can be settled out of court, it's likely that you'll pay less than you would if the case does proceed to court. What's great about this payment structure that you won't own anything unless you receive a settlement. Furthermore, it means your attorney will be motivated to get you the largest settlement possible. After all, the size of their payment will be determined by the size of the settlement that you receive.
With that said, there are attorneys out there that use other kinds of payment structures. For example, there are lawyers that charge a flat rate or by the hour. Some clients might prefer these payment options, but many people would rather work with an attorney that works on contingency.
What Should I Do If I'm In A Car Accident?
After an auto accident it is important to follow these steps:
Make Sure Everyone's Okay
The first thing you should do after an accident is to confirm that no one was injured in the accident. In the immediate aftermath, you don't need to worry about who is at fault. If possible, you should also move your vehicle to the side of the road. That way, it won't be hit by any other cars or trucks as they pass by. You should make safety your top priority.
Receive Medical Attention
You may feel fine after you've been involved in an accident. In spite of this, it's smart to visit a healthcare professional. Even if you can't see any injuries, it's possible that you were injured internally. Furthermore, seeking medical assistance will provide you with evidence of your injuries. Your medical records were established that your injuries were sustained during your accident, and they will also show how much you've spent on medical bills.
Contact the Authorities
You should always call the police after an accident, even if it isn't serious. You should request that local law enforcement visit the accident scene. This will give the authorities the opportunity to investigate the scene and gather information from everyone involved. Law officers will need to file a police report, which could wind up helping your case. It's also a good idea to request the name and the contact information of the police officer that comes to the scene. It might come in handy later on.
Obtain the Contact Information of the Other Driver
You should request the contact information of the other driver at the scene of the accident. If any other people, like passengers, were involved in the accident, you'll want to gather information from them as well. Later on, your lawyer can use this information so that they can obtain statements.
Get Contact Information from Witnesses
If anyone witnesses your accident, you should ask them for their contact information as well. Of course, you should be aware that potential witnesses might not be willing to give a statement. Still, if there's an officer on the scene of the accident, most witnesses should be willing to give you their contact information.
Snap Photos
If you're able to, you'll want to capture lots of photos of the scene of the accident. Most people will be able to take high-quality photos with their smartphones. You should try to take a number of pictures and capture the accident from numerous angles. You'll want to make sure that the images you take show the crash and that details are visible. Having photos can help your lawyer to recreate the accident and figure out what really happened.
Request a Copy of the Police Report
Request a copy of your accident report from the police officer at the scene. You should be aware that you may not receive the report immediately. After all, the report has to be written up and then filed.
Reach out to a Car Accident Lawyer
If you hire a personal injury attorney, you can count on them to get in touch with any insurance companies involved. Your lawyer will make sure your claim is filed. Because your attorney will need to collect evidence and information in order to build your case, you'll want to contact them right away. If you act quickly, you'll receive compensation more quickly.
How Can a Lawyer Help My Car Accident Claim?
If a person was injured in a car accident, and their property was also damaged, making a compensation claim can be complex. Initially, it might seem that the case will be easy to resolve. However, you'll be much better off if you talk to a qualified Hoover car accident lawyer about the specifics of your case. It's important for accident victims to remember that insurance companies want to pay out as little as they possibly can. Furthermore, insurance companies have full legal teams that work to ensure that their interests are protected.
When you work with our experienced lawyers, you can trust that they'll take the best possible approach to your car accident claim. When you work with Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, you can expect the legal team to:
Investigating the Accident
Our attorneys will work hard to identify the individual that is responsible for the accident. More often than not, the other drive in the accident is the responsible party. Our legal team will collect evidence to demonstrate that this individual is liable. Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may also be possible to hold third parties liable. As an example, in a drunk driving case, it might be possible to hold a business or a persona liable if they served or sold alcohol to the defendant even though they were clearly intoxicated.
Determine the Cost of Current and Future Medical Care
Our lawyers will look closely at your records so that they can see how severe your injuries are and what your outlook for the future is likely to be. If you were permanently disabled because of your injuries, we'll partner with medical and vocational consultants so that we can determine the medical care needs you are likely to have going forward.
Determine the Entirety of Your Damages
Personal injury laws in Alabama allow victims to seek compensation for a number of things, including:
- Pain and suffering in both the past and future
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium if the injured party has a spouse
- Medical expenses in the past and future
- Worsening of pre-existing injuries
- Disfigurement
- Loss of wages, earnings, and income, including any future wages that will not be received because an individual's earning capacity has decreased or because they are no longer able to work.
Negotiate with the Insurance Companies
The legal team at Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers will take care of all of the documentation necessary and will complete all paperwork when they file a claim for you. We will negotiate aggressively to ensure that you receive the compensation that you're entitled to.
Representation in Court
In some cases, insurance companies try to undercut accident victims or will refuse to pay them an appropriate settlement. If this occurs, you can count on us to file a lawsuit so that you're able to get the compensation that you're owed. In some cases, insurance companies will follow policy and will not take a claim seriously until a lawsuit is filed. No matter what happens, you can trust that we'll take this seriously. Our goal is always to ensure that your interests are represented.
We would advise you against speaking with insurance companies or accepting a settlement if you haven't consulted with a personal injury attorney in the Hoover area. The legal team at Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers has extensive experience with compensation claims, which is why you can trust that we'll make sure insurance companies deliver the compensation you are owed. We'll look closely at the unique circumstances of your case, as well as any settlements you've been offered. Furthermore, we will do this at no cost to you.
Will I Get Compensated for My Car Crash in Hoover?
The goal of insurance companies is typically to settle a claim for as little as possible as quickly as they can. Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is focused on making sure that our clients are properly compensated for any injuries they've sustained or losses they've experienced.
If you want to improve your chances of receiving appropriate compensation, we would advise you to receive medical care before taking action against a defendant. Injuries from an accident aren't always visible immediately. In some cases, it could be months before you become aware of your injuries. If you settle your case right away, and new injuries appear, you won't be able to receive compensation for them.
Our goal as a law firm is to make sure you receive the medical care you need right away. If you can't receive medical care for whatever reason, our lawyers will work to assist you. We'll be able to point you in the direction of doctors, specialists, and other healthcare specialists that will be able to assist you. We will also work with your insurance company when it comes to the property damage aspect of your claim. For example, we'll ensure you receive a rental vehicle so that you'll have a way to get around while you're waiting for repairs to be completed or to replace your vehicle.
As far as accident investigations go, our goal is to collect all of the evidence and information required. After we've taken on your case, our legal team will collect statements from witnesses, view the police report, look at pictures and video footage of the scene of the accident, and contact experts for analysis if necessary.
Our goal is to put together a claim that will help you to receive full compensation for any injuries or damages you've experienced. If you are not offered a fair amount by the insurance company, the next step will be to escalate your case to courts. We're more than willing to do this, and we have an excellent track record when it comes to winning personal injury cases.
What Damages Can I Recover Through a Car Accident Claim in Hoover?
A car accident may result in minor damages, but the injuries an individual sustains could also change a person's life. No matter what, if you were injured because of someone else's negligent behavior, you're entitled to receive compensation for those damages.
There are a number of things you might be eligible to receive compensation for, including:
Medical Bills
Many car accident claims work to ensure that victims are compensated for their medical expenses. After all, many victims are seriously injured, and these kinds of expenses can be costly to treat. Many victims need to receive long-term treatment for their injuries. If you're a victim, you should know that you're entitled to be compensated for your injury-related medical expenses in the past, present, and future.
Pain and Suffering
The damages a person suffers in an accident can cause a great deal of pain. Being involved in an accident can also cause a person to experience a lot of emotional distress. If you're a victim, you're entitled to be compensated for your suffering in both the past and the future.
Loss of Wages
In some cases, the victim of an accident may need to take some time off from their job so that they can receive treatment and recover from their injuries. Victims may also need to work at a reduced capacity. If injuries are extremely severe, a victim might not be able to work at all. If you're a victim, and your accident is keeping you from earning your full wages, you have the right to recover those wages.
Wrongful death
The majority of accidents only involve injuries. Sadly, however, there are also injuries that are fatal. If someone is killed in an accident, their family members have the legal right to seek compensation.
Loss of consortium
If someone is killed or seriously injured in an accident, it could lead to a loss of companionship. A victim's spouse or family members may not be able to interact with them in the same way.
Figuring out the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to can be challenging. Unlike medical expenses or lost wages, there isn't a specific number attached to these losses. It can be difficult to evaluate the impact the accident will have in the future. That's why it's crucial to hire an experienced car accident lawyer. They'll be able to determine how much you are entitled to and will make sure you receive the maximum compensation.
How Do I Know Who Is at Fault for My Car Accident in Hoover?
If you want to improve your chances of receiving the compensation you are owed for your injuries, it's important to demonstrate that your injuries were caused by another person's negligence.
The components below will have to be proven:
- The party responsible owed a duty of care to the victim of the accident
- The party responsible went against this duty
- The victim of the accident sustained damages and was injured
- The victim's injuries and damages were caused because the party responsible breached their duty
As an example, when someone is operating a vehicle on Alabama's roads, they must drive safely and follow traffic laws. If a driver behaves recklessly, engaging in behavior such as speeding or texting while driving, they have breached their duty of care. If these behaviors result in an accident, and that accident leads to injuries or property damage, the responsible driver's negligence is what caused these damages. This means the driver can be held at fault.
What Are Common Car Accident Causes in Alabama?
If you are trying to receive compensations because of injuries that were caused by an auto accident, you'll want to be familiar with the causes of accidents. If your accident was caused because another driver behaved negligently, it should be easier for you to receive the compensation that you're entitled to.
These are a few of the factors that lead to car accidents in Alabama:
- Driving the wrong way
- Poor weather
- Changing lanes in an unsafe manner
- Driving over the speed limit
- Tailgaiting
- Ignoring a stop sign or red light
- Driving recklessly
- Driving at night
- Poorly maintained roads
- Inexperienced drivers
- Driving under the influence
- Driving while drowsy
- Driving while distracted
- Construction zones
- Defects in a vehicle's design
- Animals
Types of Auto Accidents
One of the factors that help prove negligence in an accident is the way in which a vehicle is struck. As an example, the majority of head-on collisions occur because someone operating a vehicle behaved negligently. If you are able to prove that the other driver showed negligence and that negligence was the cause of the accident, it can strengthen your claim.
These are some of the most common accidents that occur on the roads in Hoover, Alabama:
- Head-on crashes
- Accidents at intersections
- Sideswipes
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollovers
- Accidents in work zones
- T-Bone/Side Impact collissions
- Hit-and-runs
- Accidents in parking lots
- Lyft and Uber accidents
- Accidents involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist
- Accidents on the highway or interstate
What if the Insurer Denies My Claim for Compensation?
It is possible that the insurance company will deny your claim. This could occur for a number of reasons:
- The insurer believes that you are the one at fault
- The policy has been canceled or lapsed
- The person driving wasn't covered under the policy
- The insurer believes your injuries were caused by something other than the accident
- The insurer believes you were not really injured
- You are passed the statute of limitations. Alabama law states that a claim must be filed within two years of an accident.
Our auto accident lawyers are ready to assist you as you file your claim. We'll stay in contact with the adjuster at your insurance company to make sure your claim is paid out. We'll negotiate with the insurance company and will try to secure you a settlement out of court. That way, you'll receive your money more quickly.
If the insurance company won't pay your claim, we'll file a lawsuit to ensure that you receive the compensation you are owed.
What Happens If the Driver that Hit Me is Uninsured?
When it comes to auto accidents and insurance coverage, Alabama is classified as a “fault” or “tort” state. This means that your claim will need to be filed with the insurance company of the driver that was responsible. Although you should make a claim through your insurance company, the party responsible for the accident will be at the center of any injury claims.
If the driver does not have insurance, or if they are uninsured, the victim must collect as much compensation as possible from the defendant. Health insurers, public welfare programs, and the victims of accidents will be responsible for bills. Everyone pays for drivers that don't have the appropriate insurance coverage.
To protect themselves, it's common for motorists in Alabama to have coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists. This is known as UM/UIM coverage. This type of coverage isn't a requirement, but it's standard for car insurance policies to have $25,000 in coverage. If your damages go beyond the driver at fault's policy, the next thing you should do is file a claim through your own insurance company.
How Much Time Do I Have Before Filing a Car Accident Compensation Claim in Alabama?
Alabama law states that the victims of car accidents must file personal injury and property damage claims within two years of an accident. After the two year period has passed, it will no longer be possible to file a claim.
Contact Our Hoover Auto Accident Lawyers for Free Consultation
If you're the victim of an Alabama car accident, and you've sustained injuries, you'll want to contact the legal team at Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers right away. Remember, you have a limited window of time to file a claim. If your claim isn't filed in this period, it will no longer be possible for you to seek compensation. Our car accident attorneys have plenty of experience, and they have all the knowledge needed to settle your claim. If it isn't possible to settle things outside of court, our team will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
We offer free consultations, and you'll be under no obligation to work with us. Furthermore, you won't have to pay any money until after your claim has been settled. Insurance companies and the other party will have legal teams working on their behalf. That's why you should make sure you also have lawyers working for you. Reach out to our Hoover personal injury firm so that we can help you get all of the compensation that you are legally entitled to.
