By Adam W. Pittman on September 14, 2022
If the aftermath of a car accident results in legal proceedings, fault is determined in Alabama based on the findings of a judge or court. In other cases, liable parties could be determined based on police reports and the negotiations between the insurance companies of involved parties.
If you were involved in a car accident in Alabama, it could be helpful to speak with a lawyer regarding your case so that you are not found at fault for an accident you did not cause.
Determining Liability for Car Accidents
Determining liability is the backbone of virtually every car accident claim. In short, it makes sense that the party responsible for an accident should also be held accountable for the resulting losses. But thinking that another party caused your accident and being able to prove it legally are two different things. Examples of liability that could hold up in court include but are not limited to:
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other type of substance that affects the ability to safely operate a vehicle or is illegal
- Driving with a suspended license
- Driving a vehicle that is not mechanically safe or was not inspected according to law
- Distracted driving, which could include the use of a cell phone, talking while driving, looking away from the road, and more
- Failing to obey traffic laws, such as running stop signs and lights, illegally merging, failing to yield, and more
- Large vehicles that do not have properly loaded cargo potentially creating hazards on the road
- Much more
Negligence
Another primary cause of traffic accidents is negligence. Negligence refers to a wide range of behaviors that are generally categorized as a failure to act in a safe or reasonable manner. Any type of driving that is unsafe in nature could be deemed negligence. If a negligent driver caused a car accident, they could be determined to be at fault in the state of Alabama.
For a free legal consultation, call 877-562-0000
Pain and Suffering for Victims of Car Accidents
There are several different ways in which motor vehicle accidents can impact the lives of victims.
One of the most common forms of suffering in car accidents is physical injuries. Even bumps, bruises, scrapes, cuts, and other minor injuries can be grounds for legal action. But more serious injuries that can require ongoing medical treatment, or change the life of a victim long-term, could result in additional compensation. Emotional trauma is also possible. Sleeplessness, anxiety, memory loss, and more can impact the lives of victims following car accidents.
Financial losses to your vehicle, personal property, and more can also change your life. Losing financial security suddenly is unfair, but victims do have legal options to pursue compensation in these cases.
Available Compensation
Compensation for car accident victims, regardless of the amount, can come in different forms. This may include one or more of the following:
- Reimbursement for medical expenses caused by injuries in motor vehicle accidents, such as doctor office copays, fees, prescription medications, ongoing physical therapy, surgery, and more
- Reimbursement for legal fees
- Compensation for lost property or damage to your vehicle
- Damages for emotional suffering, including a decrease in your quality of life
- Compensation for dependents of motor vehicle accidents
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents cause thousands of tragic fatalities and millions of injuries every year in The United States. It is possible to recover compensation in tragic cases involving the wrongful death of a loved one.
Getting Legal Help After a Car Accident
Lawyers can be helpful for victims that are thinking of filing a claim. Having a team of lawyers to help answer your questions, organize your case in a strong manner, act as your support system, and more can make a serious impact on your life.
If you are ever in a situation where you are thinking of filing a claim, consider the benefits of having a lawyer represent you in your case.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations in Alabama for personal injury cases, like those suffered in car accidents, is two years. This means that from the time of an accident or when injuries appear, potential claimants have two calendar years to initiate a claim.
This could seem like quite a while, but the clock starts ticking immediately. If you think you have a case acting soon is the only way to ensure your case remains valid.
Contact our personal injury lawyers today
Contact Us Today
At Cory Watson Attorneys, our team is dedicated to helping victims like you pursue justice following a car accident caused by a third party. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights as a victim. Our attorneys are ready to help.
Call or text 877-562-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form