Hoover Car Accident Lawyer

Every motorist is legally obliged to follow traffic rules and exercise good judgment while on the road. However, this is not always the case, and car accidents happen to be common, leading to millions of injuries and deaths across the nation. The unfortunate part is that most of these accidents are avoidable. Getting into an accident is usually unexpected, and it can leave you both physically and emotionally scarred.

If you have sustained an injury in an auto accident in Hoover or the surrounding areas, you may be entitled to compensation. To know more about how you can maximize the compensation or settlement, you need to get in touch with one of the Hoover car accident lawyers at Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton.

We offer a free initial consultation, giving you a chance to have your questions and concerns addressed. With decades of experience in handling personal injury cases in Alabama, our team’s primary focus is to make sure every client gets the settlement they deserve. Contact our personal injury firm at (855) 965-1688 for the best legal services in the city!

Car Accident Statistics in Alabama

Unfortunately, the number of auto accidents and the resulting injuries and deaths are staggering. In fact, they’re the leading cause of personal injury in the state. According to statistics, over 1,700 motorists are involved in auto accidents every year, making it over 70 per hour. Each year an average of 342,000 traffic accidents occur, 45% of them resulting in injuries. The common causes of accidents in Alabama roads include:

• Failure to yield
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Ignoring road signs
• Improper lane change
• Weather conditions

How Much Does an Auto Accident Attorney Cost?

Most people hesitate to reach out to lawyers for car accidents as they’re worried about how much they will be charged. However, most injury lawyers, including Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton, operate on a contingency basis. This means you only owe us if we win your case. At this stage, you will pay a previously agreed-upon percentage.

If a settlement with the insurer was agreed upon before any court proceedings, you’ll likely pay less than if the case goes to court. Some lawyers work with different payment structures, like a flat rate or an hourly fee. While these options might be the best in some cases, most people are best served by signing a contingency agreement.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

If you find yourself in an auto accident, taking these steps can help when you file a claim:

Contact the Authorities

Regardless of the scope of the accident, it’s important to call the relevant authorities. An official police report is vital in proving your claim. In addition, some insurers require one in order to approve the claim. Not only that but an official report will provide your lawyer with crucial information that might be hard to find down the line.

Check on the Other Party

In an accident, it’s important to assess the situation and check whether everyone involved has sustained serious injuries and require urgent medical attention. You should also move to a safe spot, but do not leave the scene as it will be considered a hit and run.

Exchange Information

The next step is to get the names, addresses, contacts, and insurance information of the other parties involved in the accident.

Record the Scene

You’ll need all the evidence possible to make your case a strong one. So, if possible, take photos and videos of the scene, including the damages and injuries sustained.

Don’t Admit Fault

Even if you are partly at fault, you’ll want to limit your conversation with other parties at the scene.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you’re feeling well after the incident, it is important to get an assessment from a professional healthcare provider. That’s because some injuries are not immediately apparent and can take days or weeks to appear. Also, a doctor will give you a medical report which is vital in determining damages.

Call a Professional Car Accident Lawyer

This is perhaps the most important thing to do after experiencing an accident on the road. The right attorney will help you navigate through the complex process of personal injury.

The Importance of Retaining a Lawyer

As mentioned above, personal injury law is no walk in the park, and there’s a lot to it before you can get compensated. Also, you’ll be dealing with physical and emotional trauma and so, getting a legal representative is a smart move. Our lawyers will help in the following aspects:

Case Preparation and Filing a Lawsuit

From garnering evidence and proper documentation to finding expert witnesses, dealing with insurers and defence attorneys, making a claim is no walk in the park. Also, you need to comprehend the legal system and consider the numerous civil litigation processes involved in personal injury claims.

Settlement Negotiation

More often than not, people prefer to reach an agreement instead of going to court, as the latter is expensive and time-consuming. Your lawyer will handle the negotiation process to ensure you’re not low balled.

Trial Preparation and Representation

Another advantage of hiring a personal injury attorney is that they will act as your legal representative, should the case go to court. Your lawyer will litigate your claim with your interests at heart. They will navigate the complexities of injury law and leverage their skills, knowledge, and experience to make a strong argument.

What Damages Can I Recover in Alabama for Auto Accident Injury?

As with many states, there are 3 types of damages when it comes to any form of personal injury. These include:

Economic Damages

As the name implies, economic damages are those that lead to financial expenses. These are fairly clear-cut and easy to calculate. They include:

• Income Loss: Reimbursement for the work wages you have lost and the money you could have earned in the future if it were not for the accident.
• Medical Expenses: These are the costs incurred in the past, present, and future medical treatments and care associated with the injury. The amount is determined by pharmacy receipts, transportation costs, doctor’s bills, etc.
• Legal Fees: These are the expenses associated with filing the claim. They include travel costs, time missed at work, lawyer fees, etc.
• Property Loss:  Entails compensation for any cars and other items damaged due to the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These entail the non-tangible damages that the victim has suffered. Unlike economic compensatory damages, calculating these tends to be challenging as there are no invoices or receipts. Types of damages in this category include:

• Pain & Suffering:  This entails any physical suffering and severe discomfort that came about due to the accident. It also includes any ongoing pain that can be attributed to the incident.
• Loss of Enjoyment:  Injuries sustained from an accident can prevent the victim from enjoying their hobbies and daily activities.
• Disfigurement or Physical Impairment:  Sometimes classified into their own category, these injuries include brain damage, paralysis, visible scars, etc. The amount of settlement depends on the extent, nature, and the time the injuries last.

There’s no one fit all formula for calculating non-economic damages. There are many factors that go into determining the amount, including the nature of your work, lifestyle, and pre-existing conditions or injuries. As such, it helps to have a Hoover, AL, lawyer on your side, particularly one who handles these cases well.

Punitive Damages

These kinds of damages are not always applicable and are used sparingly in certain situations to punish the reckless behavior of the individual or entity at fault. Punitive damages are neither economic or non-economic as they aren’t intended as settlement for a loss.

How is Liability Determined in Alabama?

Unfortunately, Alabama is a contributory negligence state. This means that the defendant needs to be 100% at fault for you to seek compensation. This isn’t like comparative negligence in other states where if your liability is below 50%, you’re still eligible for compensation. To prove that the other party is at fault, you need to prove various aspects of negligence, including:

• The other motorist owed you a duty of care, like reading a traffic sign.
• They breached this duty of care, and as a result, an accident happened.
• The sustained injuries were a direct result of the incident.

In Alabama, the authorities investigate liability, and it’s included in the police report. Insurance adjusters also conduct investigations before they can start the compensation process. To create a strong case for your claim, our team will use the following information:

• Police Report: As mentioned above, the authorities will usually investigate the accident and try to determine the party at fault.
• Eye Witnesses: These are vital in telling what happened as third-parties.
• Physical Evidence: Other than the evidence left at the accident scene like skid marks, the cars involved can provide solid evidence like dents, paint scrapes, etc.

What is the Statute of Limitations in Alabama for a Car Accident?

In Alabama, you have a maximum of two years to file a claim for a car accident injury. This is from the date of the accident.

Conclusion

A car accident injury can have damaging effects and even long-lasting. So, if you or a loved one has sustained an injury on the road due to the negligence of another party, don’t hesitate to reach out to our personal injury lawyers at (855) 965-1688!