Car Accidents Lawyers in Mobile, AL

Each year, thousands of individuals in Alabama are injured in car accidents. These injuries often lead to significant medical bills, missed time from work, and even permanent impairment. If the accident was caused by the negligent actions of another party, you may be eligible to recover compensation.

If you or a loved one suffered in a car accident in the Mobile area and it was someone else’s fault, you shouldn’t have to face this challenging time alone. At Thiry & Caddell, LLP, we have been representing the interests of clients throughout South Alabama for over 40 years and will do the same for you. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.

Car Accident Cases in Alabama Based on Negligence

Most people have heard the term “negligence” at some point, but not everyone understands its meaning in regard to auto accident cases. Negligence in auto accidents exists when a party fails to observe a basic standard of care, and that failure leads to a crash and resulting injuries.

In the case of motor vehicle accidents, the responsible party can be considered negligent if they engage in any of the following activities:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Reckless driving or speeding
• Head-on collisions
• Failing to observe rules of the road
• Drowsy driving
• Leaving the scene of an accident

The fault for some accidents might rest with an outside party as well. If your accident was caused by a defective part, the part designer or manufacturer might be responsible. Likewise, a landowner or government entity might be held responsible for an accident caused by dangerous road conditions.

Proving liability in car accident cases is paramount if you wish to recover compensation. Some accidents may not require an in-depth investigation to prove liability and fault. When a driver runs a red light and causes a crash, this might be enough to establish liability.

When fault isn’t clear-cut, making this determination could require a more intensive investigation. As the injury victim, you bear the burden of making sure there is enough proof to establish clear liability. If you aren’t familiar with the law and this process, it’s vital that you speak with an experienced car accident attorney that can guide your case and make legal recommendations.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

Every car accident case is different, so it would be impossible to make an estimate about a financial recovery without first examining the circumstances of your case and the severity of your injuries. But the types of recovery available are fairly standard.

You may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages related to your accident. Economic damages are concrete costs related to the accident, such as property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages. Non-economic damages refer to unseen or hidden costs, such as pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

Understanding Shared Fault Laws in Alabama

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you will likely be dealing with insurance companies and a lot of red tape. It’s always a good idea to speak with a lawyer that specializes in auto accident cases before you attempt to handle matters with an insurance company on your own. One careless statement or misstep could jeopardize your case.

Most states have laws specifying how to deal with shared fault. Specifically, the law determines what will happen if both parties were partially at fault in the accident. In Alabama, the treatment of these circumstances is harsh. Using a “contributory negligence” standard, the law says that you will not be able to collect any damages if you were partially at fault in the accident, even just 1%.

If the other driver ran a red light but you were sending a text at the time of the collision, for example, you might not be able to recover anything. In this state, you need an attorney that will aggressively defend your interests against insurance companies that attempt to avoid responsibility for legitimate claims.

What to Do and Not to Do After a Car Accident

Car accidents, by their nature, are sudden and unexpected. They happen multiple times a day, but few people expect they will be on the receiving end of someone else’s mistake. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in the Mobile area, here is a list of Dos and Don’ts that can help keep you safe and protect your rights to full recovery:

• Do contact the authorities to report the crash. Getting an accident report is vital in documenting the scene.
• Don’t panic. Staying calm can help you get the information you need to hold the responsible party accountable.
• Do collect as much information as possible at the scene. Get the contact information of the other driver and any witnesses.
• Don’t leave the scene of the accident, even if the other party leaves.
• Do seek immediate medical care for your well-being and to document your injuries, even if you feel fine after the crash.
• Don’t admit fault to anyone you speak with, even casually.
• Do take photos at the accident scene, including pictures of any vehicle damage.
• Don’t speak with an insurance company, a lawyer for the other driver, or agree to a recorded statement without first speaking with an experienced car accident attorney.

Time Limits on Filing An Accident Case

Alabama places a statute of limitations on personal injury cases, which includes car accidents. This time limit gives an injured party a specific amount of time to file a claim.

In Alabama, you generally have just two years after the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you are unlikely to recover any damages. But, the earlier you pursue a case, the better.

Speak With An Experienced Mobile Car Accident Attorney

Regardless of how safe you are behind the wheel, you can’t control the actions of others on the road. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in the Mobile area, it’s vital that you speak with a qualified personal injury attorney that will protect your right to recover full and fair compensation.

Contact Thiry & Caddell, LLP in Mobile today at (251) 478-8880 to schedule a free consultation and case assessment.