Have you been involved in a car accident in Bessemer, AL? If you have, then you deserve to get compensated for the damages you have suffered. Are you looking to get more information about the compensation you stand to get? Are you interested in getting the maximum amount possible?
If this is the case, then you should be working with a firm that has specialized in such cases. Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to help you with any legal issues you could be having. We provide the residents of Bessemer and the surrounding areas legal services after being involved in a car accident.
We take pride in being one of the premier law firms in Alabama, and we offer free and no-obligation evaluation if you have been involved in an accident. Our Bessemer auto accident lawyers ensure our clients get the help they need, especially when they have been involved in a car accident. We will be there to provide you with guidance throughout the process and make sure your rights are being protected. We will do our best to get your maximum compensation.
Being one of the best law firms in the state, we have worked with thousands of clients who have been involved in car accidents. Our team of personal injury lawyers in Bessemer will be there to help you get the compensation you deserve. This compensation is important because it will help you in dealing with some of the challenges you are going through because of the car accident.
Maybe you have medical bills you need to handle. Your car might need repairs and you might have lost your wages. There is a good chance you are not in a position to cover these expenses on your own. We will make sure you get compensated so that you can take care of those expenses.
We have worked on different types of cases in the years we have been around. We have dealt with minor cases such as fender benders to serious car accidents that amounted to millions of dollars. Our goal is to make sure your rights are being protected as the victim of the car accident. If this case ends up in court, you don’t have to stress because you have an experienced team representing you.
ALABAMA CAR ACCIDENT STATISTICS
How frequent car accidents are in the state of Alabama? According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were a total of 156,993 vehicular accidents in Alabama in 2017. Out of this number, more than 47,000 of them we injured, and 948 ended up being fatalities.
Additional data shows that:
- Car accidents have increased by 26% in Alabama in the last 10 years.
- 3 people die every day on the streets and roads of Alabama.
- Males from 20-24 are the most likely to be in an accident in Alabama.
This should give you more information on the severity of the injuries sustained because the injuries from accidents vary. We have handled many car accidents cases here at Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, and we have noticed that the following injuries were common in car accidents victims;
- Fractured or broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Wrongful death
Most of the car accidents end up being severe injuries, but there are fatal ones that result in death. If a loved one has been killed in a car accident, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
With a team of experienced legal professionals, Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers handles wrongful death cases. We deal with Bessemer wrongful death claims every day. In most cases, the next of kin or family members are not able to get compensation after a fatal crash that resulted in the death of their loved ones because they have not filed for a wrongful death claim.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO HIRE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN BESSEMER?
If you have been involved in a car accident, you might be hesitant to talk to a lawyer because you are worried about the cost of their services. This should not be something to worry about because we work on a contingency plan.
In this type of plan, you are not required to pay for anything until the lawyer wins the case. If we win the case, we receive a percentage of the compensation you receive. We are going to agree on the percentage in advance. This percentage in most instances ranges from 25-40%. You will be paying them attorney for the work and resources they invested in your case.
One thing to keep in mind is that the amount you end up paying can be less if the case is settled out of court. When you have such a payment option, you don’t have to worry about paying the lawyer anything until you get your compensation. This makes the attorney put in extra effort to get you the maximum compensation possible since it would mean more money for him/her.
The payment of the attorney is going to depend on the amount you get as compensation for your damages. Different attorneys will have different forms of payment. Some charge an hourly rate or a flat rate. There are those who prefer such payment options, but the contingency plan has proved to be a great option.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT?
The steps you should take immediately following a car accident in Bessemer, AL, include:
CHECKING WHETHER EVERYONE IS OKAY
Start by checking on everyone and making sure they are not injured as a result of the accident. This is not the time to start worrying about faults. If possible, move the vehicle to the side of the road. This will prevent other cars from hitting you as they pass. The most important thing at this time is your safety.
GETTING MEDICAL ATTENTION
You might feel fine after being in a car accident. But it is important to visit a medical professional as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter whether or not you have visible injuries. People can suffer from internal injuries after getting involved in an accident and they don’t even realize it.
When you speak to a doctor or physician after the accident, you will be able to have evidence of your injuries. It is important to ensure that the medical records show the causes of the injuries was a car accident. This will also show the amount you have spent on your medical bills.
CONTACTING THE AUTHORITIES
You need to contact the police after an accident. It doesn’t matter whether it is a serious accident or not. There should be local law enforcement on the scene of the accident. They will be able to get started with the investigation and gather important evidence that will help with the case.
The police will start talking to the witnesses of the accident to get first-hand information. A police report should be filed because it is very important for your case. Ask the police offer on the scene to give you their name and contact details because it will be useful for your case.
GETTING THE CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE OTHER DRIVER
You should obtain the contact information of the parties involved in the accident. If there were other people involved such as passengers, then make sure you have obtained their contact details too. This will help your attorney in getting statements from them.
GETTING CONTACT INFORMATION FROM WITNESSES
If there were witnesses at the scene, ask them to give you their contact information. Keep in mind that there might be some people not willing to give a statement on the accidents. If there is a police officer, most people will be willing to give you their contact information.
TAKING PHOTOS OF THE ACCIDENT
If you are in a position to, you should take as many photos of the accident as possible. A smartphone can take quality photos. Try getting different angles when taking the photos. Try showing the accident with all the details. When you have these photos, your lawyer is going to have an easier time recreating the accident and identifying the cause of the accident.
ASKING FOR THE COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT
Ask the police officer documenting the scene to give you a police report. You might not be able to get the report immediately. The police officer has to write up and file the report, but you should follow up until you have your copy.
CONTACTING A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
Talk to a personal injury lawyer so they can reach out to the insurance company on your behalf. You don’t have to worry about filing a claim because the attorney is going to do it for you. it is a good idea to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible so they can start collecting the evidence and building a strong case. Acting quickly can mean getting the compensation you deserve fast enough.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE AN ATTORNEY AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
Have you sustained injuries from a car accident? Was there property damage as a result of the car accident? You might be a little frustrated because of how hard getting the compensation seems. The case can seem easy to resolve, and you might decide to do it on your own, but this is not a good idea. Just talk to a qualified Bessemer car accident lawyer at the Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers so we can provide you more information about such cases and the options you have.
As the victim of a car accident, it is important to keep in mind that the insurance companies will be looking for a way to pay the least possible amount. They have a team of legal experts ready to protect their interests when it comes to compensation claims.
By choosing the most experienced car accident attorney, you will have peace of mind knowing they will employ the best strategies for the car accident claim. When you choose Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, there are some things you can expect from our team. Some of them are;
WE WILL INVESTIGATE THE ACCIDENT
Our team will identify the guilty party in your car accident. The other party is usually responsible for the accident in most cases. Our attorneys are going to collect evidence to prove that. There might be third parties liable for the accident, but this will depend on the circumstance of your case. An example is a case involving drunk driving; a business or person might be held liable for selling or serving alcohol to the defendant even though they were already intoxicated.
WE WILL PROVE YOUR INJURIES
Our team will have a look at your medical records to know the severity of the injuries you sustained and how it is going to affect you in the future. Have the injuries caused permanent disability? We are going to work with medical and vocational consultants to determine the type of care you will need currently and in the future.
WE CAN CALCULATE THE FULL VALUE OF YOUR DAMAGES
Alabama allows a victim to get compensated for things such as pain and suffering (both in the past and the future), mental anguish, loss of consortium (if the victim has a spouse), medical expenses (past and future), worsening of pre-existing injuries and disfigurement. You can also get compensation for loss of earnings, income, and wages, and this includes wages you are not going to get because of reduced earning capacity or inability to work.
WE HANDLE THE INSURANCE COMPANIES
Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers with its legal team will be able to handle the documentation involved in the case. We are going to file the necessary paperwork when it comes to your claims. Our team will fiercely negotiate on your behalf and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
WE WILL REPRESENT YOU IN COURT
In the many years we have been around, we have noticed that insurance companies try their best in undercutting victims or paying a lesser amount in settlement. If this is the case for you, we are going to file a lawsuit that will make sure you get what you deserve. There are some insurance companies that follow policy but they don’t take things seriously until it becomes a lawsuit. We are going to take the case very seriously. We will be there to ensure your interests are being well-represented.
It is never a good idea to speak to the insurance company or accept what they offer you in settlement before talking to your personal injury attorney. Leave that work to us because we have a lot of experience when it comes to handling compensation claims.
We are going to follow through so that we ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. We will have a close look at the case and see its uniqueness and also the settlement you might be offered. You will be able to get all of these services without having to pay a single cent until you win the case.
WHAT IS MY CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM WORTH?
The main goal of insurance companies when it comes to such cases is paying the least possible amount as soon as possible. Here at Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, we will make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries or losses after being involved in a car accident.
To get the just amount of compensation, you will need medical attention before you sue the defendant. Most injuries will be visible immediately after the accident. However, there are some cases where it takes months before the injuries become visible. If the injuries appear after you have settled the case, you will not be able to get compensated thereafter.
We are going to make sure you get medical attention as soon as possible. If for someone reason you are not able to get medical care, talk to our lawyers and they will be able to help and advise you accordingly. We will get in touch with a healthcare specialist, doctors, and consultants who will be able to help you immediately.
Our team of lawyers will be the ones to communicate with the insurance company regarding any property damage that might have occurred during the car accident. We will make sure you are provided with a rental car that will allow you to effortlessly get around while waiting for your vehicle to be fixed or replaced.
Regarding the investigation of the accident, we are going to collect the necessary evidence and information that might be useful for your case. Once we agree to take the case, we are going to begin by collecting statements from the witnesses, have a look at the police report, check any pictures and video footage of the scene, and work with experts.
Our goal will be putting together a claim that is going to increase the compensation you get for the damages and injuries sustained as a result of the car accident. If the insurance company is not offering a good amount as compensation, then the case can end up in the courts. We are ready to take it to the courts because we are fully committed to getting you the right compensation for damages and injuries. Our record when it comes to winning personal injury cases is impressive, which means we get our clients what they deserve even when the case ends up in court.
WHAT ARE DAMAGES DOES A CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM COVER?
There might be minor damages after being in a car accident. There are some injuries that cause a permanent life change. If the accident that caused the injuries is due to someone else’s negligence, then you deserve to be compensated for those injuries. You can get compensated for things like;
MEDICAL BILLS
When you have been a victim of a car accident, you are entitled to compensation for the medical expenses. Injuries can end up costing a lot of money. Some injuries will force long-term treatment. If you are a victim of a car accident, then you should know you can get compensated for medical expenses when treating the injuries from the car accident. This will be treatment costs in the past, present, and future.
PAIN AND SUFFERING
There is a lot of pain and suffering that victims of car accidents have to go through. Being a victim of a car accident can lead to a lot of emotional distress. If you are a victim, then you should get compensated for the pain and suffering you have dealt with in the past and the one you will deal with in the future.
LOSS OF WAGES
You might need some time off after being involved in a car accident so you can focus on getting the right treatment and recovering from the injuries. There are some instances where you will be forced to work at a reduced capacity. If the injuries from the accident prevent you from getting your full wages, then you can file for compensation to recover the lost wages.
WRONGFUL DEATH
Many car accidents will result in injuries. Some accidents result in death. If a loved one has died as a result of a car accident, then the family members or next of kin can seek compensation.
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
If a car accident injures or kills someone, then it will lead to loss of companionship. The family of the victim will not be able to interact with their loved one in the same way they did before the accident.
Figuring out the total amount of compensation can be a challenging task. Medical expenses and loss of wages can be easy to calculate, but there isn’t a specific number when it comes to measuring the losses. Evaluating them becomes tough. It is hard to know how the car accident will have an impact on the future of the victim.
One of the best ways of working out the compensation you deserve is by hiring an experienced car accident attorney at the Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers. We will be able to come up with an estimate of what you deserve.
WHO IS AT FAULT FOR MY CAR ACCIDENT?
If you want to increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve, you will need to show that the negligence of the other person caused the car accident that led to your injuries. You will need to prove:
- The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the victim
- The at-fault party failed in providing a duty of care
- The victim got injured as a result of that
- The party responsible breached their duty, resulting in injuries and damages to the victim.
For example, a person driving on Alabama roads. There are traffic laws they have to follow and also drive safely. If the driver exhibits recklessness by texting when driving or over speeding, they have breached the duty of care. If such reckless behavior causes an accident, the cause of the accident becomes the negligence of that driver. The driver will be deemed to be the one at fault.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE COMMON CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS?
When claiming compensation for injuries sustained from a car accident, you will need to know what caused the accident first. If the negligence of the other driver caused it, then you will be able to get compensated for the damages and injuries.
Some common causes of car accidents include;
- Driving in poor weather
- Driving the wrong way
- Speeding
- Changing lanes the wrong way
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Inexperienced drivers
- Driving on poor roads
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while drowsy
- Animals
- Driving in a vehicle with a defective design
- Driving near a construction site
TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS
Negligence can be proven in the way that the car was struck. If the car accident was a head-on collision, then it can be attributed to negligent driving. If you can prove that the other party was negligent and that is what caused the accident, your case will be stronger, and there is a higher chance you will get compensated.
Below are some of the common accidents in Alabama
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Accidents at road intersections
- Sideswipes
- Accidents in work zones
- Rollovers
- Side-impact/T-bone collisions
- Hit and runs
- Rideshare accidents (Uber and Lyft)
- Accidents in parking lots
- Accidents on the interstate or the highway
- Accidents where the motorist is underinsured or not insured
WHAT IF MY CLAIM IS DENIED BY THE INSURER?
The insurance company will most likely deny the claim. There are several reasons why this can happen. Some of them include;
- The insurer thinks you are at-fault
- If your policy has been canceled or has lapsed
- If the insurance cover was not covering the person driving the car
- If the insurer believes you were not injured from the accident
- If the insurer thinks that there was another cause of your injuries besides the accident
- If the claim has been filed after the expiry of the statute of limitations. You need to make the claim within two years from the day of the accident.
With a team of experienced and professional lawyers, you will have peace of mind when we are handling the filing of your claim. We will be in constant communication with the insurance adjuster to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. We are going to handle the negotiations with the insurance company if they want the case to be settled out of court. This approach can be great for both parties, and you will be able to get your money quickly.
If the insurance company fails in paying for the claim, then we are going to move on to the next process, filing a lawsuit. Our work is ensuring that the compensation you get for your damages and injuries is fair, and we will stop at nothing to make sure you get it. Even if it means taking it to the courts.
WHAT IF THE OTHER DRIVER DIDN’T HAVE INSURANCE?
When it comes to auto accidents and insurance coverage, Alabama is what is known as a tort or at-fault state. What this means is that the insurance company of the driver will be responsible for the filing. It is a good idea to apply for the claim through your insurer. The at-fault driver is going to be at the center of the claims.
If the driver is underinsured or doesn’t have insurance, the victim can get compensated directly from the defendant. Health insurers, public welfare programs, and the victims of the accidents are going to take care of the bills. What this means is that everyone is going to be paying for the drivers that don’t have enough coverage.
To protect themselves, motorists in Alabama usually get coverage of uninsured/underinsured motorists. This is referred to as UM/IM coverage. It is not a must to get this coverage, but it is ideal to have a policy with a coverage of at least $25,000. If the damages are more than what the driver at fault covers, then claiming through your insurer becomes the best option.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR FILING A CLAIM AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file for property and personal injury claims according to Alabama law. If this period elapses, you cannot file a claim.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION BY CONTACTING OUR BESSEMER AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Have you been involved in a car accident in Alabama? Has the accident left you with injuries? Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help you out. Keep in mind there is a small window to file your claim. If you fail to file it within the period, then you will not get the compensation you deserve.
Our car accident attorneys are experienced and knowledgeable. They can get started with the process as soon as possible. The case can be settled out of court, or taken to court. Contact us and get a free consultation with no obligation to hire us for your car accident case.
You don’t have to worry about paying us until you win the case. The defendant and insurance company will have a legal team of their own for your case. This is why it is important to hire our Bessemer injury firm to help you. You will end up with the compensation you deserve because of the car accident.
