If you are a resident of Talladega or another city in Alabama and have sustained injuries after being involved in a car accident, you have the right to be compensated financially for the damages suffered. Would you want to know what compensation you are entitled to? What about making sure that you receive the biggest possible settlement? If the answer to the two questions is yes, you need to talk to a law firm that specializes in such cases. Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is one such firm.
Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers can provide the assistance you need. We provide residents of the Talladega area with legal options and assistance after being involved in car accidents. Our Talladega auto accident lawyers offer free, no-obligation case evaluations to injured victims. We would like to ensure that Talladega residents can get legal assistance whenever they need it. If you are a car crash victim, you can trust our law firm to provide the necessary guidance. We will ensure that your rights are never infringed upon and figure out how much your claim is worth.
We are one of the leading law firms in Alabama. Over the years, we have assisted thousands of car accident victims. Our team of personal injury lawyers in Talladega has worked hard to help people secure the compensation they are rightfully entitled to. Receiving the proper compensation for injuries or damages suffered will help mitigate the impact of the car crash on your life. It is likely that there are medical bills to settle. Your vehicle may also require repairs and you may have lost wages. Can you really afford to cater to such expenses out of pocket?
Our goal at the Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is to ensure that our clients receive the compensation that they are rightfully entitled to. We take on all kinds of cases from simple fender-benders to cases worth millions of dollars. We work hard to make sure that your rights are protected. Call 256-666-6000 today to get your claim started.
ALABAMA AUTO ACCIDENT STATISTICS
How common are car accidents in Alabama? What types of injuries do those involved in accidents usually sustain? According to data from the Alabama Department of Public Safety, 156,993 accidents were reported in 2017. More than 37,000 people were injured in these accidents while 948 suffered fatalities.
Additional auto accidents include the following:
- 54% of fatal accidents occurred at night.
- Car accident injuries have increased by 34.19% in the past 10 years.
- Approximately 6 people are injured in accidents every hour
TYPES OF INJURIES SUSTAINED IN ALABAMA CAR ACCIDENTS
It is important to know that the seriousness of injuries sustained in a car crash may vary. The accomplished team of lawyers at the Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers has represented accident victims that have sustained:
- Burns
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Fractured or Broken Bones
- Wrongful Death
Accidents typically involve multiple injuries, but unfortunately, some end in fatalities. If a loved one lost his/her life in a car crash, you should contact our legal team within the shortest time possible so that we can pursue justice. Our team of lawyers has a lot of experience with wrongful death cases and is familiar with the laws surrounding the suits. In most cases, it usually isn’t possible for family members to receive compensation after a fatal accident unless they make a successful Talladega wrongful death claim.
HOW MUCH DO AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY SERVICES IN TALLADEGA COST?
People are often reluctant to get in touch with an attorney after being involved in a car crash since they are worried that they cannot afford the legal services. If that is something you are worried about, you will be happy to learn that our personal injury law firm works on a contingency basis.
It means that you will not be required to pay any legal fees unless your lawyer wins the case for you. If the lawyer wins the case for you, you will pay them a percentage of the compensation received. The percentage is agreed upon in advance and ranges between 25 and 40 percent. In most instances, the percentage owed depends on the amount of work required for the lawyer to secure your compensation.
Due to this fact, if your case is settled out of court, chances are you will pay less than you would have had the case gone to court. The great thing about this payment structure is that you won’t need to part with any of your hard-earned money until a settlement is received. It also means that your lawyer will be more motivated to ensure that you receive the largest possible settlement. After all, the size of their payment will depend on the size of the settlement you receive.
That said, you will come across lawyers that use other types of payment structures. For instance, some attorneys charge by the hour or even a flat rate. While some clients may prefer some of these payment options and terms, most people would rather work with lawyers that work on a contingency fee basis.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT?
It is crucial to keep these steps in mind after experiencing a car accident:
ENSURE THAT EVERYBODY IS OKAY
The first thing you need to do after the accident is to confirm that nobody was injured in the accident. In the immediate aftermath, you need not worry about the at-fault party. If possible, you should move your vehicle to the side of the road. That way, it won’t be struck by other vehicles or trucks passing by. Safety should always be a top priority.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
You might feel okay after being involved in an auto accident. Still, it can be advisable to visit a healthcare professional. Even if your injuries are not visible, you might have internal injuries. Seeking medical attention will also provide you with evidence showing that you actually sustained injuries. Medical records will establish that your injuries were sustained in the accident and will also show the amount of money you have spent on medical bills.
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE AUTHORITIES
It is always advisable to contact law enforcement officers after your accident, no matter how minor it may seem to be. You should always request the police to visit the scene of the accident. This will allow them to investigate the accident and collect information from everybody involved.
Law enforcement officers will then file a report that could end up helping your case. You should also ask for the name and contact details of the law enforcement officers that come to the accident scene since this may come in handy later on.
OBTAIN THE OTHER DRIVER’S CONTACT DETAILS
You should also ask for the contact details of the other driver involved in the accident at the scene. If other people, such as passengers were involved in the accident, it is also important to gather information from them too. Your attorney can use this information, later on, to obtain statements from those people.
OBTAIN CONTACT INFORMATION OF WITNESSES
If witnesses were present at the accident scene, you should also ask for their contact details. Obviously, you should understand that potential witnesses may be reluctant to give a statement. However, if a police officer is present at the accident scene, most witnesses will be willing to provide their contact details.
TAKE PHOTOS OF THE ACCIDENT SCENE
If you can, you should take photos of the accident scene. Today’s smartphones are more than sufficient to take high-quality photos. You should try to take several photos and capture the scene from different angles. You should also ensure that the images captured show the crash and that details are visible. Having photos will help your attorney recreate the accident better and figure out what actually happened.
REQUEST A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT
You should also request a copy of your accident report from the officer at the scene. It is important to note that you may not receive the report immediately. After all, the report must be first written before being filed.
GET IN TOUCH WITH AN AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
If you hire a personal injury lawyer, you can count on them to contact any insurance companies involved. Your attorney will ensure that the claim is filed. You will want to contact the lawyer immediately since they will have to collect information and evidence to build your case. The faster you act the sooner you will receive your compensation.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A TALLADEGA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY?
If you were injured in a car accident and your property also damaged, it can be complex to main a compensation claim. It might that the case is easy to resolve at first. However, you will be in a much better position if you first consult a qualified Talladega auto accident attorney regarding the specifics of your case.
Car accident victims, however, should always remember that insurance providers are always looking to pay out the least possible amount. Insurance companies also have full legal teams working for them to ensure that their interests are protected.
When you choose to work with our experienced legal team, you can rest assured that they will take the best approach possible to your auto accident claim. When working with the Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers, you can expect our legal team to do the following:
INVESTIGATE THE ACCIDENT CAREFULLY
Our team of lawyers will work hard to identify the party responsible for the accident. In most instances, the other driver involved in the accident is the one responsible. Our lawyers will gather evidence showing that the person is responsible. It can also be possible to hold third parties liable, but this will depend on the circumstances of your case. For example, if it is a drunk driving case, it can be possible to hold a person or business liable if he/she sold or served alcohol to the defendant even though he/she was clearly intoxicated.
GO THROUGH YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS
Our attorneys will examine your records closely so that they can see how severe the injuries are as well as what your outlook for the future is likely to be. If you suffered a permanent disability due to the injuries, we will partner with vocational and medical consultants to determine the medical care needs you will most likely have moving forward.
DETERMINE ALL YOUR LOSSES AND COSTS
Alabama personal injury law allows victims to seek compensation for several things, which include:
- Mental anguish
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of consortium if the injured party has a spouse
- Disfigurement
- Worsening of pre-existing injuries
- Loss of earnings, wages, and income, including any future wages not received because the person’s earning capacity has reduced or since they are no longer able to work.
HANDLE ALL COMMUNICATIONS AND NEGOTIATIONS WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES
The team of lawyers at the Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers will take care of all the documentation required and will complete all the paperwork once they file a claim for you. We will negotiate aggressively to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
FIGHT FOR YOU IN COURT, WHEN NECESSARY
Insurance companies sometimes try to undercut accident victims or refuse to pay them an appropriate settlement. If that happens, you can count on us to file a lawsuit so that you can receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Insurance companies sometimes also follow policy and not take claims seriously until a lawsuit has been filed. No matter what happens, you can be sure that we will take this seriously. Our goal is always to make sure that your interests are adequately represented.
If you have not consulted with a personal injury lawyer in Talladega, we would advise you not to speak with insurance companies or even accepting a settlement. The legal team at the Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is extremely experienced with compensation claims, which is why you can trust us to ensure that insurance providers deliver the compensation that you are rightfully entitled to. We will examine the unique circumstances of your case closely, along with any settlements offered. Best of all, we will do all that at no cost to you.
HOW CAN A LAWYER HELP ME RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR MY CAR ACCIDENT?
Insurance providers always strive to settle claims for the least possible amount and within the shortest amount of time possible. Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is committed to ensuring that all our clients are rightfully compensated for the losses or injuries suffered.
If you would like to increase your chances of being appropriately compensated would advise you to seek medical care before taking action against the defendant. Injuries resulting from car accidents are sometimes not immediately visible. In some instances, it could be up to several months before you know about the injuries. If you settle your case with the insurance provider immediately and new injuries appear, you will not be compensated for those.
Our goal at the Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers is to ensure that you receive the necessary medical care immediately. If you are unable to receive medical care for whatever reason, our attorneys will work to help you. We will refer you to specialists, doctors, and other healthcare providers that can help you. We will also work with your insurance provider regarding the property damage aspect of the claim. For instance, we will make sure that you have a rental vehicle that will help you get around while waiting for repairs to be completed or before your vehicle is replaced.
When it comes to accident investigations, we always strive to gather all the information and evidence needed. Once we take on your case, our legal team will collect statements from witnesses, evaluate the police report, look at video footage and pictures of the accident scene, and contact experts for analysis if necessary.
Our goal is to put together a claim that increases your chances of receiving full compensation for any damages or injuries suffered. If the insurance company does not offer you a fair amount of compensation, the next step will be escalating the case to the courts. We are more than willing to do that and have a great track record with regards to winning personal injury cases.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN I RECOVER FROM AN AUTO ACCIDENT CLAIM IN TALLADEGA?
A car accident can result in minor damages, but the injuries sustained by accident victims may also change their lives. If you were injured due to the negligent actions of someone else, you are entitled to compensation for those damages, no matter what.
You might be eligible to receive compensation for several things including:
MEDICAL BILLS
Auto accident claims often work to ensure that victims receive compensation for medical expenses. After all, accident victims often sustain serious injuries, which can be expensive to treat. Accident victims also require long-term treatment for their injuries. If you are an accident victim, you need to realize that you are entitled to compensation for your past, present, and future medical expenses.
PAIN AND SUFFERING
The damages suffered by car accident victims can cause a lot of pain. Being involved in a car crash can also make the victim experience a lot of emotional distress. If you are an accident victim, you are entitled to compensation for your past, present, and future suffering.
LOSS OF WAGES
Accident victims sometimes may need to take time off from their job so that they may receive treatment and recover from their injuries. Victims may also have to work at a reduced capacity. If the injuries suffered are particularly severe, a victim may not be able to work at all. If you are a victim and the accident is preventing you from earning full wages, it is your right to recover such wages.
WRONGFUL DEATH
The vast majority of accidents only involve injuries. However, there are sadly also injuries that are fatal. If the victim of an accident suffers a fatality, his/her loved ones are legally entitled to seek compensation.
LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
If somebody was seriously injured or suffered a fatality after being involved in a car accident, it may lead to a loss of companionship. A victim’s family members or spouse may not be able to interact with him/her in the same way they did before the accident.
It can be rather challenging to determine the proper amount of compensation that an accident victim is rightfully entitled to. Unlike lost wages or medical expenses, it is difficult to attach a specific number to such losses. It can be challenging to evaluate the impact will have on the victim in the future. That’s why you need to hire an experienced auto accident attorney. They can determine how much you are entitled to and will ensure that you receive the maximum possible compensation amount.
HOW DO I DETERMINE WHO IS AT-FAULT FOR MY TALLADEGA AUTO ACCIDENT?
If you would like to improve your chances of receiving the maximum compensation that you are entitled to for your injuries, you must first show that your injuries were the result of another person’s negligence.
The following components will have to be proven:
- The at-fault party owed the accident victim a duty of care
- The at-fault party went against that duty
- The accident victim suffered injuries and sustained damages
- The injuries and damages suffered by the accident victim were the result of the at-fault party breaching their duty
For example, if somebody is operating a vehicle on a road in Talladega, AL, he/she is required/expected to follow the traffic rules and drive safely. If a driver behaves recklessly, engaging in behavior such as texting while driving or even speeding, he/she is considered to have breached their duty of care. If such behavior results in an accident that leads to injuries or property damage, the at-fault driver’s negligence is what led to the damages. It means that the driver can be held responsible.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE LEADING CAUSES OF CAR ACCIDENTS IN ALABAMA?
If you would like to be compensated for injuries and damages suffered after being involved in a car crash, you should be familiar with the causes of accidents. If your accident was caused by the negligent actions of another driver, it should be easier for you to receive the compensation that you deserve.
Here are some of the leading causes of car crashes in Alabama:
- Poor weather conditions
- Driving the wrong way
- Driving above the speed limit
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Driving while drowsy
- Driving under the influence
- Inexperienced drivers
- Poorly maintained roads
- Driving when it is dark
- Reckless driving
- Ignoring a red light or stop sign
- Driving while distracted
- Animals on the road
- Defects in vehicle design
- Construction zones
TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS
One of the things that can help prove negligence in a car accident is the way in which the vehicle is struck. For instance, most head-on collisions occur due to the negligent behavior of somebody operating a vehicle. If you can prove that the other driver acted negligently and that the negligence led to the accident, you will have a stronger claim.
Here are some of the most common accidents that occur on Alabama roads:
- Rollovers
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipes
- Accidents at intersections
- Head-on collisions
- Accidents in work zones
- Hit-and-runs
- Side Impact/T-Bone Collisions
- Accidents on the interstate or highway
- Accidents involving underinsured or uninsured motorists
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Accidents in parking lots
WHAT IF MY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION IS DENIED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY?
It is always possible for the insurance company to deny your claim. That may happen due to several reasons, which include:
- The insurance company believes that you were at fault
- The insurance company believes that your injuries were caused by something else and not the accident
- The person driving was not covered under the policy
- The policy had lapsed or had been canceled at the time of the accident
- The insurance company believes that you weren’t really injured
- The statute of limitations had lapsed. According to Alabama law, you are required to file a case within 2 years of the accident happening.
Our car accident attorneys are ready to help you file your claim. We will stay in contact with the insurance company’s adjuster to ensure that your claim is paid out. We will negotiate with the insurance company and try to secure a settlement out of court. That way, you can be sure to receive the money more quickly.
If the insurance company is not willing to pay your claim, we will file a lawsuit to ensure that you receive the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DRIVER THAT HIT ME WAS NOT INSURED?
Alabama is classified as a “tort” or “fault” state when it comes to car accidents and insurance coverage. It means that you will have to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. While you should make a claim through your insurance provider, the responsible party will be at the center of any injury claims.
If the at-fault driver was either uninsured or underinsured, the accident victim must collect from the defendant as much compensation as possible. Public welfare programs, health insurance providers, and accident victims will be responsible for bills. Everybody pays for drivers lacking the proper insurance coverage.
To protect themselves, Alabama motorists usually have uninsured/underinsured coverage. It is referred to as UM/UIM coverage. The coverage is not a requirement but is standard for auto insurance policies with $25,000 in coverage. If your damages go beyond the at-fault driver’s policy, the next thing you need to do is file a claim via your own insurance provider.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO FILE A CAR ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CLAIM IN ALABAMA?
According to Alabama law, car accident victims are required to file personal injury and property damage claims within 2 years of an accident. After the 2-year period lapses, you will no longer be allowed to file a claim.
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUT TALLADEGA AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYERS FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION!
If you are the victim of a car accident in Alabama and have sustained injuries, you should contact the lawyers at the Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers immediately. Keep in mind that you have a limited amount of time within which you should file your claim.
If you fail to file your claim within the stipulated period, you will no longer be allowed to seek compensation. Our auto accident attorneys have the necessary experience and knowledge to successfully settle your claim. If it is not possible to settle the claim out of court, our legal team will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
We offer our clients free consultations and you won’t be obligated to work with us. Furthermore, you will not be required to pay any money before the claim is settled. Insurance providers and the other party will have their own legal teams working for them. It is the reason why you should also have lawyers working for you too. Reach out to our injury firm in Talladega so that we can help you secure the compensation that you are rightfully entitled to.
