Car Accident Lawyer in Madison, AL

madison car accident lawyer

Life changes fast after a Madison car accident. In an instant, your physical, mental, and financial well-being can crumble. Many car accident victims find it difficult to manage the aftermath of an accident on their own, struggling with medical care, daily tasks, and aggressive insurance adjusters. Fighting for deserved compensation can be stressful and more complicated than people think.

At Collins Law, LLC, our Madison car accident attorneys are here to support you through every step of the legal process. We advocate for you, focusing on your needs and pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries. You are a person, not a case number. We demonstrate our commitment to you by providing personalized legal representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. After a car accident, contact our Madison office and ask to arrange a free initial consultation.

How Madison Car Accident Attorneys Help Your Case

A skilled Madison car accident attorney can take over the management of your car accident claim so you can focus on your recovery, not worry about navigating the pitfalls of conversations with aggressive car insurance adjusters. The dedicated legal team at Collins Law, LLC can help your case by:

  • Investigating the crash to determine who’s at fault
  • Collecting and preserving valuable evidence to support your claim
  • Calculating the value of your claim
  • Filing insurance claims and communicating with involved parties on your behalf
  • Negotiating with at-fault parties and insurers for maximum compensation
  • Preparing for trial when necessary

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Madison

It may be challenging to think clearly and take decisive action after a car accident. Yet how you react in the aftermath of an accident and in the coming days and weeks can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries. Taking proactive steps today can help you build a more substantial claim down the road. Steps to take immediately after a Madison car accident should include:

  • Contact the Authorities – Always contact the authorities for help. A police report can also be evidence that helps support your compensation claim.
  • Document the Scene – Document the scene thoroughly with photos and videos, and exchange information with all parties involved. You should also ask witnesses for their contact information.
  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Do not wait to seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you feel fine, you must have a medical professional assess your injuries and look for signs of injuries that may take time to manifest, such as concussions or internal bleeding.
  • Follow the Doctor’s Treatment Plan – Always stick to your doctor’s treatment plan. An initial medical assessment can help tie your injuries directly to the crash. Still, if you skimp on your continuing care, an insurer can claim your injuries are not as significant as you claim and undervalue your settlement.
  • Contact a Madison County Personal Injury Lawyer – Advocating for yourself while you are coping with serious injuries can be challenging. Contact an auto accident attorney in Madison for help with your claim.
  • Keep a Paper Trail – Carefully maintain records of your medical costs, treatments, time missed from work, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the car accident.
  • Avoid Social Media – Do not post anything about the accident online. It is best to post nothing on social media accounts at all until your attorney resolves your claim.

How Does a Lawyer Investigate Auto Accident Cases?

As your personal injury lawyer investigates your auto accident case, they’ll start by retrieving information from the accident scene. This might include photos of the aftermath, video from traffic or security cameras, and physical evidence like skid marks. They will probably also review the police accident report and talk to witnesses who saw the accident play out. Next, your attorney will gather documentary evidence. This could include everything from employment records to cell phone data to read-outs from event data recorders.

Once they’ve gathered this information, they may decide to work with an accident reconstruction expert to help them interpret it. This specialized professional will use their training in physics and engineering to develop a likely chain of events explaining the accident and what caused it.

At the same time as they set out to prove that someone else is responsible for causing the accident, your lawyer will calculate the value of your losses. These include not just your financial expenses (medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs, for example), but also your personal ones. By understanding how the accident has affected your livelihood and well-being, your lawyer can better seek fair compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured.

Client testimonial - Collins Law

Why Choose Our Madison Car Accident Attorneys?

As an accident victim, you may feel inundated with requests from firms to represent you after a Madison car accident. Why choose Collins Law, LLC? It’s because of our commitment to treating you like a person, not a case number. We focus on empowering victims, giving them the voice they need during a time when it may feel like no one is listening.

Our mission is to provide personalized legal representation without upfront costs. Throughout every step of the legal process, we want to ensure that you feel valued and important. You matter. That’s why our Madison personal injury lawyers tenaciously fight to recover the compensation you deserve so you can rebuild your life.

As one of our client testimonials says:

April Collins is kind, professional, and 100 percent available when you need her. Our experience with her was top notch and I truly felt as though we bonded throughout. She cares and it shows. When she told us she would update us or do something we never worried one bit because she was always, always true to her word. Finding her was a true blessing. Thank you April for everything! I miss you now that it is over!!!! 5 stars all the way plus 100 more!

 – J. Smith

Types of Compensation Available

Every car accident claim is unique. While the value of each claim varies based on the nuances of the situation, in most cases, victims can pursue compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering

Determining Liability in a Madison Car Accident

Determining liability comes down to providing evidence that proves four key legal factors. To establish liability, you’ll first need proof that demonstrates that the careless driver owed you a duty of care and that their actions violated that duty. For example, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. Driving while distracted violates that basic duty. You must also show that the driver’s actions directly caused the crash and your injuries, and that those injuries caused you measurable harm or losses.

Could You Recover Compensation if You’re Partly at Fault for a Car Accident?

Alabama follows a strict doctrine called “contributory fault”, which bars an injured party from recovering compensation at trial if they are in any way to blame for their injuries. If a court determines that you are in any way at fault for causing the accident, it would bar you from recovering compensation. This is true even if you are just 1 percent at fault while the defendant is 99 percent to blame.

That said, there are certain exceptions to this rule, such as the “last clear chance” doctrine. An experienced attorney in Madison can exploit these and other strategies on your behalf to pursue the fair compensation you deserve.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?

Alabama’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims generally gives you two years to file your car accident lawsuit. If you wait too long to file, the court will likely dismiss your case as untimely, costing you your right to compensation. Don’t let this happen to you. Instead, contact Collins Law and let an accident lawyer in Madison get started on your claim today.

Alabama Laws That Affect Your Car Accident Claim

One Alabama law that can significantly affect a car accident case is the doctrine of pure contributory negligence. Under this rule, if a victim is found even slightly responsible for causing the accident, they cannot recover any compensation for their injuries. This harsh rule can impact the direction of personal injury lawsuits. Although this regulation does not bind insurers, it can significantly influence how an insurer values a claim.

What Are Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents?

While there are many different types of car accidents, the following are some of the most common:

  • Head-on collisions
  • Rear-end impacts
  • Sideswipe crashes
  • T-bone/side-impact collisions
  • Rollovers
  • Uninsured accidents
  • Drunk driving accidents
  • Uber/Lyft accidents
  • Hit-and-run accidents

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Madison

While bad weather and mechanical defects can contribute to serious Madison car accidents, there is typically one common component that causes most motor vehicle crashes. That common thread is human error. The most common errors that cause car accidents in Madison include:

  • Impaired driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating/following too closely
  • Failing to yield
  • Failing to obey traffic signs and signals

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents, even at low speeds, are violent events that put significant strain on the human body. Physical injuries common in Madison car accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck and spine injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocations
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Contusions
  • Lacerations
  • Punctures
  • Sprains and strains

Although talked about less frequently than physical injuries, traumatic car accidents often cause invisible injuries that deeply affect a victim’s mental health. Many individuals suffer from anxiety and depression and may start to exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Contact Our Madison Car Accident Lawyers Today

If a careless driver has hurt you, it is time to get the help you deserve with your compensation claim. Contact the Madison car accident attorneys at Collins Law, LLC, to get started with a free initial consultation.

What to Expect During Your Free Consultation

During your free consultation, expect a member of our team to take the time to listen to you and your side of the story. Bring any receipts, reports, medical records, photos, or videos that can show how the accident occurred and how it has impacted your life. Once we get a clearer picture of your situation, an attorney can outline your legal options and answer any questions you may have about the compensation recovery process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Madison Car Accidents

People hurt in Madison car crashes often have many questions about their rights and what they can expect from the legal process. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive at Collins Law, LLC.

How much does a Madison car accident attorney cost?

At Collins Law, LLC, we do not charge up-front fees and work on a contingency basis. You won’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

How long will my car accident case take?

It depends on the complexity of your car accident case. Some cases can be resolved through negotiations in weeks or months. A personal injury lawsuit and trial can take years.

What if I am partially at fault?

Talk to an experienced car accident attorney about the specifics of your case. In personal injury lawsuits, if you are responsible for causing an accident, even in a minor way, you can be barred from recovering compensation.

Can I still file a claim if the other driver is uninsured?

Yes, potentially. An attorney can review your insurance policy and outline additional options for pursuing compensation. Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply.

What should I do if the insurance company offers a quick settlement?

Do not accept any insurance company settlement without legal representation. Initial settlement offers are often far less than you deserve.

Do I have to go to court?

It depends on the specifics of your case. An attorney can give you a better understanding of which options offer you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

Should I talk to the insurance adjuster before calling a lawyer?

You can offer basic details, but do not discuss your specific injuries or give an insurer a recorded statement before talking to a lawyer.

What documents do I need for a consultation?

Bring your identification, medical documents, bills, repair receipts, paystubs, employment paperwork showing your time missed from work, and any other accident and insurance-related paperwork you have.

Helpful Resources for Car Accident Victims in Madison

Finding the help and resources you need after a traumatizing Madison car accident can be time-consuming and overwhelming. These helpful resources can offer you a place to start: