If you are injured in an auto accident in Alabama, a personal injury attorney can help you recover losses that you may incur from medical bills, lost wages, or noneconomic damages. While it is possible to negotiate a settlement without legal representation, a lawyer can act on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation from the insurance company or at-fault party.
Law firms perform a wide range of legal services to manage your case from start to finish. Attorneys also provide consultation on the best way to navigate your accident injury case. A legal team can give you the leverage you need to go up against the insurance companies while you are recovering from your accident injury.
Legal Services That Alabama Accident Injury Lawyers Provide
After you experience physical and emotional trauma from an auto accident, you may not know how to proceed with filing a claim. An attorney can meet with you to listen to your case and go over your legal options. In addition, when you hire an auto accident attorney, they can manage your personal injury claim in the following ways:
- Help you establish fault and liability for your injuries
- Obtain evidence that supports your claim
- Manage all legal and clerical aspects of your case
- Engage with all parties related to the case on your behalf
- Represent you in court during a lawsuit, if necessary
A lawyer can assemble a legal team to build your case, explore the evidence, and negotiate directly with the insurance provider. They will fight to get you a fair settlement that reflects your damages.
Establishing Proof of Liability for Your Injuries
One of the most challenging aspects of an auto accident injury case is establishing fault and liability. When your lawyer submits your claim to an insurance company, they will request two types of evidence. First, the attorney needs to prove that the other party was responsible for the accident. Second, your attorney will need to establish that accident is what led to your injuries and subsequent damages.
One of the reasons why hiring an auto accident attorney is valuable is because they can investigate the accident and obtain evidence such as:
- Eyewitness accounts
- The official police report
- Photos or video footage
- Medical documents
- Expert witnesses
Your attorney can revisit the accident site and reach out to witnesses who can verify your claim. They can submit the evidence to the insurance company or a judge if your case goes to court.
Recovering Your Damages in an Auto Accident Case
In an auto accident, you may incur a variety of damages that affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. As such, what you can claim depends on the nature of the accident, who is at fault, and the extent of your economic and noneconomic losses. An auto accident attorney can help you determine the value of your case based on damages such as:
Medical Expenses
You may incur medical expenses such as ER visits, surgical procedures, prescription medication, medical devices, physical therapy, disability, or long-term care. Your attorney can help you gather your medical records, invoices, and receipts to determine the total amount of your medical expenses.
Lost Wages
You may be able to include any lost pay from being out of work due to your car accident. If you are disabled or can no longer work, you may be able to claim any diminished future earning capacity.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages often include pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, loss of consortium, or emotional turmoil you experience as a result of your accident.
Although it may be impossible to put an exact figure on the value of your case, your car accident lawyer can work with you to get the maximum amount possible for the insurance company.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
A car accident claim can be a complex process of dealing with an insurance company that doesn’t want to payout. An insurance adjuster may challenge your claim, deny your claim, or offer a settlement that does not reflect the value of your case. They can also bury you in paperwork and delay the case for several months. In the end, you may receive unfair compensation that does not cover your losses.
An auto accident attorney can engage the insurance company on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement. If the insurance company denies your claim or offers you an unfair settlement, you may have the option of taking your case to court. A lawyer can provide the legal support you need to win your lawsuit and receive the compensation you deserve.
Alabama Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
According to Ala. Code § 6-2-38, you have two years from the date of the auto accident to file a claim for a personal injury in Alabama. If you miss the deadline, you may no longer be eligible to receive compensation for your damages. So, it is important to pursue your case according to the statute of limitations.
An attorney can ensure that you adhere to all regulations and meet all deadlines related to your case. They can submit all necessary documents and manage your case so that you stay organized throughout the entire process.
Collins Law Can Help You Get Started with Your Case
Collins Law offers legal assistance for victims of auto accident injuries. A Birmingham, AL personal injury lawyer can give you the legal leverage you need to win your case. If you have been hurt and need legal representation, then contact us at (205) 881-0403 for a free case evaluation.