car accident attorney

Auto accidents occur every hour of every day. They are one of the most common sources of personal injuries. Drivers who are responsible for the accident are liable for any damages, whether that’s personal bodily injury or property damage. Insurance payouts that are fair and adequate can cover the costs of some damage, but oftentimes, it’s not enough. When it’s not enough, you may need a personal injury lawyer who has specific experience with auto accidents.

At Shaun Capps Injury Law, our Birmingham car accident attorney is an experienced, knowledgeable, solutions-driven advocate for injured victims. You need justice after a serious crash. We can help you file a solid, well-supported personal injury claim to make sure you receive just and fair compensation. Contact us online or at 205-955-5555 to schedule a FREE Case Evaluation about your case today.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR CRASH IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

Involved in a motor vehicle collision in Birmingham? It is imperative that you know what to do to protect your rights and your interests. Here are six key steps to take:

• Stop Your Vehicle: Under Alabama law, you have a duty to stop your vehicle, exchange information, and remain at the scene of the crash.
• Report the Crash: You should report the crash to law enforcement, such as the Birmingham Police Department or Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
• Seek Medical Care: All car crashes should be evaluated by a licensed medical professional. Without medical records, you will not be eligible to bring a car accident injury claim.
• Document Your Crash: Take pictures and get the contact details for any eyewitnesses. The more evidence that you have, the better positioned you will be to get justice.
• Notify Your Insurer: Even if your motor vehicle collision was the fault of another party, you should still notify your own insurance provider that a crash happened.
• Consult With a Lawyer: Do not trust any insurance company to look out for your best interests. A top-tier Birmingham, AL car crash lawyer will protect your rights.

COMMON AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES IN ALABAMA

Motor vehicle collisions can cause serious injuries. Indeed, injuries sustained from auto accidents can range anywhere from minor to fatal. No matter the nature or severity of your injuries, it is imperative that you get immediate medical attention. The types of immediate bodily injuries that are often involved in personal injury claims include:

Any and all of the above injuries can be serious and life-threatening. All bodily injuries regardless of severity are compensable if you are the victim of the accident. In many cases, psychological, mental, and emotional injuries can be compensable, too.

TYPES OF AUTO ACCIDENTS IN ALABAMA

There are many different types of motor vehicle crashes. The type of injuries you sustain are often the result, in part, of the type of car accident. Most common types of crashes involve the following:

• Head-on collisions, which are among the most devastating types of collisions that result in serious and life-threatening bodily injuries
• Rear-end accidents, which are among the most common and frequently results in whiplash
• Side-impact collisions, which are common, usually occur at intersections and result in a range of injuries depending on where the vehicle was struck
• Roll-over accidents, which are less common but result in head and neck injuries
• Sideswipe accidents, which are less common and occur when two or more vehicles travel parallel with each other and one swipes the side of the other vehicle
• Blind spot accidents, which are less common and occur when one vehicle fails to spot another vehicle while changing or merging into another lane.

Liability for property and bodily damages can often be determined, in part, by the type of accident. It’s important to remember, though, that accidents can be complex events, and so though the type may initially and seemingly indicate fault, a thorough investigation must be conducted for a clear understanding of where liability falls.

COMMON CAUSES OF AUTO ACCIDENTS IN ALABAMA

Car accidents happen due to many reasons. Typically, causes can be grouped into three categories: drivers, vehicles, and environment.

DRIVERS:

• Intoxicated driving (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, illicit drugs)
• Distracted driving (e.g., eating, texting, disciplining children)
• Drowsy driving or falling asleep while driving
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Decision error (e.g., driving too fast for the conditions, misjudging another driver’s actions)
• Recognition error (e.g., inattention)
• Performance error (e.g., overcompensation, poor directional control)

VEHICLES:

• Tires/wheels-related
• Brakes-related
• Steering/suspension/transmission/engine-related
• Manufacture defects

ENVIRONMENT:

• Slick roads (e.g., ice, loose debris)
• Glare
• View obstructions
• Signs/signals

Most crashes are the direct result of one or more drivers. Aside from crashes caused by drivers, vehicles, or environmental conditions, there are other reasons that don’t fall within these categories. For instance, pedestrians can sometimes be the cause of an accident. In other circumstances, the cause can’t be determined.

When the cause of an auto accident is easily identified, liability will also tend to be easily identifiable. More complex auto accident cases, however, require the insight of an experienced auto accident attorney and the knowledge and expertise of expert witnesses.

BENEFITS OF FILING A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM IN ALABAMA?

After a car accident, insurance companies will investigate the cause of the wreck to see who was at fault. They will then offer to cover the victim’s expenses. Insurance companies, however, are for-profit entities. They make money by bringing in premium payments and increase profit margins by minimizing the amount of money they pay out in settlements.

RECOVERING THE MAXIMUM FINANCIAL COMPENSATION FOR A CRASH

When an insurance company offers a settlement, that offer may not represent the true amount of compensation a victim deserves. Sadly, insurance companies want to pressure injured victims to resolve claims for as little as possible. Our Birmingham, AL car accident attorney is more than ready to help you maximize your financial recovery. Victims deserve to be compensated for their:

• Medical bills, past, and future
• Property damage
• Lost wages, past, and future
• Reduced earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• And more

Frequently, insurance settlement offers only cover property damage and medical bills, and only those that have been incurred so far. Sometimes the settlement will also include lost wages, but again, it may only include the wages lost to date and not necessarily future wages or loss of earned income. Much of it depends on the rules of your jurisdiction.

By hiring a lawyer and pursuing these other forms of compensation, accident victims can fight for what they really deserve.

A TWO-YEAR STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS CAR ACCIDENT INJURY CLAIMS

Car crash claims are highly time-sensitive. In Alabama, you generally have two years to file a motor vehicle accident injury claim. However, if your claim involves a municipality, you must give notice within 6 months. This shorter deadline is critical because many cases miss the chance to include additional defendants due to delays. To avoid losing your right to legal action, consult a Birmingham, AL car accident injury attorney promptly after a serious crash. Early action helps preserve evidence, such as video footage and black box data, and ensures proper parties are notified. Remember, while the general statute of limitations is two years, claims against cities or counties must be filed within 6 months.

WHY RELY ON BIRMINGHAM CAR CRASH LAWYER SHAUN CAPPS

Car accident claims are complicated. Following a serious crash, it is imperative that you have strong, experienced legal representation. Our founder Shaun Capps is committed to advocating for the rights and interests of injured victims. We are proactive. When you contact our Birmingham office, you will have a chance to work with an Alabama car accident attorney who can:

• Conduct a free, comprehensive review of your case;
• Investigate your motor vehicle collision in Birmingham;
• Represent you in any settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
• Take aggressive action to help you secure the maximum financial compensation.

CONTACT SHAUN CAPPS INJURY LAW TODAY FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION

Auto accidents can be straightforward or complex. Regardless of which, it is in your best interest to speak to an auto accident attorney. At Shaun Capps Injury Law, we work hard for our clients to obtain fair and just compensation. Contact us using our online form or by calling us directly at 205-955-5555 for a FREE Case Evaluation today. With an office in Birmingham, we handle car accident claims in Jefferson County and throughout North Central Alabama.