What are my rights as an auto accident injury victim in Alabama?

Auto Accident Questions

If you've been involved in an auto accident in Alabama, knowing your rights is crucial. You are likely dealing with potential injuries, damage to your vehicle, and the associated emotional stress. In such situations, being aware of your rights can help you navigate the legal landscape effectively. This article will go into depth about your rights as an auto accident injury victim in Alabama, providing vital information that can help you in pursuing justice and compensation, which is particularly important if you are seeking assistance from an Alabama personal injury lawyer or auto accident attorney.

First and foremost, as an auto accident injury victim in Alabama, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries and loss. This includes, but is not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages due to the inability to work, pain and suffering, and damage to property. The law in Alabama is designed to restore you to your pre-accident state, in so far as money can achieve this.

Alabama follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, meaning if you are found to hold any amount of fault in the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes Alabama different from most other states, which follow comparative negligence rules that allow injured parties to recover damages even if they were partially at fault. The complexity of this law makes the role of a skilled Alabama auto accident attorney vital.

Understanding the concept of pure contributory negligence is crucial if you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Alabama. Even if you are found to be 1% at fault for the accident, you could be barred from recovering any compensation. This might seem particularly harsh, but it is the law in Alabama. Therefore, it is imperative to engage the services of a personal injury lawyer like Stephen Thompson, who can help defend your rights and build a strong case to prove that you were not at fault.

As the accident victim, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, Alabama’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident, according to section 6-2-38 of the Alabama Code. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to do so.

In Alabama, auto accident victims also have the right to privacy. You are not obliged to provide a statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company without consulting your attorney. It is essential to be aware that any information you provide to the insurance company can be used against you in the process of determining fault.

Being aware of your rights also means understanding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Alabama law requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance, but unfortunately, not everyone complies with this regulation. As a victim, you may still be able to receive compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver does not possess adequate insurance.

Lastly, you have the right to be treated fairly throughout the entire legal process, and this includes by your own insurance company. If the insurance company does not act in good faith and deal fairly with your claim, they could be found liable for bad faith, which can result in the payment of punitive damages.

Having a personal injury lawyer on your side can ensure that your rights are protected fully. Based in Alabama, with a focus on personal injury law, Stephen Thompson provides much-needed support and legal guidance to victims of auto accidents. His commitment to helping accident victims navigate the complexities of Alabama personal injury law can ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

By being aware of your rights as an auto accident injury victim in Alabama, you can better navigate the aftermath of your accident, dealing effectively with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking legal action. Should you find yourself in such a situation, don't hesitate to reach out to a skilled Alabama auto accident attorney like Stephen Thompson, who can guide you through the process and fight on your behalf.

Free Initial Strategy Session

All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.

During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

• First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
• Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
• If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
• If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
• Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.

Don't delay getting the recovery you deserve! Contact us today for your free Strategy Session!