How can I get a fair settlement in my car accident injury claim in Alabama?

In the unfortunate event of a car accident, understanding your rights and legal options is crucial in ensuring you secure a fair settlement for your injuries. Represented by a competent personal injury lawyer in Alabama, such as Stephen Thompson, you can effectively navigate the complex litigation process. This article presents vital information on getting a fair settlement in your car accident injury claim in Alabama.

Step One: Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Seek immediate medical attention following a car accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Delays can complicate your medical diagnosis, treatment, and your personal injury claim. Medical records are vital in car accident injury claims as they provide concrete evidence of the injuries sustained, their severity, and the resulting medical costs.

Step Two: File The Accident Report

In Alabama, law stipulates that a car accident report should be filed with the local police department if it resulted in death, injury, or property damage exceeding $500. This report is a crucial document providing detailed accident information such as the involved parties, possible cause, injuries incurred, and other crucial data.

Step Three: Gather Evidence

Gathering evidence after a car accident significantly strengthens your case. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage, if possible. Ensure you also obtain contact information from witnesses. Their testimonies may be vital in proving liability.

Step Four: Consult With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Securing the services of an experienced car accident attorney in Alabama, such as Stephen Thompson, is key to obtaining a fair settlement amount. A skilled attorney understands the relevant Alabama car accident laws, can prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of unrepresented claimants, and help secure maximum compensation for your losses.

Step Five: Calculate Your Damages

Understanding the full extent of your losses is essential in determining what a fair settlement amount looks like. Your attorney can guide you in tabulating damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Step Six: Negotiate The Settlement 

Alabama employs a ‘contributory negligence’ rule, meaning you could lose entitlement to any damages if found to be even slightly at fault for the accident. Therefore, aggressive negotiation skills are necessary to counter insurer tactics aimed at shifting blame. Your car accident attorney will significantly increase your chances of a fair settlement through their negotiation mastery.

Step Seven: File a Lawsuit if Necessary 

If negotiations with the insurance company are not fruitful, it may become necessary to take the matter to court. The presence of a proven trial lawyer sends a strong message to the insurance company, potentially prompting them to offer a higher settlement to avoid court proceedings.

Remember, Alabama has a two-year statute of limitations for car accident injury claims. Failure to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit within this period will likely result in forfeiture of your rights to seeking compensation. 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, a fair car accident settlement in Alabama hinges on immediate medical attention following the accident, proper filing of an accident report, comprehensive evidence gathering, calculating the full extent of damages, and most importantly, engaging the services of an experienced Alabama attorney like Stephen Thompson.

Stephen Thompson and his team of dedicated attorneys in Alabama are renowned for advocating fiercely for their clients' rights, navigating complex legal hurdles, and persistently negotiating for fair settlements. They can help you understand your legal options after a car accident in Alabama and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Remember, the goal after any car accident should be securing your rightful place on the road to recovery, both physically and financially.

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!