Car Accident Law in Citronelle
No matter how careful you are when driving, car accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and with anyone. If you’re hurt in a car crash, it is crucial to take action immediately to protect yourself, get the medical care you need, and find out if you are entitled to compensation.
The process of starting a personal injury claim may be overwhelming, which is why it’s important to connect with a Citronelle car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. At Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell, we’ll learn more about your case and help you fight for what you’re owed. Call our office at 251-336-3411 or our Bay Minette office at 251-336-3697 to set up a consultation now.
How Common Are Car Accidents?
Car accidents are unfortunately very common. They often leave victims with serious injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. In 2020, there were over 134,000 crashes in Alabama. These resulted in nearly 38,000 injuries and over 930 fatalities.
The Alabama Department of Transportation reports that the average Alabama driver has more than a 40% chance of being involved in an injury-causing or fatal crash throughout their lifetime. Despite the fact that safety technology has been evolving at a rapid pace, it doesn’t seem to outpace driver errors and distractions. Mobile County has some of the highest accident numbers in the state, with 60 fatal crashes in 2020.
Common Causes of Collisions
Car accidents are caused by a wide range of factors, including driver error, road and weather concerns, and vehicle malfunctions. For example, accidents may be the result of unpredictable inclement weather, poorly maintained roads, unclear or missing signage, and mechanical failures in vehicles. However, human error is at the root of most car accidents.
Alabama data indicates that these are some of the most common causes of collisions:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Tailgating
- Misjudging stopping distance
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while impaired
- Aggressive driving
- Ignoring road signs or traffic lights
As you can see, most of these are completely avoidable. These causes are all great examples of driver negligence. When you get behind the wheel of a car, you are agreeing to drive reasonably in a way that protects you and other drivers from danger. When a driver speeds, texts and drives, drinks and drives, or otherwise takes unnecessary risks, they are violating that agreement. This can be helpful when it comes to establishing liability for a collision.
Car Accident Compensation in Alabama
If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else, you could be entitled to compensation. Car accident victims are often awarded damages for:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
There is one aspect of compensation in Alabama that sets it apart from other states. Most states allow a victim who is partially responsible for an accident to recover some compensation. In these states, a victim’s compensation is generally decreased proportionately to their share of fault.
Alabama takes a much stricter approach. If a case goes to court and the jury finds that the victim is at all liable for the crash, they cannot recover any compensation. Yes, even if a jury finds that you are 5% responsible for a crash, you are then barred from receiving damages for it.
This definitely changes the process of fighting for compensation—insurance companies are already tight-fisted with their money, and Alabama laws make it even easier for them. They know that you don’t want to go to court, as there’s a risk that you’ll be found partially liable and lose your chance for any compensation. In many cases, this makes them bolder during negotiations. Why should they offer a fair settlement when you’re likely to take less to avoid court?
However, remember this: they also want to avoid court. While there’s a risk that you’ll lose all compensation, there’s also a risk that the court will order them to pay even more than they would have in negotiations. This also leaves them with a massive legal bill. That’s why it’s important to work with a car accident attorney in Citronelle as you pursue compensation.
Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Claim
The amount of money you receive for a car accident depends a lot on which car accident lawyer you choose. There are lots of personal injury lawyers, but not all of them have your best interests in mind.
We’ve all seen ads promising millions to accident victims—if you talk to an attorney and they start throwing out huge numbers and promises without even knowing the details of your claim, be very wary. The amount you are entitled to depends a lot on the details of your accident and an attorney that makes huge promises may be overconfident.
You’ll want to work with a lawyer with extensive experience in personal injury law. This area of law requires a careful hand. Your attorney should know when to push the insurance company, and when to pull back and wait. They should know when there’s still wiggle room in a settlement and when it’s time to give up and take your case to court.
At Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell, we are committed to fighting for victims like you. We have seen how car accidents can devastate families and leave them in serious debt. If your accident is someone else’s fault, we don’t think you should be left footing the bill.
After taking an in-depth look at your accident and injuries, we’ll build a case that puts the insurance company in a tough position. While it’s likely that your case will settle out of court, we are also more than ready to go to court if that’s what your case needs.
Call Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell to Start Your Claim
If you’re ready to start your car accident claim in Citronelle, let’s talk about your options now. Call our office at 251-336-3411 or our Bay Minette office at 251-336-3697 or send us a message online to schedule your consultation right now.
