Personal Injury Cases in Citronelle, AL

Accidents and injuries can happen even in smaller South Alabama cities like Citronelle. However, when someone gets injured in Citronelle, they have to pay a higher price than the average American, because unfortunately the cost of healthcare in Citronelle is much higher than in other parts of the country. Still, filing a personal injury case will help you recover damages so you can move forward with your life.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, it’s vital that you seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell P.A., we have served injury victims throughout Southwest Alabama for over 60 years. Contact one of our two offices today to schedule a free consultation.

The moments after an accident can be overwhelming. In some cases, injury victims are driven by emotion and may make decisions that could negatively affect their case. If you’ve been injured, get the immediate medical attention you need and preserve evidence. This is normally accomplished by taking proper photographs. However, avoid signing any forms or speaking with an insurance adjuster until you consult with an attorney.

What Damages Are Recoverable After An Accident In Or Around Citronelle?

When you’ve been injured, the impact on your life can be severe and long-lasting. An accident can affect you and your loved one physically, emotionally, and even financially. Through a personal injury claim o lawsuit, our firm can help you pursue maximum compensation. A few examples o recoverable damages are as follows:

• Property damage or loss – You may be entitled to compensation for damaged or lost property as the result of an accident caused by another individual or entity.
• Medical expenses – The party responsible for the accident may be obligated to pay your past and future medical expenses related to the injuries you sustained.
• Lost wages – The responsible party may be obligated to pay your past and future lost wages.
• Pain and suffering – You can demand compensation for the physical pain and suffering you endured due to your injuries.
• Mental anguish – You may be entitled to compensation for the emotional suffering related to the accident or associated injuries.
• Loss of consortium – In some cases, your spouse can claim damages related to the loss of affection or companionship that results from catastrophic injuries.

Our Injury Law Experience Can Help in Many Types of Cases

Our personal injury lawyers bring years of experience to each case we handle. On behalf of clients and their loved ones, we routinely pursue justice in a wide variety of cases such as:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Crashes
• Wrongful Death
• Boating Accidents
• Dog Bite Cases
• Defective Products
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Slip and Fall Injuries
• Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

What is the Basis for a Personal Injury Case?

Not every case meets the requirements for a viable personal injury claim or lawsuit. Here are the basic elements for a negligence cause of action in a personal injury case in Alabama:

Legal Duty

The first element our law firm must prove is that person or entity that caused your injuries owed you a legal duty. For example, automobile drivers in Alabama have a legal duty to not operate an automobile while intoxicated and to follow the rules of the road.

Breach or Violation of Duty

Second, we must establish that the person or entity that caused your injuries failed to fulfill the legal duty owed to you. For example, a driver operated an automobile while intoxicated and caused a collision with your automobile.

Causation

Your attorney must also prove that the responsible party’s actions was the cause of your accident and injuries. For example, your back begins to hurt following an automobile wreck. Your treating physician will testify that the wreck is the cause of your pain and injuries and that your condition is not pre-existing.

Damages

Finally, you must establish that you suffered harm and that the damages were due to the responsible party’s negligence. For example, your attorney can prove through testimony and physical evidence that your medical care, lost wages and pain and suffering were due to the wreck you were involved in and not a separate event.

Time Limits on Filing Personal Injury Cases in Alabama

After an injury, time becomes a crucial factor in the success rate of your case. Evidence, especially favorable evidence, tends to disappear soon after an event. Similarly, the memories of witnesses can fade as time progresses. The most important correlation between time and a personal injury case in Alabama is the time limit in which an injured party has to file his or her case. In most instances, Alabama law provides plaintiffs two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. There are a few exceptions to the rule, but you should seek the advice of legal counsel regarding such. If you fail to file your lawsuit before the two-year statute of limitations, you will lose your right to recover. If you’ve been injured, speak with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible.

In Court vs. Out of Court Resolution of Personal Injury Cases

There’s a misconception that all personal injury cases end up in front of a jury or a judge. The fact is most do not. The vast majority of these case are settled or resolved through negotiation prior to a trial once all evidence is collected and reviewed.

While we are experienced negotiators, that doesn’t mean we aren’t willing to fight for the interests of our clients in court. We have tried hundreds of cases and will always go the extra mile to secure the best result for our clients.

Steps to Take After an Injury in Citronelle

When you take the right steps after a personal injury, you safeguard your personal injury claim and protect your physical health. We recommend:

• Checking immediately for injuries and notifying the appropriate party: You will want to do a quick once-over for obvious injuries. Once you’ve done that, notify the appropriate authorities. In many cases, this is the Citronelle Police Department. If you are bitten by a dog, you’ll reach out to Mobile County Animal Control. If you slip and fall at a business, ask to report the incident to the manager on duty.
• Gathering time-sensitive evidence: A lot of evidence is only available immediately after an accident. For example, if you slip and fall, you want to take pictures of the obstacles or slippery floor that caused you to fall. If you’re bitten by a dog, make sure to take photos of the dog and any vaccination information the owner can provide. At the scene of a car crash, take as many photos as you can of the entire scene. This is also when you should get the necessary contact information for your claim.
• Seeking medical care: Head to Citronelle Medical Center, Greater Mobile Urgent Care, or another local facility to get checked out by a doctor.
• Talking to a personal injury lawyer in Citronelle: Once you’ve gotten the medical care you need, make it a priority to talk to a local personal injury lawyer. It’s time to find out if you have a valid claim.

Speak With a Lawyer Experienced in Citronelle Personal Injury Cases Today

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident in the Citronelle area, we can help. The attorneys at Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell P.A., have been helping residents of Citronelle pursue justice in all types of personal injury and wrongful death cases for decades. Let us put our extensive experience, knowledge, and resources to work for you. Contact one of our two offices today by calling (251) 847-2237 (Chatom) or (251) 651-0483 (Bay Minette) or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation.