Car accidents happen every day across Birmingham, Alabama, and each one comes with its own unique set of facts and circumstances. Learning about the most common types of collisions and how fault is determined can make a real difference if you ever need to file a personal injury claim.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims and has 93 years of combined experience. If you hire us, our car accident lawyers will do everything in our power to help you maximize the value of your claim.
Contact us today at (844) 577-3639 for a free consultation to get started. We can fill you in on your legal rights and options at that time.
How Can Belt, Bruner & Barnett Help Me Take Action After a Car Accident in Birmingham, AL?
Determining who caused your accident and who is liable as a result is critical to your ability to recover compensation. Insurance companies will conduct their own investigations, though keep in mind they just want to protect their profits at the end of the day. Having an experienced Birmingham personal injury attorney on your side levels the playing field and sets you up for success.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett has the resources to fight for you no matter what it takes.
Our car accident attorneys in Birmingham, AL, can help by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into how your crash occurred
- Gathering the necessary evidence to prove your claim
- Working with accident reconstruction experts as applicable
- Calculating the complete value of your damages
- Handling all of the communications with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Negotiating a settlement that compensates you in full
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you at trial if needed
Reach out to us today if you have any questions about your case. We’ll be able to provide you with some initial legal advice during your free consultation.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are among the most frequent types of accidents on Birmingham roads. They tend to occur in heavy traffic where vehicles are moving relatively slowly and close to each other. The trailing driver is typically found at fault in these cases because all motorists have a duty to maintain a safe following distance.
That said, liability isn’t always straightforward. If the lead vehicle had broken brake lights, for instance, or if there was brake checking involved, fault could shift. Multiple rear-end collisions in chain-reaction pileups can further complicate matters as well.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are some of the most dangerous spots for Birmingham drivers. These crashes often involve one vehicle running a red light or failing to yield the right of way. T-bone collisions at intersections can be especially devastating because the side of a vehicle offers far less protection than the front or rear.
Liability in intersection accidents often depends on traffic signal data and witness accounts. Red-light camera footage and nearby surveillance video can serve as powerful evidence when fault is disputed.
Left-Turn Accidents
Drivers making left turns are generally expected to yield to oncoming traffic. When a collision occurs during a left turn, the turning driver is frequently presumed to be at fault. However, exceptions exist, such as if the oncoming vehicle was speeding.
These accidents tend to cause serious injuries because of the angles involved, and sorting out fault often requires careful analysis of the timing and speed of both vehicles.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are among the deadliest types of car accidents. These collisions sometimes occur on two-lane roads when a driver crosses the center line, for example, though they can happen in a variety of circumstances.
The driver who crossed into oncoming traffic is almost always considered at fault. If that driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time, punitive damages may also be available on top of standard compensation.
How Is Fault Determined After a Car Accident in Alabama?
Alabama follows a legal standard known as “contributory negligence.” This is one of the strictest shared fault rules in the country. Under this doctrine, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you could be barred from recovering any compensation at all.
Because of this harsh standard, insurance companies in Alabama aggressively look for ways to pin some of the blame on injured victims. An experienced car accident attorney with our law firm can respond to allegations like these appropriately. Call today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Contact Our Birmingham Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in any type of car accident in Birmingham, Alabama, understanding how fault applies to your situation is the first step toward getting the compensation you need and deserve. Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help investigate your crash and fight for maximum recovery on your behalf from there.
Reach out to our Birmingham car accident attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on contingency, so you only pay attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you.