If you’ve been injured in a collision on Birmingham’s busy roadways, Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal process.
We have served accident victims throughout Birmingham, Alabama, for decades, fighting to secure the compensation their clients deserve.
This article will explore frequently asked car accident questions. If you’ve been injured, contact our Birmingham car accident lawyers or call us today at (205) 973-6417
How Can Belt, Bruner & Barnett Help After a Car Accident in Birmingham, AL?
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers has over 90 years of combined experience and has recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for our clients.
Our Birmingham personal injury lawyers can:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident
- Gather and preserve crucial evidence
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Consult with medical experts to document your injuries
- Calculate the full value of your current and future damages
- Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Don’t face the aftermath of a serious accident alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Every case is unique, but these elements typically influence your potential compensation:
- Severity and permanence of your injuries
- Cost of current and future medical treatments
- Lost wages and impact on earning capacity
- Property damage expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Impact on your quality of life
- Insurance policy limits
An experienced attorney can help determine a fair value for your specific situation by analyzing these factors and building a strong case for maximum compensation.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
Car accident victims in Birmingham may be entitled to several types of compensation, broadly categorized as economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses with specific dollar amounts, including:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications)
- Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, occupational therapy)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
These damages are essential to helping you recover financially and regain stability after an accident, ensuring you’re not burdened by costs caused by someone else’s negligence.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address subjective losses that don’t have clear monetary values:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)
In rare cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be available to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
At Belt, Bruner & Barnett, we understand that accident victims often face significant financial strain. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. During your free consultation, we’ll explain our fee structure in detail so there are no surprises.
Should I Report My Birmingham Accident?
Yes, reporting your accident is crucial. Alabama law requires drivers to immediately notify law enforcement if an accident causes injury, death, or property damage. Additionally, if the crash results in injury, death, or property damage of $250 or more, you must file a written report with the Alabama Department of Public Safety within 30 days.
How Do I Get An Accident Report In Birmingham?
In Birmingham, you can obtain your accident report through several methods:
- In person at the Birmingham Police Department Records Division
- Online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s website
- By mail, by sending a written request with identifying information
Most reports become available within 7-10 days after the accident.
Should I Provide a Written or Recorded Statement for the Insurance Company?
No, you should avoid giving a recorded or written statement to any insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that may lead you to say something that could hurt your claim.
What’s Contributory Negligence and How Can It Affect My Car Accident Claim in Birmingham, Alabama?
Alabama’s contributory negligence system is strict and more severe than comparative negligence used in most states. Under this system, if you’re found even 1% responsible for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Birmingham, Alabama?
Birmingham’s busy highways and urban streets see numerous accidents each year caused by:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, eating)
- Speeding, especially on I-65, I-20, and Highway 280
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Improper lane changes or merges
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Poor weather conditions
- Vehicle defects
- Construction zones
Understanding the cause of your accident helps establish liability and strengthens your compensation claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury or Property Damage Claim After a Car Accident in Alabama?
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, and six years for property damage claims. However, certain exceptions may apply that could shorten or extend these deadlines. Missing these critical deadlines typically means losing your right to pursue compensation.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Birmingham?
The steps you take immediately following a car accident can significantly impact your health and your legal claim:
- Ensure safety and call 911 for emergency services
- Seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
- Exchange information with other drivers involved
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries
- Gather contact information from witnesses
- File a police report
- Notify your insurance company about the accident
- Keep records of all medical treatments and expenses
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media
- Contact a car accident attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters
Following these steps creates a solid foundation for your recovery and potential legal claim.
Contact a Birmingham Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, a Birmingham car accident attorney from Belt, Bruner & Barnett can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.