Were you injured in a car accident in Birmingham, Alabama? Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Call (205) 973-6417 for a free consultation with a Birmingham car accident lawyer. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you decide whether pursuing a claim makes sense for you.
In some cases, it’s possible to get compensation after a crash without hiring a lawyer—especially if your injuries are minor and fault is clear. But when the insurance company pushes back or your damages are significant, having an attorney on your side can make a real difference in your outcome.
Why Choose Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers To Help After a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Birmingham, AL, the team at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to help. With decades of experience and a strong track record of results, here’s what sets our firm apart:
- Our attorneys bring 93 years of combined experience handling injury claims and investigating crashes throughout Alabama.
- We conduct in-depth investigations, gather key evidence, and work with experts to prove fault and assess damages.
- We take a hands-on approach to every case, from collecting accident reports to analyzing medical records and interviewing witnesses.
- We’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for victims of Alabama car accidents.
- We don’t hesitate to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement.
- We’re committed to helping clients recover the compensation they need for medical bills, lost income, and long-term effects of their injuries.
If you need help, call today to schedule your free consultation with a Birmingham personal injury attorney.
Steps To Recover Money on Your Own After a Car Accident
You will need to follow certain steps to pursue a claim without a lawyer. These steps help you build a strong case, avoid common mistakes, and keep your claim moving forward for maximum compensation.
Here is what to do from the start:
- Report the accident: Call the police to ensure an official record is created. A Birmingham police report can back up your claim later.
- Get medical care right away: Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor immediately. Whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries may not show symptoms right away. Medical records not only protect your health but also support your demand for compensation.
- Notify the insurance company: Contact the at-fault driver’s insurer and your own, if needed. Keep your statements brief and factual. Alabama’s contributory negligence rule means being even 1 percent responsible could block your recovery.
- Gather documentation and evidence: Keep all relevant documents, including photos, witness information, police reports, and medical bills and receipts, in one place. Strong documentation makes it easier to prove your losses.
- Calculate and negotiate your damages: Add up your economic damages for medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs, and your non-economic damages for pain, stress, and diminished quality of life. Insurance companies often start with a low offer, so be prepared to explain your numbers and support them with documentation.
- Finalize in writing: Get the settlement terms in writing and read them carefully before signing. You typically cannot request additional compensation after you accept, even if new issues arise. If anything seems unclear, ask a lawyer for advice.
Keep copies of everything once you have completed these steps. Staying organized helps you respond quickly to the adjuster and avoid delays. If the process stalls for more than a couple of weeks, a short, polite follow-up can get things moving again.
Challenges of Handling a Claim Alone
You may be able to settle a simple claim on your own and save money on legal fees. However, in Alabama, strict negligence rules and insurance company tactics can make the process more complicated than it initially appears.
Some of the most common obstacles include:
- Blame shifting: The insurer may suggest you were partly at fault. Even a small statement like “I didn’t see them” can hurt your case. Because of Alabama’s contributory negligence law, being just 1 percent at fault can prevent you from getting compensation.
- Low first offers: Insurance companies often start with a low settlement that may not cover ongoing medical care or long-term symptoms. Without good documentation, it is easy to accept less than you deserve.
- Complicated claims: When multiple vehicles or insurance companies are involved, the claim quickly becomes more complex. Coordinating evidence and communication without experience can be overwhelming.
These issues do not mean you cannot succeed on your own. They just show the importance of being prepared. If your claim stalls or becomes disputed, consulting a lawyer can help you determine whether to continue handling it yourself or seek professional assistance.
When You Might Want a Birmingham Car Accident Lawyer
Some cases are simply better handled by a professional from the outset. Having an advocate can level the playing field in many cases, including those involving:
- Significant or long-term injuries: The stakes are higher if you need surgery, ongoing treatment, or time off work. Long-term injuries require careful valuation to account for future costs, and a lawyer can help.
- Disputed fault or multiple at-fault parties: Evidence must be gathered quickly and presented clearly when insurers point fingers at you or each other. Lawyers can secure experts, witness statements, and camera footage to protect your claim.
- Coverage problems or denials: A lawyer can push for answers and escalate when necessary if an insurer delays, denies, or questions whether the policy applies to your case.
Most Birmingham personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you do not pay upfront and only owe fees if they recover money for you.
Injured in a Car Accident? A Birmingham Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Recovering money after a car accident in Birmingham, AL, can feel overwhelming, especially if you try to handle the claim without a lawyer. You may be able to do it alone, but when accidents involve serious injuries, liability disputes, or unfair insurance companies, having an experienced Birmingham car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
If you are unsure which path is right for you, call Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Birmingham car accident lawyer to discuss your options for moving forward.