Were you recently injured in a car accident in Montgomery, AL? If so, you may be facing significant medical bills, time missed from work, property repair estimates, and more. While this is an undoubtedly challenging time for you and your loved ones, you do not have to face it alone.
Our dedicated Montgomery car accident lawyers are here for you every step of the way, bringing 93 years of combined experience to each case that we work on.
Don’t delay getting the help you need after a car crash in Montgomery, Alabama. Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers at 334-518-6098 for a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney and learn more about your legal options.
How Belt, Bruner & Barnett, P.C. Can Help You After a Car Accident in Montgomery
Since opening our law office 23 years ago, Belt, Bruner & Barnett, P.C. has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our injured clients. We are prepared to fight for you to get the maximum compensation you deserve as well in Montgomery, AL.
When you hire our Montgomery personal injury lawyers, you can expect us to do the following:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Discuss your legal options
- Gather evidence
- Work with experts
- Comply with deadlines
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you at trial when needed
Our Montgomery personal injury attorneys can handle every aspect of your claim. Reach out to our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a Montgomery car accident lawyer and learn more about how we can help with your case.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer can help make the often complex claims process more manageable. If you were injured in a collision, you will likely be dealing with an insurance company equipped with a legal team, skilled negotiators, and claims adjusters. Hiring an attorney can help you level the playing field against an insurer who may seek to minimize your damages, deny your claim, or shift the blame to you.
Working with a seasoned attorney also gives you an advocate who can handle the legal aspects of your case, consult with experts, and protect your rights while you focus on taking much-needed time to rest.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
Each car accident is unique, but certain key factors determine the value of a legal claim for damages, including:
- What physical injuries have you sustained?
- What type of medical treatment will you need, and how long will it take?
- Are you still able to work?
- Have you lost wages during your recovery?
- Has your earning capacity decreased?
- Do you share any responsibility for the accident?
- How old are you?
- What insurance benefits are available to you?
- How has the accident impacted your quality of life?
- What out-of-pocket expenses have you incurred?
Typically, the severity of your injuries will play a significant role in determining the value of your claim. The more serious your injuries, the greater the physical, emotional, and financial impact, which increases the value of your claim. Claims involving catastrophic injuries tend to have the highest compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?
In Alabama, most car accident claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. This same two-year limit applies to wrongful death cases resulting from fatal accidents.
If you miss this filing deadline, you will forfeit your right to pursue a legal claim and seek compensation from those responsible for your life-altering accident.
What Types of Damages Are Available After a Car Accident?
Whether you pursue a claim through insurance or file a civil car accident lawsuit, you can seek both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the financial losses that can be directly quantified. These damages are easier to prove as they come with clear monetary values.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning potential
- Costs for physical therapy
- Property repair expenses
Seeking legal advice can help you navigate the process and secure the best possible recovery for your financial losses from your accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective and challenging to quantify financially. These damages aim to compensate the victim for the emotional and psychological toll caused by the accident.
Examples of non-economic damages in a car accident case include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring
While non-economic damages are harder to calculate, they are still an essential part of ensuring that victims receive fair compensation for their emotional and psychological suffering following an accident.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you are worried about the affordability of legal services, you can rest assured that our legal team works on a contingency fee basis. Under a contingency fee arrangement, you can hire a lawyer without paying any upfront, hourly, or retainer fees.
Our fees are entirely determined by the outcome of your case, which will be a percentage of your settlement or court award. However, if we don’t manage to recover compensation for you, you will not owe us anything.
After a car wreck, you may have financial concerns due to past and ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and more. Regardless of your financial situation, we encourage you to reach out to us with any questions you may have about our fees.
Can I Get Money if I Was Partly At Fault for My Car Accident?
Under Alabama’s contributory negligence rule, you can be barred from recovering damages altogether, even if you are deemed slightly at fault for your accident. In other words, as long as another party is deemed to be fully responsible for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
Because of Alabama’s strict contributory fault rule, you need a legal team that can vigorously defend you from unfair allegations of shared fault. At Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers, we have built a reputation for vigorously defending our clients from being held responsible for their accidents. We are prepared for the insurance company’s tactics and will stand up for your interests.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Montgomery?
After a car accident in Montgomery, you may feel afraid and unsure of what to do. However, there are some steps you can take for the sake of your safety and the integrity of your personal injury claim.
These steps are:
- Seek immediate medical attention even if you are feeling okay.
- Move to a safe location away from the road.
- Call the police.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the crash.
- Take pictures and videos of the accident scene.
- When you are speaking to anyone, do not apologize or admit fault.
- File a claim with your insurer.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media.
Taking these steps is crucial for your recovery and well-being.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
At Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers, we know many different types of car accidents can happen in Montgomery. That’s why we handle all kinds of cases, including the following types of accidents:
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end crashes occur when one vehicle hits the back of another. This type of accident typically occurs when one vehicle slows or stops, and the one behind it doesn’t respond in time, resulting in a crash. These crashes are typically more “minor” in nature when compared to other types, but severe injuries or even fatalities can still occur, especially when a driver or passenger isn’t wearing a seatbelt, high speeds are involved, or vehicles of different sizes or masses are involved.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions occur when one vehicle crosses the center line and collides with another in the lane of oncoming traffic. Because the vehicles are moving in opposite directions and often at high speeds, these crashes can be incredibly dangerous. Factors such as distracted driving, driving under the influence, and weather conditions can cause head-on collisions.
Hit & Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident happens when someone hits another vehicle, person, or property and then leaves the scene without contacting the authorities or leaving a note on the damaged vehicle or property. These accidents can cause more than just property damage and are responsible for many fatalities each year in Alabama.
Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips on its side or roof during a crash. It may roll once or multiple times. While multiple vehicles can be involved, the majority of rollovers only involve one car. These accidents can occur when a car hits an object or another vehicle, as a result of speeding or of driving under the influence, or due to weather conditions.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident?
While you might assume the other driver involved would be liable for your injuries, liability isn’t always so straightforward.
Parties that could potentially be held responsible for your injuries include:
- The driver of the vehicle/s involved: A driver who was negligent, speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence may be liable.
- The owner of the vehicle/s involved: A vehicle owner who allowed someone unqualified or impaired to drive their vehicle could be held responsible.
- An employer of the driver: If the driver was operating the vehicle in the course of their employment, the employer could be liable under vicarious liability if the driver was negligent while working.
- A vehicle manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defective vehicle or faulty part, the manufacturer may be held liable for the defect.
- A parts manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defective or faulty part, the parts manufacturer could be held liable for producing or distributing the defective component.
- A government entity: If the accident was caused by poor road conditions, lack of proper signage, or inadequate maintenance, the responsible governmental entity may be held liable for failing to maintain safe roadways.
- A third-party service provider: If an accident was caused by improper vehicle repairs or maintenance, the service provider who worked on the vehicle may be held accountable for negligence in the service performed.
- A pedestrian: If a pedestrian was at fault, such as crossing illegally or stepping into traffic without looking, they may be held partially or fully liable for the accident.
The best way to know who might be responsible for your case is to speak with a personal injury lawyer with experience handling your type of car accident case.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Auto accidents can vary widely in severity and result in an expansive range of serious injuries.
Some of the most common injuries we see in Montgomery car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- traumatic brain injury
- Broken or fractured bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- TBIs or head injuries
- Emotional trauma, such as PTSD or anxiety
No matter what type of injuries you or your loved one experienced, we can help when you get in touch with our team.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents in Montgomery can occur for an incredibly wide range of reasons.
Some common causes we see include:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence
- Vehicle malfunctions
- Poor road conditions
- Adverse weather conditions
Understanding the most common causes of car accidents in Montgomery can help you recognize potential liabilities. Your attorney will be able to evaluate the facts of your case and gather evidence to support your claim, ensuring that all contributing factors are considered when seeking compensation.
Montgomery Car Accident Statistics
As Alabama’s population continues to grow, so does the number of cars on the road. In 2023, the Alabama Department of Transportation reported 143,487 total crashes. Among these, there were 37,792 reported injuries and 975 fatalities. Montgomery County alone saw 7,804 intersection-related crashes, as well as 1,821 non-intersection accidents.
Call Our Montgomery Car Accident Lawyers Today for Help
If you’ve been harmed in a car accident in Montgomery, AL, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced Montgomery car accident attorneys at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers for a free no-obligation consultation. Our law firm recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our injured clients. You can trust us to handle your legal claim while you focus on recovery.
We’re standing by to provide you with top-rated legal services. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our car accident lawyer in Montgomery. Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Montgomery at 7 Clayton St Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36104. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.37408375801201, -86.30928994602068
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