Auto Accident Injury in Huntsville, AL

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Huntsville? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Huntsville, AL that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics In Huntsville, Alabama

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. According to Drive Safe Alabama, the leading cause of non-fatal auto accidents in Alabama is failure to yield. However, the top contributing factor for fatal auto accidents is speeding. In addition, more than half of the people killed in auto accidents in Alabama were not wearing seatbelts. Pedestrian fatalities have increased by 81% in the last 10 years, largely due to distractions from electronic devices.  City-data.com reports that there are typically around 20 fatal auto accidents per year in Huntsville. Of those accidents, about half of them involved alcohol.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

Serious accidents in Huntsville, especially involving injuries or alcohol, should be reported immediately by calling 911. Minor accidents can be reported to the Huntsville Police Department within 30 days of the incident.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

According to Alabama Public Health, Alabama has the 3rd highest rate of auto accident fatalities in the US. In addition, auto accidents are the leading cause of death for Huntsville residents between ages 1 and 39. The CDC reports that Alabama auto accidents cost around $11 million in medical bills and $1.5 billion in lost work per year. The National Safety Council reports that the average costs per accident range from $12,000 to almost $100,000. Your potential compensation can include payment for medical or car repair bills. However, there may also be less clear costs like lost wages or loss of quality of life. A Huntsville attorney can help you recover all of the damages that you are entitled to.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws In Alabama

Liability Laws for Huntsville

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Liability insurance is required for all Huntsville motorists. Alabama insurance companies use a no-fault system, so the at-fault driver is responsible for all damages. However, unlike most states, Alabama courts apply a contributory negligence standard to auto accident liability. That means that you cannot collect any damages if you were even partly at fault for the accident.

Statute of Limitations In Huntsville

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. Huntsville drivers have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim. After that, most courts will deny any case.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Huntsville, AL

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Alabama state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!