Car Accident Attorney in Dothan
Did you or a loved one suffer injuries in a car accident in Dothan, Alabama? Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re facing unexpected medical bills, lost income, and a painful recovery. You shouldn’t have to handle this situation alone, nor should you have to pay for the consequences yourself. Instead, let a Dothan, AL, car accident attorney at Parker Trial Law can help you seek the money you deserve from the people who hurt you.
Our team has been representing injury victims for almost a decade, focusing on serious injury claims and taking cases to trial whenever it’s the best way of getting the full amount our clients deserve. Our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We’ll review your car accident case, explain your legal options, and work hard to pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
Benefits of Hiring a Dothan, AL, Attorney for Your Car Accident Claim
A car accident attorney in Dothan, AL, can provide valuable support and guidance for your car accident injury case. Many car accidents leave victims with unexpected medical bills, income losses, and property damage, but it’s possible to recover compensation for these losses with an attorney’s help.
An experienced lawyer will understand the specific factors involved in your situation and prepare your case accordingly. Whether the collision involved distracted driving, speeding, or other reckless behavior, they will gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and work with experts to strengthen your car accident claim.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially when invisible injuries like whiplash, concussions, or spinal injuries are involved. A Dothan, AL, car accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance adjusters and push for full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and future medical care. If a settlement isn’t possible, your attorney can also take the case to court and represent you at trial.
How We Investigate Car Accident Cases
At Parker Trial Law, we take a detailed and personalized approach when investigating car crash cases. Our process begins with a thorough review of all available evidence, including crash reports, witness statements, and any traffic camera or dashcam footage. In some cases, we also visit accident scenes to assess road conditions, traffic patterns, and other possible contributing factors.
One unique advantage we offer is having a registered nurse with extensive experience on our team. She reviews medical records to help us fully understand the extent of your injuries and any long-term impacts they might have on your health. This insight helps us build strong cases for fair compensation. We also often work with auto accident reconstruction experts to pinpoint exactly how a collision occurred and who is responsible.
Compensation You Could Recover in a Car Accident Claim
If you suffer injuries in an Alabama vehicle accident, you could be entitled to money for the losses you’ve experienced. Depending on your situation, this could include car accident compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Vehicle repair/replacement costs
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Car Wreck in Alabama
Alabama uses a fault-based system for car accident cases, meaning the person or entity responsible for the accident is liable for any losses. This is why determining liability is so important in an Alabama car wreck claim. Depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties could be at fault:
- The other driver
- The vehicle owner (if different from the driver)
- The driver’s employer (if the driver was working at the time)
- A vehicle manufacturer
- An auto parts manufacturer
- A government entity responsible for road maintenance
- A rideshare company like Uber or Lyft
- A bar or restaurant (if they knowingly overserved the driver in a DUI case)
Could You Recover Compensation If You’re Partly to Blame for a Car Accident?
No. Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule, which says you cannot recover any compensation from other parties in an auto collision case if you are even 1 percent at fault for the accident. Because of this strict law, having a strong case clearly showing the other party is entirely at fault is essential. An experienced car wreck attorney can gather evidence and build a solid case to protect your right to compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The steps you take after an auto wreck can have a substantial impact on your recovery and any legal claims you pursue. The following are some steps to take if you get hurt in a car accident:
Visit a doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can diagnose, treat, and document your injuries as necessary.
Use your phone to capture pictures of the vehicles, any damage, skid marks, and your injuries. Ask any available witnesses for their contact details.
Do not apologize or make statements anyone could interpret as admissions of fault. Leave the determination of fault to the police and insurance companies.
Retain receipts for all medical bills and any other expenses related to the accident. Document your income losses if you miss work due to your injuries.
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Stick to the facts and keep your statements brief. Do not agree to provide any recorded statements or accept any settlement offers before consulting a lawyer.
Talk to an attorney as soon as possible after the wreck. A lawyer can protect your rights and handle the claims process while you focus on recovery.
Get an Advocate on Your Side
Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents
Identifying the kind of accident you were in can help your attorney determine who is responsible and what kind of compensation you can pursue. Common types of auto accidents in Alabama include the following:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Uber/Lyft accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Uninsured driver accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Failure-to-yield accidents
Understanding the cause of a motor vehicle accident is just as important as identifying the type. While some accidents involve unavoidable factors like bad weather, many result from driver behavior or poor decisions on the road. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers who use their phones, eat, or engage in other activities while driving, even for a few seconds, are significantly more likely to crash.
- Speeding – Drivers who exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions have less time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic.
- Drunk Driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs suffer from impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and poor coordination.
- Reckless Driving – Drivers who behave recklessly by tailgating, lane weaving, or running stop signs disregard the safety of others on the road and put everyone at risk.
- Running Red Lights – Drivers who ignore or try to rush through traffic lights increase the chance of T-bone or head-on collisions with other vehicles.
- Drowsy Driving – Drowsy drivers often struggle to stay alert or react swiftly to hazards. Sometimes, they even fall asleep at the wheel, especially on long stretches of road.
- Tailgating – Following too closely, or tailgating, reduces the amount of time a driver has to react if the vehicle in front stops suddenly, which can lead to rear-end collisions.
- Driver Inexperience – New or inexperienced drivers are more likely to make mistakes on the road. They may misjudge distances, fail to yield, or struggle to handle difficult driving conditions.
- Failing to Yield – Failing to yield the right of way is a frequent cause of accidents at intersections, roundabouts, and when merging onto highways.
Typical Injuries Resulting from an Auto Collision
The type and severity of a car accident injury often depend on factors like the speed of the collision, the impact angle, and whether seat belts were in use. Even what seems like a minor crash can lead to severe injuries that require medical treatment, ongoing care, and rehabilitation. Recognizing the various types of injuries that can result from a car accident can help you understand the potential impact on your health and your claim for compensation.
Here are some examples of common car accident injuries:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Face and eye injuries
- Dental trauma
- Lacerations
- Bruising
- Burns
- Dislocated joints
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?
In Alabama, you have two years to file a car accident lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries, no matter how strong your case might be.
This means you should contact a lawyer immediately after any Alabama car wreck. Waiting too long to act can cost you the chance to recover money for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Your lawyer can review your case, gather evidence, and manage the entire claims process, so you don’t have to worry about missing deadlines.
Contact a Dothan, AL, Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in an Alabama car accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. The right legal support can make all the difference in your recovery, so contact Parker Trial Law right away for a free case review.
Our car accident law firm will listen to your story, discuss your options, and help you take the next steps in demanding the compensation you deserve.