Alexander City Car Accident Attorneys
Car Accidents in Tallapoosa County
If you were recently involved in a car accident in Alexander City or anywhere in Tallapoosa County, Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law is here to help. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, and our attorneys can help you file your claim against the at-fault party. We have been representing clients throughout Alabama since 1991 and have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for injured accident victims and the loved ones of those wrongfully killed.
When you turn to our firm, you will receive personal attention and compassionate counsel from start to finish. All of our clients work with partner attorneys, and you will have direct contact with your legal team throughout the process. We do not collect any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call us today at (256) 795-3388 or contact us online for a free consultation. Hablamos español.
Is Alabama a No-Fault Accident State?
Alabama is not a no-fault car accident state. In no-fault states, accident victims can recover compensation from their own insurance companies by filing personal injury protection, or PIP, claims without having to prove that someone else was at fault. Because Alabama follows a traditional fault-based system, most accident victims must file claims against the at-fault party’s insurance provider. This means you must prove that someone else was to blame for the crash to recover damages.
Additionally, Alabama follows what is known as a “contributory negligence” rule. Under this rule, accident victims cannot recover any compensation after an accident if they are partially at fault. Even if the court determines that you were only 1% to blame, you will be unable to recover damages. Because of this harsh rule, it is important that you work with an experienced attorney who can gather evidence and build a powerful case on your behalf demonstrating the other party’s fault. Insurance companies often try to dispute claims by assigning blame to accident victims, but our attorneys know how to fight back against these tactics and advocate for a fair settlement. If necessary, we are prepared to represent you at trial.
Proving Fault in Your Car Accident Case
To prove that another person or party is liable for your damages after a car accident in Alabama, you will need to demonstrate that they were entirely at fault for the collision. Typically, this involves demonstrating that they were somehow negligent or acted wrongfully.
Some common causes of car accidents that can be attributed to negligence include:
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for current conditions
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Making unsafe or illegal turns
- Passing unlawfully
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running red lights, stop signs, and other traffic control devices
- Aggressive or reckless driving and road rage
- Tailgating, or following too closely
- Failing to use vehicle turn signals
- Failing to fix broken vehicle parts, such as brake lights
While negligent motorists are most often to blame for car accidents, some collisions result from outside factors. Poor weather conditions, low visibility, and defective vehicles or roadways can all contribute to or cause a crash.
At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, our Alexander City car accident lawyers conduct exhaustive investigations to determine exactly what happened and who is to blame. We work with accident reconstructionists and other experts and have the resources to handle even the toughest and most complex of cases.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Alabama?
In most cases, the standard personal injury statute of limitations applies to car accident cases. This means that you typically only have two years from the date of the accident (or injury) to file a car accident lawsuit in Alabama. Note that this applies in cases involving bodily injury or death; in wrongful death cases, the two years typically begins on the date of death, whether or not this is the same date on which the accident occurred.
It’s also important to note that the two-year statute of limitations applies to lawsuits, not insurance claims. In fact, your time to file an insurance claim may be far more limited. The exact language of the applicable auto insurance policy, as well as the insurance company’s rules regarding claims, will affect the amount of time you have to file your claim.
Additionally, if you are only suing for property damage, including vehicle damage, you have six years to file your lawsuit.
How Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a serious car accident can be extremely challenging. Right now, your focus should be on getting the medical care you need; you shouldn’t have to worry about fighting with the insurance company for a fair settlement. Instead, let our attorneys handle the various legal details involved in your claim. From gathering evidence to submitting paperwork to negotiating with the insurance company, we are ready to advocate for you every step of the way.
Our firm offers contingency fees, meaning we only get paid if you do. If we do not recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf, you do not owe any attorney fees.
Call us today at (256) 795-3388 or submit a free online case evaluation form to get started.