Whether you’re on your way to work or heading to a class at the University of North Alabama, a car accident is probably one of the last things on your mind. True, you may carry mandatory auto insurance on your vehicle, but accidents are often unexpected and cause significant headache.
First, you may face the immediate concerns of your personal injury or property damage. In the days and weeks that follow, though, the number of things you need to worry about increases: growing medical bills, time off work, and other financial damages. Filing an insurance claim might seem like a simple, straightforward process, but that is often not the case. You need a lawyer to ensure your compensation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Florence, AL, car accident, contact the car accident lawyers at the law firm of Norris Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Any one of our lawyers is well equipped to help you make sense of your situation and provide the guidance you need to decide on your next steps.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florence, Alabama
The State of Alabama recorded more than 159,000 car accidents in 2019. Accidents are bound to happen, and while state regulators are trying to reduce the number of traffic incidents, it’s impossible to eliminate them all.
The majority of accidents seen in Lauderdale county are caused by one of 2 reasons: unsafe road or weather conditions and negligent driving practices.
Unsafe road or weather conditions in Florence, AL
When the weather starts turning into winter each year, we know there is dreary weather ahead. Cold and wet temperatures throughout the winter months in Florence, AL, pose an additional risk for drivers. The presence of snow and ice on the road can make it difficult to control a vehicle and it becomes all too easy to experience a crash.
On top of weather conditions, insufficient road maintenance can cause an accident, no matter the season. Our roads and highways are well-used, and if they aren’t properly maintained, then uneven pavement, dangerous obstacles, or inaccurate signage can contribute to a collision as well.
Negligent driving in Florence, AL
Every driver is responsible for taking certain measures and precautions to keep everyone safe on the road. Unfortunately, not all drivers take this responsibility seriously.
Certain dangerous practices are seen all too often on the road, resulting in crashes each year:
- Speeding
- Texting
- Failure to yield
- Driving while sleepy
- Aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
A driver who engages in any of these dangerous practices puts others at risk. When negligence causes injury and loss, the at-fault driver should be held accountable for his or her actions. An experienced lawyer can help you accomplish this. The law firm of Norris Injury Lawyers stands by 24/7 to receive your request for assistance.
Liability and Compensation After a Florence, AL Accident
Each state has its own legal system to determine what compensation is available after a crash as well as who is responsible to pay out the compensation after a car accident.
Compensation available after a crash in Florence, AL
The effects of an accident can touch nearly every aspect of your life and can last for a long time. As the victim of a Florence car accident, the compensation you can receive with the help of a lawyer will help cover the financial and emotional damages you have suffered.
Your damages may include:
- Ambulatory and emergency care
- Cost of medication
- Rehabilitative care
- Lost wages during recovery
- Limited future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Cost of a rental vehicle
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring or disfigurement
When you work with one of the lawyers at our law firm, you can have the confidence that your story is being heard and your needs, looked after. Our car accident lawyers will take the time to understand your case to accurately represent you and defend your claim.
Determining liability for a crash in Florence, AL
Some states require the insurance company to provide a payout for damages caused by an accident, no matter who was at fault. In these states, it is each driver’s own insurance company that would provide compensation, even if the insured individual was the one to cause the accident.
Alabama is a “fault state,” which means the party who was at fault for the crash is responsible for the compensation due the victim. Alabama also follows a pure contributory negligence rule. That means you are only eligible to receive compensation for damages if you do not share fault at all for the crash.
While the pure contributory negligence rule can make it more difficult to receive compensation for a Florence collision, the law firm of Norris Injury Lawyers has been helping North Alabama victims receive fair compensation for their personal injury claims for over 40 years. We have the skills and experience necessary to investigate and fight your local case.
How the Auto Insurance Claims Process Works in Florence, AL
If you were a victim of a car accident, the insurance claims process is supposed to help you receive compensation for the damages caused by the crash. The process is designed to work this way:
- The insurance claim is submitted to the insurance company
- Your case is assigned a number and an adjuster
- The adjuster investigates the accident to determine fault and liability
- You are offered a settlement as compensation for your losses
In a perfect world, you and the insurance company involved would be on the same side. After all, you might reason that the insurer is in the business of providing coverage. Unfortunately, it is not always that simple.
Insurance companies are businesses. That means the more money they collect on premiums and the less money they spend on settlements, the higher their profits. At the end of the day, an insurance company benefits financially by minimizing or denying your claim.
Additionally, as the claimant (or the person filing the claim), the burden of proof falls on you to prove that the other party was liable for your personal injury or other damages. Insurance companies will try to find ways to fight against your claims in an effort to save money.
The insurer may offer you a small settlement shortly after the accident, pressuring you to accept it immediately. At this stage, the extent of your personal injury damages is unknown, and you likely aren’t aware of all the compensation you are eligible to receive.
By being well-prepared after a collision and hiring personal injury lawyers experienced with car accident claims to help you, you can ensure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you. Our Lauderdale County car accident lawyers serving Florence can build a strong case and fight for your legal rights.
Important steps to take after a Florence auto accident
After being involved in a car accident in Florence, AL, there are a few things you should do right away:
- Take photos of any damage to both vehicles
- Exchange registration, insurance, and contact information with the other driver
- Gather contact information from any witnesses
- See a doctor get treatment for any injuries
- Report the car accident to the Alabama Department of Public Safety
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident
- Keep detailed notes and records of all accident-related information
- Request a free consultation from local car accident lawyers for advice
Reach our law firm serving Florence, Alabama, by filling out our contact form or calling (800) 477-7510.
How Our Florence, AL Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
After suffering an injury in a Florence, AL, car accident, the last thing you want on your plate is to fight with an insurance company. When you work with a Florence attorney with Norris Injury Lawyers, though, the stress and work of an insurance claim fall on our shoulders instead.
Let our law firm fight for you while you focus on your recovery. Our legal team can thoroughly investigate your car accident to accurately determine at-fault parties and recover the maximum compensation you are due. Our personal injury lawyers have served Florence for years and are familiar with Alabama law and have the knowledge and experience necessary to build a strong case.
Call us today at (800) 477-7510 for a free consultation and case review. We look forward to hearing your story and showing you how our law firm can help you and your family during this difficult time.
