The last thing that you expect when you are driving to work or running errands in Gadsden is to be involved in a car accident that day. Yet, car accidents are a common occurrence on our Alabama roadways. According to statistics from a recent annual report, a car crash was reported every 3 minutes and 18 seconds in Alabama.
After being injured in a serious car accident, your recovery should be your top priority. Traumatic injuries can have serious effects, and the sooner you heal, the sooner you can start to move on with your life and put the accident behind you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious car accident due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help ensure you receive the financial compensation you need to get your life back on track.
At Norris Injury Lawyers, we have more than 40 years of experience representing car accident victims in Gadsden, AL. Contact our law firm today to schedule your free case consultation. We offer all our clients our No Fee Guarantee® . Call us 24/7 at (800) 477-7510, start a live chat with us, or fill out the online consultation form.
Common Causes of Gadsden, Alabama Car Accidents
The majority of car accidents are a result of human error. Unfortunately, regardless of how careful and conscientious of a driver that you are, you still have to share the roadway with those who aren’t. Consider some of the common causes of Alabama auto accidents.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in the US. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA), about 8 people are killed every day due to distracting driving accidents.
Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the task of driving and can include:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Eating or drinking
- Programming your GPS
- Adjusting the stereo
- Reading
- Applying make-up
- Reaching for an object in the vehicle
If you need to send a text message, program your GPS, or do anything else that diverts your attention from driving, pull over to a safe place off the road and then proceed after you have finished.
Driving under the influence
Everyone is aware of the risk of drinking and driving, yet there continue to be thousands of accidents each year caused by drunk drivers. In the State of Alabama, it is illegal to drive if you have a blood-alcohol level of over .08. DUI accidents have also been caused by drivers who have taken heroin, cocaine, marijuana, prescription pills, and other drugs.
Drugs and alcohol can greatly impair a person’s ability to drive. Necessary driving skills that could be are impaired include:
- Reaction time
- Coordination
- Concentration
- Comprehension
- Vision
If a drunk or impaired driver was the cause of your Gadsden, Alabama, car accident, your personal injury lawyer may pursue punitive damages on your behalf in addition to damages for medical bills and lost wages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent party.
Speeding
Speeding isn’t just something that teenagers do because they’re excited to be behind the wheel for the first time. Every day in Alabama, drivers push their vehicles past the speed limit because of running late for work or some other appointment, but the cost may far outweigh any potential benefits. The consequences of speeding may include a major car accident and severe injury.
Speeding doesn’t just include driving over the posted Alabama speed limit; it also includes over-driving weather conditions. If it is icy, foggy, or raining, you need to adjust your speed and space cushion to the vehicle in front of you. If your Gadsden car accident was caused by another driver’s speeding, then that person may be held liable for any damages that you sustained in the accident.
Drowsy driving
Many residents of Gadsden, AL, lead busy and sometimes stressful lives; when they leave work or other activities they may be exhausted. Drowsy or fatigued drivers have difficulty focusing on the road and have reduced reaction times. A sleepy driver is also at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Reports show that driving while overtired can be just as dangerous in some ways as driving while intoxicated. A 2019 report from the NHTSA stated that there were 697 deaths that year due to drowsy driving.
Reckless driving
Reckless and aggressive drivers willfully ignore the rules of the road and put the lives of everyone around them in jeopardy. Reckless driving behaviors include:
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Failing to yield or obey traffic signs
- Sudden lane changes
- Making illegal U-turns
Reckless driving can quickly escalate to road rage, which is when a driver assaults another driver or passenger. If you spot a driver engaging in reckless driving behavior, it’s best to just remain calm and try to stay out of that person’s way if possible to safely do so.
If you were injured by a reckless driver in a Gadsden, Alabama, car accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at our law firm today. We can inform you of your legal rights and may be able to help you recover financial compensation.
When You Need a Gadsden Car Accident Lawyer
After sustaining an injury in a severe auto accident, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a personal injury attorney or if you can just handle the claim yourself. There are certainly a few incidents when car accident lawyers are not needed, but there are many situations where it is in your best interests to have us on your side.
The following could be some indications that you should contact Norris Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys:
- The motor vehicle collision causes severe injury or death
- Your injuries have left you unable to work
- There were multiple parties involved in the accident
- Your insurance claim was denied or you were offered a low settlement
- You need to collect evidence to determine fault
- An uninsured motorist was involved
These are just some of the many different scenarios where it would be beneficial to have a personal injury lawyer on your side advocating for your legal rights. No matter the details, though, we recommend talking to us before making your final decision. We offer free consultations without any obligation – you have everything to gain.
The car accident attorneys at our law firm know how to accurately calculate what your claim is worth and successfully negotiate with the insurance company. Most car accident claims are settled out of court, but we are ready to take your case to trial if necessary.
Contact a Gadsden, Alabama Car Accident Lawyer Today
Just because someone is an attorney doesn’t mean he or she is qualified to handle your car accident case. You deserve to be represented by a law firm with a proven track record of success.
When you choose Norris Injury Lawyers, you’re choosing a law firm that has won hundreds of car accident cases and helped clients recover millions of dollars in damages.
At Norris Injury Lawyers, we firmly believe that everyone deserves high-quality legal representation, so we represent our clients on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t win or settle your case, then you don’t owe us anything. We offer all our clients our No Fee Guarantee®. No upfront costs. No hidden fees.
If you or someone you love was injured in a Gadsden, AL, car accident, contact us today to schedule your free case consultation. Call us 24/7 at (800) 477-7510, start a live chat with us, or fill out the online consultation form.
