Car accidents have a profound impact on those involved. From injuries and vehicle damage to financial strain and lingering physical conditions, an accident can quickly take a toll on your life, especially if it was the result of another driver’s negligence. When you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident, our car accident lawyers in Birmingham are ready to fight for you and get you maximum compensation.
At Riley & Jackson, P.C., we combine extensive experience with thorough preparation to get you exceptional results. When you hire an Alabama personal injury lawyer, you have an ally who is deeply devoted to your case and provides unwavering support regardless of what arises during your case. Our team ensures you receive fair treatment and are not taken advantage of. You are our top priority, and we treat your case with the value it deserves.
Common Car Accident Injuries
In the most recent report by the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were 144,263 crashes within the state, with 37,935 crashes resulting in injuries. There were also 907 fatal crashes and 986 fatalities. While vehicle accidents and injuries have decreased, Alabama has seen a rise in fatalities. Additionally, in Jefferson County, 17,389 accidents occur at intersections, and 11,044 accidents occur in other locations.
With so many car accidents throughout Alabama, the injuries that result from them can vary widely. Some common injuries sustained in car accidents include the following:
- Head, neck, and spine injuries
- Whiplash, lacerations, bruising, sprains, and broken bones
- Internal bleeding and damage
- Disabilities and paralysis
- Wrongful death
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, seek treatment by a medical professional. Not all injuries are external or obvious, and a doctor can assess whether you have suffered any internal damage or head injuries. Prompt medical attention can save your life, and should be prioritized after an accident.
Additionally, accident Injuries can often be delayed due to adrenaline and shock. As such, it is important to continue to monitor your symptoms in the days and weeks after your accident and initial medical exam. If you develop new symptoms or existing ones get worse, see a doctor immediately. While some delayed injuries can be minor — such as bruising — other accident injuries have the potential to be life-threatening.
Pivotal Actions to Take After a Car Accident in Birmingham
After a car accident, your next steps can significantly impact the success and financial outcome of your case. Aside from receiving medical attention to ensure your safety, the information and evidence gathered can affect the strength of your case and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive. To have the best chance at getting the compensation you need, take the following steps after an accident:
- Call 911 and receive medical attention
- File a police report and request a copy of the completed report
- Gather evidence such as photos, videos, and witness statements
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Hire a car accident lawyer in Birmingham
A Car Accident Lawyer Protects Your Insurance Claim
While insurance companies are often a primary source of financial relief after an accident, they may not always have your best interests at heart. Insurance companies often act in bad faith by using tactics to avoid paying for your injuries.
They may try to blame you, use a technicality to pay you less or nothing at all, delay payment, and more. Their first offer will typically be on the low end and they will try to get you to accept and close out your claim as soon as possible — sometimes before you even know the extent of your injuries and true value of your losses. A closed claim may not be renegotiated down the line.
Before accepting any offer from an insurance company, talk with a car accident lawyer in Birmingham first. They have considerable experience dealing with insurance companies and advocating for fair treatment and compensation. They can negotiate with insurance companies and make them pay you what you deserve. Your lawyer will also fiercely protect your rights throughout the process so you are not taken advantage of.
Why Choose Us? Riley & Jackson, P.C. are Champions for You During a Difficult Time
When you hire Riley & Jackson, P.C. after a car accident in Birmingham, AL, you can be assured that you will have a champion throughout the legal process. We work harder and prepare better than anyone else to get you the compensation and resources you deserve. We listen, strategize, investigate, and perform in-depth research to ensure your case is solid and effective. We are always prepared to go to trial to get you results.
Additionally, during negotiation or trial, the car accident lawyer handling your case will use the standard of negligence to demonstrate the fault of the driver responsible for your injuries. This consists of the following:
- Duty: Responsibility to protect you from harm
- Breach of duty: Failure to act in a reasonable and cautious manner
- Causation: Direct cause of the accident and subsequent injuries
- Damages: Driver at fault must pay for damages as a means of restitution
Our services also extend beyond the claim or litigation process — we are a partner for life when serious injuries occur. While working with one of our clients who sustained partial quadriplegic injuries, we not only settled her case, but also secured her a financial advisor, life care planner, and trust advisor to manage her settlement. We also ensured she had a wheelchair accessible van and medications.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Alabama
According to Alabama Code § 6-2-38, you have two years from the time of an accident to file your claim for compensation. Once the statute of limitations expires, you may no longer be permitted to have your case heard.
It is important to talk with your lawyer as soon as possible about your case to make sure the statute of limitations has not expired. Filing a claim soon after the accident can also ensure you have a strong case with fresh evidence, which ensures a more favorable outcome. Your lawyer will be able to advise you of your options in relation to the timeframe available to you and other relevant factors.
Pay Nothing Unless We Win
At Riley & Jackson, P.C., we use a contingency fee model to best serve our clients affected by car accidents. Our clients do not have to pay anything unless we win their case. Legal fees are only deducted once our clients receive their compensation settlement so they do not have to pay anything out of pocket.
Contingency fees are designed to make legal services more accessible to our clients, especially if they are already under a heavy financial burden. It also ensures that the client and lawyer are aligned on the desired outcome of the case. There is also no financial risk for the client with this model.
Recover Your Losses Through Compensation
When another driver collides with your vehicle after acting negligently, you are legally entitled to seek compensation from them for your injuries. Compensation can also cover your other losses and provide additional relief. Common damages you can receive for your losses include:
- Economic damages provide relief for the financial losses you have suffered. When the costs of medical expenses, lost income, and property damage add up, economic damages cover those costs and relieve the financial burden.
- Non-economic damages provide relief when you have lost your quality and ability to enjoy life. It also helps compensate you for the pain, suffering, trauma, and emotional distress you have suffered at the hands of another driver.
- Punitive damages provide additional relief when you have suffered extreme losses due to another driver’s gross negligence. Punitive damages are used sparingly and also serve to punish and deter the driver who harmed you.
You may be able to claim one or more types of damages depending on your situation. Every car accident and case is different, so verdicts and settlements can vary widely. A Birmingham car wreck lawyer will help you calculate the value of your expenses, injuries, and other losses to determine what a fair settlement is for your situation and then fight to get you the maximum compensation.
Our firm is committed to getting results for clients so they have a way to move forward following the trauma they have experienced. For one of our clients, we secured a $1,150,000 settlement for the estate of Mr. Leobardo Perez-Zuniga after he was hit head-on and killed in a vehicle accident.
Birmingham Car Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Birmingham?
After an accident, prioritize safety and medical attention. Call 911, file a police report, and exchange insurance and contact information. When you are medically stable, gather evidence like photos and witness statements, and contact a Birmingham car accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Alabama?
Under Alabama Code § 6-2-38, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation.
When should I hire a car accident lawyer in Birmingham?
It’s best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident—ideally before speaking with the insurance company. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts, and they may try to get you to settle quickly for far less than your claim is worth. An experienced car accident attorney can protect your rights, preserve critical evidence, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
What if I feel okay after a car accident—should I still see a doctor?
Yes, unless the impact was very minor. Many injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, can be delayed due to adrenaline and shock. Medical documentation is also essential for strengthening your legal claim. And even if the impact in the accident was minor, you should be aware of new or worsening neck or back pain. Many drivers react quickly and violently even to minor impacts, which can cause disc protrusions or herniations, nerve impingement, and pain, numbness, and tingling.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, which bars recovery if you are found to be even 1% at fault. This is why having an experienced car accident attorney is critical—they can work to prove the other driver’s liability while making sure you do not inadvertently admit fault that was not yours.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
At Riley & Jackson, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is taken from the settlement, so there’s no upfront cost to you.
What if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
Do not accept any offer without consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements to close claims quickly. A car accident attorney can assess the full value of your claim and negotiate on your behalf. You may also have issues other than medical complications about which you are not yet aware, such as hospital liens, unpaid medical bills, and health insurance subrogation, all of which can reduce your recovery.
Can I still file a claim if the accident happened weeks ago?
Yes, as long as you are within the two-year statute of limitations. However, acting quickly gives your lawyer more time to build a strong case and access fresher evidence.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. A Birmingham car accident attorney can help you navigate the claim process and ensure you explore all available options for recovery.
How long will my car accident case take to settle?
Every case is different, but straightforward claims may settle in several months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries or disputes over fault can take a year or more. Your attorney will work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
What makes Riley & Jackson different from other Birmingham car accident law firms?
We go beyond basic legal representation—we prepare every case as if it will go to trial and provide long-term support, including assisting our clients with locating the right people for financial planning. For clients with serious, permanent injuries, we help with long-term care coordination. We treat every client as a priority and work relentlessly to get results.
Riley & Jackson, P.C. is an Ally for Justice
At Riley & Jackson, P.C., we care about our clients and getting them the compensation and resources they need. Our team provides a full-service experience so our clients do not have to navigate any part of the claim process themselves. With an experienced ally, our clients can be confident that they will be in good hands at every stage. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation online or call us at 205-879-5000.