Each year, 150,000 traffic accidents occur on Alabama’s roads. In Birmingham, drivers share the highway with commuters, vacationers and tractor-trailers every day. One text message or poor decision can cause a life-changing car accident that has a ripple effect across many families. If you have been injured, if your car was damaged or if you have unpaid medical bills, a personal injury attorney can assess your case and recommend the best way to proceed.
Recovering After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Even a minor car accident can create large problems when you have to deal with the insurance company, repair shop or even a doctor or hospital. The process is emotional, stressful and time consuming. It’s even more difficult if you’re unable to work or support your family while you’re recovering. These companies don’t make it easy. Insurance carriers traditionally make lowball settlement offers to drivers who have been injured, and many people feel pressured into accepting.
Negligence and Reckless Driving
If you were injured in a car accident, you can file a lawsuit against the driver or the driver’s insurance company. Alabama is an at-fault state. This means that the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for all the damage and expenses.
Motorists have a duty to use reasonable care when driving. If you file a lawsuit, you must show that this duty was breached and that your injuries were a direct result. The majority of car accidents occur when a driver violates this duty by going too fast, driving under the influence, texting or making phone calls. According to researchers at the University of Alabama, most accidents are caused by excessive speed, distractions and drunk driving.
- Researchers say that the number of accidents with cars traveling more than 50 mph has increased. They’ve seen an alarming spike in fatal collisions where drivers were going more than 90 miles per hour.
- National studies show that 16 percent of car accidents are caused by distracted driving and texting. In Alabama, these accidents jumped by 20 percent in two years.
- One-third of car accidents involve drivers who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is a contributing factor for all types of traffic collisions.
Driving shouldn’t be this dangerous. Unfortunately, even the most experienced and prudent driver can’t control what others do on the road, but you can influence the outcome by pursuing the compensation that you need to recover from injuries, repair your car and resume your life.
If you were injured in a car accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Allums Welsch, PC. We’re dedicated to representing Birmingham residents who are involved in car and truck accidents. We’ll fight for your right to compensation because we understand how important the outcome is for your family. Our friendly staff members will get to know you and find the best way to help. Get in touch to schedule a free consultation.
