Car Accident Attorneys Huntsville Alabama
Anyone who has been hurt or lost a loved one should reach out to us as soon as possible for assistance with their case. Injuries may be minor, but those injuries could progress over time. There are times when the guilty party cannot be found, or the accident had no witnesses. We will research the case thoroughly, provide our clients with the best possible customer care, and recover all compensation that is deserved.
Huntsville is home to all types of roadways. Some of the most common crash sites include Highway 72, Highway 31, Jordan Lane, University Drive, and Research Park Boulevard. Statewide, crashes are most common in shopping and business districts, followed closely by residential areas and rural areas.
Multi-Vehicle Car Wrecks
Multi-vehicle car accidents may be the result of a chain reaction. If one vehicle hits another in a rear end collision, the impact could propel the vehicle to collide with the car in front of them. It is also possible for one car to crash into another and force the second vehicle to collide with a car in another lane or into oncoming traffic. A car accident between two cars could create an obstacle that other drivers cannot avoid.
What Causes Car Wrecks?
Distracted driving: Distracted driving is an issue that everyone must face. Many drivers think that they can do almost anything behind the wheel and remain safe. Distracted driving, on average, can take someone’s eyes off the road for just a few seconds. In that span, a car can travel the length of a football field on the highway and the driver could miss other drivers stopped on surface streets, pedestrians crossing the road, and vital road signs.
Road rage: Road rage is extremely common because drivers have places to go, and many are impatient. Truck drivers are on a schedule, workers need to get to the office, and parents need to take their children to school. Drivers can easily become angered at other drivers who are in the way, and some people get on the road in an aggressive frame of mind.
Poor driving conditions: Bad road conditions include the following:
- Rain
- Wind
- Snow
- Bright sunlight
- Construction sites
- Poorly maintained roads
Reckless driving: Drivers who do not use turn signals put other vehicles in danger, and drivers who make sudden movements are difficult to avoid. If drivers missed an exit or turn, they should continue, change their route, or make a safe turn when possible.
Large trucks: Large trucks are difficult to stop as they cannot make an emergency stop like a regular car. Speeding: Speeding is a factor in over a quarter of all accidents, according to the National Safety Council. Speeding also causes the following issues:
- Decreased visibility
- Decreased reaction time
- Increased possibility of crashing in inclement weather
- A higher rate of injury due to impact
- A higher rate of wrongful death cases
- A feeling of invincibility and an assumption that other cars will get out of the way
Alcohol and drug abuse: Approximately 500 to 2,000 driving under the influence (DUI) incidents go unnoticed for every person who is pulled over and arrested for DUI. This is a troubling statistic that shows there are many more intoxicated drivers on the road. A recent study found the following:
- Of intoxicated adults, 56 percent do not use a ridesharing service
- Nearly 30 percent of college-aged students believe they are able to drive even after having three or four drinks
- Almost 50 percent of teenagers admitted to driving while drunk or buzzed
- In 2018, there were 4.5 million car wreck injuries
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
When a car accident occurs, there is a simple set of steps that everyone should follow when they are faced with the aftermath of a crash.
- Call 911 to ensure that the police and ambulance will arrive on the scene.
- The driver should call the insurance company to report the accident.
- The involved vehicles should be moved out of the road, but other drivers should be assisted only if it is safe.
- The police should be informed without the driver giving an extensive statement. The police report could be used to invalidate a driver’s claim. The driver should not apologize for the accident or explain the accident in great detail. However, it is important to record the officer’s name and badge number.
- Search for eyewitnesses who can explain what happened.
- Contact a Huntsville car wreck lawyer for assistance.
How Should Drivers Work with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident?
Drivers should report their accident as mentioned, but they should not speak to insurance companies on a recorded line. Insurance adjusters can ask confusing questions or try to make it look as if the accident was someone else’s fault.
All letters should be forwarded to your attorney. Together you will determine the best course of action to avoid problems that may arise. Insurance companies and guilty parties try to close these cases as quickly as possible, but they offer almost no compensation in return.
Our car wreck lawyers will ensure that drivers have a clear understanding of what should be done and how drivers can obtain the maximum level of compensation possible.
Which Damages can be Recovered After a Car Wreck?
Medical expenses: Medical expenses can be covered when the driver has sustained injuries during the accident. These medical expenses include future care. Although the accident may have caused serious injuries that could be treated at the hospital or in a doctor’s office, the victim may need treatment for a long period of time. A doctor can estimate the level of treatment that is needed, and their statement can be added to the lawsuit.
Lost wages: Someone who has missed work because of an accident has a right to obtain compensation due to lost wages. People who have missed work should be paid so that they can handle their expenses.
Lost earning potential: Someone who was hurt and cannot return to their previous line of work should be compensated for lost earning potential. A Huntsville car wreck lawyer can calculate the earning potential that will be used in the suit.
Disability: Someone who has been disabled must go through a long application process to secure benefits, and that process can be paid for with an award during a lawsuit.
Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering includes emotional turmoil and loss of companionship. This is a general category that can be used when that person’s standard of living or quality of life has been affected.
Punitive damages: Punitive damages are used as punishment to stop the guilty party from doing it again. Some juries or judges believe they can make an example of the guilty party by offering punitive damages to the injured party.
Anyone who has been involved in a car wreck should speak with the Huntsville car wreck lawyers at Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C. Our legal team will help you manage the aftermath of a car wreck and obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 256-539-3110 or contact us online for a free consultation. With offices in Huntsville and Athens, Alabama, we serve clients throughout North Alabama, Madison County, Limestone County, Marshall County, Jackson County, Morgan County, and Lauderdale County