Frequently Asked Questions

Alabama sets strict filing deadlines for personal injury and wrongful death claims, and the time you have depends on the type of claim and who it is against — claims involving government entities, for example, can have much shorter notice requirements. Once a deadline passes, even a strong case can be lost forever. Evidence also disappears quickly, so the safest course is to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to make sure every deadline that applies to your case is identified and met.

Be very careful here. Alabama is one of only a handful of states that still follows the contributory negligence rule: if the defense can prove you were even partly at fault, you can be barred from recovering anything. Insurance adjusters know this and often try to get injured people to admit partial fault. Don’t accept their version of events — fault is a legal question, and an experienced Alabama attorney can often defeat a contributory negligence defense with proper investigation.

Every case is different, but compensation in Alabama injury cases can include medical bills (past and future), lost wages and lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, permanent disability or disfigurement, and property damage. In cases involving reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may also be available. The honest answer is that no lawyer can give you a reliable number at the first meeting — anyone who promises a specific amount upfront should make you skeptical.

Most injury cases settle without a trial, but the strongest settlements go to clients whose lawyers are genuinely prepared to try the case. Insurance companies track which firms actually go to court. We prepare every case as if it’s headed to a jury, and you make the final decision on whether to accept any settlement offer.

It depends on the severity of your injuries, whether fault is disputed, and how the insurance company responds. Straightforward claims may resolve in a few months; cases involving serious injuries or litigation can take a year or more. One important rule: we don’t recommend settling until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, because you can’t go back later and ask for more.

Yes. Your initial consultation costs nothing and carries no obligation to hire us. What you share with us is treated confidentially, so you can speak openly about what happened. We’ll listen, give you an honest assessment, and you decide where to go from there.

No. Once you hire a lawyer, the insurance company generally must communicate through your attorney instead of contacting you directly. Many clients tell us the calls stop being stressful the day they sign — we handle the back-and-forth while you focus on getting better.

Helpful items include any crash or incident report, photos, names of drivers and witnesses, your insurance policy, medical records or bills you’ve received, and any letters from insurance companies. But don’t wait to call just because you don’t have everything — we can help you gather what’s missing.

Passengers injured in a crash usually have claims no matter which driver was at fault — sometimes against more than one driver and policy. These claims can feel awkward when the driver is a friend or family member, but remember: the claim is typically paid by an insurance company, not your loved one personally.

If the at-fault driver was on the job — delivery, rideshare, company vehicle, or an 18-wheeler — their employer may also be responsible, and commercial insurance policies are usually much larger than personal ones. Identifying every responsible party and policy early is one of the most valuable things a lawyer does.