Best Car Accident Lawyers in Decatur, AL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Decatur, Alabama?

  (256) 341-4600 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Decatur, Alabama.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Decatur, Alabama?

  You can get a copy of the police report for the accident in the Decatur Police Records Department, which is located in the basement of City Hall. For more information, please call (256) 341-4618 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All police reports are $5.00 per copy. This includes vehicle crash reports, incident/offense reports, and criminal background checks.

• What should you do if you witness a car accident in Decatur?

  If you witness a car collision in Decatur, you should go to a safe place, contact 911 to report the accident, and request police and emergency assistance. If possible, photograph the cars involved from different angles, the site, the roadway, and the injuries sustained in the accident. You should not move the victims, but you can try to comfort them. You can also provide your contact information as a witness upon request. If a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit is filed, insurance agents, police, and other parties may contact you as a witness.

• What are some of the most dangerous roads in Decatur?

  The River City's most dangerous roadways include SR 67 (The Beltline), Moulton Street, and Central Parkway. Over 2,100 car accidents in Decatur resulted in 483 injuries and nine deaths, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation. Speeding, distracted and drunk driving, hazardous road conditions, and defective auto parts are some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents in Decatur. Car accidents can also occur as a result of reckless driving and the presence of animals on the road.

• What are the car insurance requirements in Decatur?

  In Decatur, Alabama, mandatory liability insurance is $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $50,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. In many accident cases, Alabama's insurance limits may be insufficient. However, minimum liability rules do not cover everything. Liability insurance will only cover the damages and injuries you cause, not those you sustain, so having full coverage in your Decatur car insurance is recommended.

• Can a passenger injured in a Decatur car accident receive compensation?

  If you were a passenger in a car accident in Decatur and suffered collision injuries, you may be able to sue or file an insurance claim for compensation. You may seek compensation from the other parties if they are at fault. You can even sue your vehicle's driver if they were negligent. If one or both drivers are at fault and uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover from your own uninsured or underinsured automobile insurance.

• What is the deadline for filing a claim after a car accident in Decatur?

  If you were injured in a Decatur car accident, you have two years to file a claim. The standard statute of limitations in Alabama for personal injury cases is two years from the day of the accident. Wrongful death cases have a general two-year deadline under Alabama Code 6-5-410. If you have been injured in a car accident and need to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.