Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Huntsville, AL

FAQs

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

  256-722-7100 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Huntsville.

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

  To obtain a copy of a report, you may purchase it from the Records Division located at 815 Wheeler Avenue during business hours (Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM). You must be the victim or reporting party listed on the report to get a copy. When requesting a copy, you must provide valid ID, case report number, date and location of the incident, and the reason for obtaining the report. The cost for obtaining a report is $10, payable by cash, credit card, or check to the City of Huntsville. Note that processing time may take up to 72 hours. If you are not the victim or reporting party listed on the report, you will need to have the record subpoenaed to obtain a full copy of the report. For additional information, contact 256-427-7020.

• What are the common cases handled by personal injury lawyers in Huntsville?

  The cases handled by personal injury lawyers in Huntsville typically involve car crashes, truck wrecks, wrongful death cases, property damage injuries, and injuries caused by defective products such as medical devices and prescription drugs. In addition, personal injury lawyers in Huntsville may also handle cases involving medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and injuries resulting from dog bites or animal attacks.

• What are the typical motorcycle accident injuries in Huntsville?

  The typical motorcycle accident injuries in Huntsville include head injuries, road rash, muscle damage, broken bones, and paralysis. Head injuries can cause brain damage, seizures, and even fatality. When a rider slides across a road, abrasions, cuts, and nerve damage occur. A motorcycle accident also causes bone fractures, given the impact against concrete, asphalt, and metal. Muscle damage can also result from hitting a hard surface, even at low speeds. In cases of hard impact or awkward landings, spinal cord injuries can occur as well, resulting in paralysis.

• What counts as a premises liability claim in Huntsville?

  If someone is injured on another person's property due to a hazardous condition that the owner failed to fix or warn others about, it may be considered a premises liability claim in Huntsville. A few examples of dangerous conditions include tripping hazards, falling merchandise, inadequate maintenance, negligent building security, broken stairs or railings, and failing to secure dangerous property features. The property owner can be held responsible if they didn't address the issue or put up warning signs.

• What is the basis for pursuing a personal injury case in Huntsville?

  To prove a personal injury case, the plaintiff's attorney must establish the defendant's legal duties toward the plaintiff, demonstrate that the defendant violated those duties, demonstrate the extent of the plaintiff's losses, demonstrate that the defendant's negligence or actions caused the plaintiff's injuries. For instance, a driver is legally responsible for obeying traffic laws, a manufacturer is legally responsible for manufacturing safe products, and losses may include medical bills and lost wages. Successfully establishing these four elements can help the plaintiff seek compensation for their injuries.

• What is the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Huntsville?

  Most types of personal injury claims may be brought by a competent adult within two years from the date of the injury in Huntsville, Alabama. Minors under the age of 19 may be exempt from filing a claim against a government agency, and the deadline for filing may be as short as six months. The right to seek compensation for your injuries may be lost if you do not file your personal injury claim within the deadline.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.