Auto Accident Attorneys in Hoover, Alabama

Hoover is a growing city in Alabama, and as part of the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area, an effective transportation system is essential for its economy. Indeed, Hoover is connected to the rest of the state via interstate 65 and interstate 459, as well as U.S. Routes 31, 280, and 150.

The elaborate transportation system is key for ensuring that those who live and work in Hoover can conveniently access other areas, such as downtown Birmingham. However, busy highway systems create serious hazards for all those on the road, and tragic accidents occur every year.

At the law offices of Burge & Burge, P.C., our Hoover auto accident attorneys understand how crashes happen, how to determine fault, and the extent of damages that those involved in crashes often suffer. We are also skilled at working with insurance companies and negotiating with insurance adjusters to improve our clients’ chances of recovering the maximum amount of compensation available to them.

How Car Accidents Happen

There are many factors that increase the risk of an auto accident, some of which are out of human control, such as an animal darting across the road or heavy rains that impair visibility. However, most car accidents occur because of drivers’ errors. Acts of driver error that significantly increase the risk of a Hoover auto accident include:

• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Driving while fatigued;
• Speeding;
• Driving aggressively;
• Tailgating;
• Driving while distracted; and
• Any other illegal or irresponsible actions.

When a car accident occurs due to the error, carelessness, recklessness, or negligence of a driver, any party who suffers injuries or losses as a result as the right to seek compensation for their injuries.

Car Accidents Can Have Devastating Consequences

Car accidents are a leading cause of serious injury and death throughout the United States, and when a crash occurs–particularly when vehicles are traveling at high speeds, such as while on a highway–the damages can be truly devastating. In addition to the costs of damages to vehicles, drivers and passengers involved in an auto collision may suffer any of the following injury types, amongst others:

• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Back and neck injuries;
• Soft tissue injuries;
• Internal injuries;
• Amputation or loss of use injuries;
• Bone fracture injuries;
• Cuts, lacerations, bruises, and burn injuries; and
• Psychological injuries.

These injuries can have long-term consequences for a patient. In addition to ongoing medical care in many cases, a victim of a car accident may suffer a permanent disability, may have to make serious lifestyle changes, and may be unable to work and earn an income for weeks, months, year, or even the remainder of their life. These consequences have economical and psychological complications.

Filing a Claim after a Hoover Auto Accident

When a car accident occurs in Alabama, both drivers have a responsibility of reporting the accident to their insurance companies, but it will be the insurance company of the at-fault driver that will be responsible for paying for damages.

To determine fault, an insurance adjuster will investigate the crash, and will likely ask you to give a recorded statement. Our law firm highly recommends against doing this unless you have consulted with an attorney first.

If fault is disputed, this could influence the amount of damages you are able to recover, or your claim could be denied entirely. If there are any questions about fault, call an attorney immediately who will investigate your crash, and work with experts to build your claim and prove that the accident was the fault of the other driver.

Insurance companies have a duty to investigate and process your claim, and offer you a settlement within a reasonable amount of time. However, even if your claim is processed quickly, this does not mean you will be offered a settlement that is reflective of the value of the damages you have suffered.

Negotiating with an Insurance Adjuster to Reach a Settlement

It is not uncommon for insurance adjusters to offer claimant’s settlements that are less than claimants deserve; this is often done to save the insurance company money. You do not have to accept a first settlement offer, and should always have the settlement reviewed by an attorney first.

You have the right to enter negotiations with the insurance adjuster (your attorney can negotiate on your behalf) to reach a greater settlement amount. If your case cannot be settled through negotiations, you may consider filing a car accident lawsuit directly against the at-fault party and bringing your case to court.

Time Limits for Bringing Forth Your Auto Accident Claim

While an attorney can guide you through many of the different legal aspects of filing a car accident claim or filing a lawsuit for damages after a Hoover crash, one thing that you need to be aware of is the amount of time that you have to act. Alabama maintains a statute of limitations for car accident cases, which holds that a claimant must bring forth their suit within two years of the date of accident. If you wait longer than the two-year limitation, you will be barred from recovery.

Contact Our Hoover Auto Accident Attorneys Today

Being involved in a car crash isn’t only scary, but it may change your life as well. If you have suffered economic and noneconomic losses as the result of the dangerous and negligent actions of another party, our experienced Hoover auto accident attorneys want to meet with you. We will review your case for free, and if we think our law firm is a good fit, we will work aggressively to make sure you recover the full value of your medical expenses, pain, suffering, lost wages, and other damages.

To schedule your free consultation with our law firm today, call us at 205-251-9000, send us a message using our online form, or visit us in person at your earliest convenience. We are committed to working hard on your behalf.