There are around 11,000 miles of road in Alabama. During 2022, there was a crash reported every 3 minutes and 38 seconds. 986 people died in 907 fatal accidents – which is one death every 6 hours and 53 minutes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Alabama, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. Here is an overview of how to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in Alabama.

Prove Liability After a Car Accident

The first step is establishing liability – that the other driver was at fault for causing the accident. Alabama follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

To prove liability, gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, video footage if available, and medical records documenting your injuries. Skilled car accident lawyers, such as Keith Belt from Belt, Bruner & Barnett, can analyze the evidence to build a strong liability case. Alcohol-impaired drivers cause 32% of all traffic fatalities, and speeding is a leading cause of deadly accidents in Alabama, with 35% of male drivers speeding when involved in a fatal crash.

Calculate Your Damages

Document all of your accident-related damages, which may include:

• Medical expenses like ambulance fees, hospital bills, physical therapy, medications, etc. Get copies of all your medical bills and records.
• Lost income from missed work due to your injuries. Ask your employer for documentation of lost wages. 
• Cost of household services you can no longer perform, such as cooking and cleaning. 
• Long-term costs like physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices.
• Pain and suffering compensation for physical and emotional trauma.
• Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries limit your activities.
• Property damage, such as car repairs or replacement—it can cost up to $1,500 just to replace an airbag!

Notify Car Insurance Companies 

Notify your own insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurance company about the accident and your intent to file an injury claim. An insurance adjuster will likely contact you to get your statement on what happened. Avoid settling too early for less than your case is worth.

Hire a Car Accident Attorney

An experienced Alabama personal injury lawyer can handle the insurance negotiations and litigation process so you can focus on recovery. Attorneys also have resources like accident investigators who can recreate the accident scene and strengthen your case. 

File a Lawsuit After the Crash

If insurance settlement negotiations fail, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This starts the litigation process, which may involve requests for evidence, depositions, negotiations, and possibly a trial if a settlement cannot be reached. An attorney experienced in car accident cases will navigate this process for the best outcome.

With the proper evidence and legal representation, you can seek maximum compensation for your injuries and damages after an at-fault car accident in Alabama. Consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the crash to protect your right to recover damages.