Prattville, Alabama Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident in Prattville due to another driver’s negligence, attorney Rick Morrison of the Morrison Law Firm can help. Over many years of experience representing crash victims against careless drivers and insurance companies in Alabama, Rick Morrison has developed the necessary skills to hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. Put that skill, knowledge, and experience to work for you while you focus on your recovery.
Compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and other losses may be available if you or a family member was recently hurt in a car accident. To learn more about filing a car accident claim in Prattville in a free and confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (334) 625-6128, or contact us online.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Alabama
Car accidents in Alabama happen too frequently. Government agencies and safety researchers have identified multiple causes that can lead to a car accident. Some common causes of car crashes in Alabama include speeding, drunk driving, following too closely (tailgating), and failing to yield.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of car crashes in Alabama. According to the state’s latest crash report, which was released by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), there were 7,229 speed-related crashes in 2016 alone. Unfortunately, speeding car accidents lead to devastating injuries and fatalities. A skilled car accident lawyer in Prattville can help you hold the liable parties accountable for your losses.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving also plays a significant role in many car accidents – not only in Prattville or Alabama, but throughout the entire country. While there have been efforts to prevent drivers from operating their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, these accidents are still frequent. For instance, according to ALDOT’s 2016 crash report, drunk driving was responsible for 4,368 car crashes in the state of Alabama.
Tailgating
When a driver follows a vehicle too closely, he or she is at risk of causing an rear-end accident. Drivers are supposed to keep a safe distance between other cars on the road. However, many negligent drivers disregard this basic driving principle, endangering other drivers and their passengers.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Some drivers believe they have the right of way at all times. Nevertheless, all drivers should follow the law and abide by all traffic rules, including the right of way. Whenever a driver disregards the law and does not yield the right of way, they put themselves and others at risk of an accident. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, you can seek compensation by filing a car accident claim with help from an attorney.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Alabama
After being involved in a car accident, it’s easy to feel disoriented and overwhelmed. However, there are steps you should take after a crash that may help you going forward. These steps are listed below.
Get Medical Assistance
Safety should be your primary concern after an accident. If you are able, call 9-1-1 and report any injured victims, yourself included. Different types of injuries, such as whiplash, may take more than a day to show symptoms. Getting checked by a healthcare professional can help you prevent health complications.
Report the Accident
Once you have been medically cleared, call the police and report the accident. A police officer will show up at the crash scene and will make a report based on his or her findings. This report can be helpful in future proceedings.
Gather Information
After being involved in an accident, gather as much information as you can. Make sure to collect critical information such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mails, and relevant auto insurance information from all parties involved. This information will save you time later, and can be useful when you are pursuing a claim.
Hire a Lawyer
After a car accident, you may wonder who will pay for your losses. Alabama is an “at-fault” state. This means the party who is responsible for your accident will be liable for resulting injuries. His or her insurance company may cover your losses, up to the driver’s policy limits.
Dealing with an insurance company after a car accident can be stressful and confusing. They may deny liability, make low settlement offers, or even attempt to convince you that you were the driver at fault. A Prattville car accident lawyer can help you deal with these issues while filing your claim and educating you about your other legal rights.
Car Accident Attorney in Prattville, Alabama
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident due to the actions of a negligent driver, the Morrison Law Firm can fight to obtain compensation for your losses. At the Morrison Law Firm, we understand how difficult getting back on your feet can be. That is why we dedicate ourselves to fighting aggressively to defend your rights as an injured victim. Rick Morrison will work tirelessly to maximize the value of your claim. To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (334) 625-6128, or contact us online.