Traffic accidents destroy far too many lives in Alabama. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), someone is injured in an Alabama crash about once every 13 minutes. When someone else was to blame for your accident, you have the right to hold that person financially responsible for your existing and future losses. In order to win the compensation you deserve, you need the help of experienced and dedicated Alabama traffic accident lawyers.
Alabama Traffic Accidents
ALDOT reports that, in Alabama, in 2012:
- A traffic accident was reported every 246 seconds
- Someone was injured every 13 minutes and 4 seconds
- Every 10 hours and 15 minutes, a person was killed in a traffic crash
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2013 there were 766 fatal crashes resulting 852 deaths in Alabama.
Time Limits
After a motor vehicle accident, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. The statute of limitations for auto accidents is two years in Alabama. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit or you will lose your right to sue. There are certain factors that can give you more or less time to file. For instance, if you must sue a government entity you can have as little as six months to take action.
Injured by a Hit and Run or Uninsured Driver
If you were injured by an uninsured motorist, you may be able to collect compensation from your own insurance carrier. An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer will look for uninsured motorist coverage in your policy and any other coverage that could be applied to your claim. Alabama law requires insurance companies to provide uninsured motorist coverage with each policy unless the policy holder opts out.
Alabama Distracted Driving Laws
Click here for information about the distracted driving laws in Alabama.
If You Were Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Alabama does have laws requiring seat belt use, but if you are injured in an Alabama traffic accident, failure to wear a seat belt cannot be used as evidence against you. There are states that allow seat belt non-use to be used as a reason to reduce your compensation, but Alabama recognizes that the at-fault driver is to blame and should be held responsible even if you were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
If you have been injured in a traffic vehicle accident or lost a loved one in a fatal crash in Alabama, please browse our directory of car accident lawyers to speak to one of the experienced Alabama motor vehicle accident lawyers profiled on this website.