Effective Advocacy For Victims Of Auto Accidents From Experienced Car Accident Attorneys

At The Mims Firm, P.C., our car accident attorneys assist individuals and families living in Mobile and communities throughout south Alabama. Whether the personal injury case stems from a car accident, truck accident or motorcycle accident, we are here to help.

In Alabama, a traffic crash was reported every 3 minutes and 38 seconds in 2022, highlighting the frequent and unfortunate reality of road accidents in our state. Tragically, 986 people lost their lives in 907 fatal crashes that same year, underscoring the need for effective legal advocacy for victims and their families (stats via DriveSafeAlabama.org.

Our car accident lawyers commit to providing quality service throughout the course of a case. We do all we can to make the legal process go as smoothly as possible as we work to recover rightful compensation for our clients. To arrange an initial consultation, contact us online or call toll free 866-748-2962.

Holding Those Responsible For Your Injuries Accountable

We understand that a serious personal injury can quickly turn your life upside down. We work to provide a friendly environment focused on developing effective solutions. From the moment you step into our office, you will be treated as if you are family. You can expect to have your questions and concerns addressed promptly and to receive frequent updates on the status of your case.

If your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence, that person, or his or her insurers, may be financially responsible for your injuries and losses. Whether your injuries were caused by an accident with an 18-wheeler, a car wreck or a motorcycle accident, our personal injury lawyers will work to obtain compensation for your injuries and losses.

Common Types Of Auto Accidents

Thousands of auto accidents happen every day. A driver’s negligence can cause serious injuries. Here is a list of common types of auto accidents:

• Drunk driving: Alcohol can lower a driver’s ability to react quickly, blur their vision, shorten their depth perception and impair their judgment. A driver may have been inebriated when an accident occurred.
• Distracted driving: A driver may have been multitasking when an accident occurred. Drivers become distracted while driving when they use their phones, eat, put on makeup or talk to passengers. Distracted driving reduces drivers’ reaction speed, which can increase auto accidents.
• Hit and run: A driver may have hit another driver and fled the scene. This can make it harder to hold the driver responsible for their actions.
• Read-end collision: A driver may hit another vehicle from behind, which can lead to multi-vehicle accidents.
• Head-on collisions: A driver may hit another vehicle from the front, especially in wrong-lane accidents.
• Rollovers: An accident may cause larger vehicles to fall to the side, which can severely injure passengers and others collide with the rolling vehicle.
• Side impact: A vehicle may collide with the side of another vehicle. This happens frequently when drivers run red lights into oncoming traffic.

It may be important to your case to understand the type of auto accident you were involved in to hold liable parties responsible for your injuries and losses.

Types Of Vehicles Involved In Auto Accidents

There are many types of vehicles on the road. An accident with one or more of these vehicles can lead to traumatic injuries and losses. Here is a list of vehicles and how they may be involved in auto accidents:

• Car accidents: Sedans, SUVs, trucks and vans are some of the most common vehicles on the road and most involved in auto accidents.
• Truck accidents: Large trucks that ship large containers can cause some of the most devastating auto accidents because of their size and weight.
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents: Cyclists and pedestrians can be hit by other vehicles, leading to traumatic wounds because of their lack of protection.
• Motorcycle accidents: Much like cyclists, motorcycle riders have very little to protect them from serious injuries after an accident.
• Rideshare accidents: A growing number of accidents involve rideshare vehicles. These vehicles frequently have more than one party involved.

Some auto accidents have more than one liable party, such as truck and rideshare accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accident Claims

At The Mims Firm, P.C., our car accident attorneys want to help victims of auto accidents get the help they need. We find many of our clients have questions about personal injury laws. Victims of auto accidents can get some of their questions answered below:

What should I do after a car accident?

You may be dazed and confused after a car accident. However, it is important to take the right steps to protect yourself. The most important steps to take immediately following a crash include:

• Find someplace safe: If the accident happened in the middle of traffic, you should move your vehicle to the side of the road if it is still safe to operate. 
• Call 911: Ask for the police and an ambulance to come to the scene.
• Seek medical care: Even if you do not believe you are seriously injured, it is important to have a physician check you over. Delayed reactions to injuries are common.
• Collect evidence: If possible, take pictures of both vehicles, the accident scene, any debris in the road and any visible injuries you may have.

As soon as practical, reach out to NAPNAME, to speak to one of our experienced car accident attorneys. We can help you collect evidence that supports your case, contact the insurance companies involved and recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

What are common injuries sustained in car accidents?

Some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents include:

• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Traumatic spine injuries
• Bruises, cuts and burns
• Paralysis
• Limb loss
• Disfigurement
• Emotional turmoil

Many injuries that seem mild at first can actually have significant long-term consequences.

Should I see a doctor even if I don’t think I’m seriously injured?

Yes. Serious injuries may not be immediately apparent after a car accident due to delayed onset and the way that adrenaline can mask things. You need to protect your health above all. 

Seeing medical attention right away can also make a difference to any future claim you make for damages, since that helps connect your injuries to the accident. Your medical records may be a foundational part of your claim and important evidence.

What if I were a passenger in a car accident?

If you were a passenger in a car accident, you may be able to seek damages through your driver’s and the other driver’s insurance. 

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in Alabama?

It is important to act fast after an auto accident to recover maximum compensation. However, victims generally have two years to file a personal injury claim from the date of the accident. This can give victims time to recover from their injuries, prepare evidence for their claim and talk to an experienced personal injury attorney. By talking to a car accident lawyer soon after an accident, victims protect themselves against insurance company tactics designed to lower their compensation or deny their claims.

How is fault determined in a car accident case in Alabama?

Proving fault in an auto accident case is typically key to winning compensation. Several important pieces of evidence can help prove fault in a case, including police reports, video evidence from a dashcam, witness statements, photos and vehicle damage. All of these can establish the other party’s negligence.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident? Can I still recover damages?

Alabama is one of the few states in the nation that allows “contributory negligence” as an affirmative defense against car accident claims. That means that if you were even 1% at fault for the accident – such as in a situation where your taillights did not work, failing to signal the driver behind you that you were braking – you can be barred from recovery. That is why it is so essential to let an attorney do all of the talking for you when interacting with the other party’s insurer.

How does the contingency fee arrangement work for personal injury cases?

We want to help as many victims of auto accidents as possible, which is why we offer contingency fee arrangements. Instead of paying upfront for our services and experience, we work with clients to win their cases on the basis that we only get paid if we recover compensation for you through negotiation or at trial.

Flexible Appointments For Your Convenience

If you suffered injuries in an accident, or if you lost a family member and believe you have a wrongful death case, we can help. In 2022, a person was killed in a traffic crash every 8 hours and 53 minutes, a stark reminder of the risks on our roads (DriveSafeAlabama.org). We are available to meet with clients between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you cannot come to our office, located in the historic part of Mobile, we can come to you if necessary.

We resolve all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. If we are unable to recover compensation for your losses, there will be no attorney fees. For more information or to schedule a free case review with a car accident attorney, email us or call 866-748-2962.