There is no law or rule mandating you to hire a personal injury lawyer if you have been hurt by another driver, a dangerous or defective product, or by the actions of a person or business. Although you always have the option to represent yourself, doing so isn’t necessarily a good idea. Since many personal injury lawyers take cases on a contingency basis, it is in your best interest to speak with one to see if you have a point. Always choose the path of caution. Be sure to speak with a local attorney because you have a limited time to file a lawsuit and evidence is best preserved near the accident.
Personal Injury Laws in Alabama
Alabama has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for bringing a lawsuit, regardless of how you were injured. In Alabama, that window of time is two years, so you have that long to file a lawsuit against any potential defendants.
If you don’t file by the deadline, your case will typically be dismissed. The person or people who caused your injury will not be able to compensate you in any way.
The two-year time limit only applies if the injured party is minor, in which case it starts when they turn 19.
When you file a lawsuit in civil court, you are designated as the plaintiff and the case is brought against the wrongdoer, also known as the at-fault party or defendant, who is required to make up the victim’s losses.
Personal Injury Types
Here are a few of the different injury types that are litigated. These may consist of:
Car Accidents
The University of Alabama estimates that there are more than 150,000 crashes in Alabama each year. a lawyer can assist you in identifying the responsible party and handling the aftermath of a car accident.
Truck collisions
Due to the stark size difference, a driver of a passenger car is at a severe disadvantage when slamming into a tractor-trailer or even a delivery truck. Trucking accidents cause thousands of injuries and dozens of fatalities each year in Alabama.
Motorcycle accidents
Between 1,500 and 2,000 motorcycle accidents occur in Alabama each year. These collisions cause dozens of fatalities and hundreds of serious injuries.
Premises Liability:
Also known as slip-and-fall accidents, is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the premises in a livable condition for guests. Fixing uneven sidewalks, ensuring that handrails are secure, cleaning up spills on the floor, and even offering sufficient lighting and security when there is a known threat on the premises are all examples of what this entails.
Defective Products
When you purchase a product, tool, drug, or even a medical device, you expect the manufacturer to have done their research and ensured the product is safe for the general public. However, even when used according to instructions, we find that many products sold in Alabama cause harm, sometimes even death.
Dog Bites
A dog’s behavior, including biting, is solely the owner’s responsibility.
If someone else’s negligence causes you harm in one of these areas, that person may be held accountable for your damages.
Need an Opelika personal injury lawyer?
Find the best lawyer by examining and contrasting the profiles of attorneys and their law firms, which include information on each lawyer’s practice, experience, education, training, honors, and fee schedule, as well as those of their colleagues. Think carefully about customer feedback and suggestions from people just like you.
A larger firm with numerous attorneys who can advise you in various areas may be the best choice if you have complex legal needs. Consider a smaller company if your requirements are more restricted and detailed. Find the best Opelika personal injury lawyer for you by speaking with several of them.
Consider the three Cs:
- Credentials: How many cases like yours has this attorney handled?
- Comfort: Who do you feel most at ease working with? Is the law firm’s location close by? How frequently do they contact you?
- Cost – Have you received a thorough explanation of the anticipated costs and fees? Asking for an estimate is acceptable.