PRACTICE areas
Car Accidents
*Disclaimer: The guide on this page does not officially reflect Glenda Cochran & Associates LLC’s practices but is instead a preview of our approach to the topic. Only consult directly with a professional, bar-licensed attorney you trust for authorized advice concerning the legal aspects of a specific case.
Birmingham Car Accident Lawyer
When two or more vehicles are in a devastating collision on the road, it can change the lives of the drivers and their families overnight—especially when large or commercial vehicles are involved.
Drivers or passengers with serious injuries not only have to endure unbearable pain and mental anguish; in severe cases, survivors are left with a permanent disability; they also suffer significant financial losses due to the medical bills and lost wages incurred while off work during recovery. More devastatingly, serious injuries can result in wrongful death.
If you were in a car wreck and are suffering any of the above damages, or you represent the estate of a victim of a fatal crash, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and recover compensation.
With over thirty years of experience representing survivors of serious injury and families impacted by wrongful death, our firm, Glenda Cochran & Associates, has plenty of wisdom to share with you here in this guide for exploring the basic facts and stats about car accidents, navigating auto accident laws and regulations in Alabama, and seeing how our lawyers can help you through this complex legal process.
Alabama Car Accident Overview
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)* states that in 2022 alone, more than 144k car accidents occurred in Alabama. Around 26% of those accidents (almost 38,000 car accidents) resulted in injuries, and 907 were fatal crashes.
*This guide derives the Alabama car accident data from ALDOT’s Traffic Crash Facts Booklet, 2022 edition. As of June 2024, there is not a 2023 edition yet, but the 2022 report illustrates how most motor vehicle accident data has remained relatively consistent since 2013.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
3895 car crashes in Alabama in 2022 were caused by driving under the influence; 97 of them resulted in fatality for the at-fault driver or another driver.
Speeding is the most deadly cause of car crashes. 6409 car crashes in Alabama in 2022 were caused by speeding, 126 of those resulting in the fatal injury of the at-fault driver or other driver.
Distracted driving caused 67 car crash-related deaths in the state of Alabama in 2022, which is why, since then, Alabama lawmakers have been implementing more rules prohibiting texting and driving.
If you’ve ever driven around downtown Birmingham, it may not surprise you that the most prevalent named cause of car accidents in Alabama during 2022 was the at-fault driver failing to yield to the driver with the right of way. This resulted in 23,555 crashes, 97 of which caused fatalities.
Auto Accident Laws in Alabama
As of June 15th, 2024, with the enactment of Alabama’s Hands-Free Law, it is illegal in Alabama to use a hand-held cell phone while driving to text, call, use GPS navigation, surf the web, change your music queue, or for any other reason—even if it is an emergency, and in which case, the driver first needs to find a safe area to pull over and park. The Hands-Free Law aims to reduce the risk of car accidents caused by drivers taking their eyes off the road.
According to ALDOT: “A first offense fine is $50 and a point on your license, a second offense fine is $100 and two points on your license, and a third offense fine is $150 and three points on your license. And more than three offenses can mean the suspension of driver’s license.”
Alabama enforces strict speed limits on its roadways to promote safe driving. The maximum speed limit on interstate highways is 70 mph, while other highways and roads have varying limits, typically ranging from 55 to 65 mph. Exceeding these limits can result in hefty fines and points on your driving record.
Less than 2% of people who were completely unharmed in a car accident in our state in 2022 were not wearing seatbelts. That means most people who survived a car accident without injuries wore their seatbelts. Additionally, 56% of all individuals who died in car crashes that year were not wearing a seatbelt.
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a severe offense in Alabama. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered illegal for drivers aged 21 and over. For those under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher is unlawful. DUI penalties include fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that, following alcohol, the most prevalent mind-altering substance that shows up when drug testing drivers after a car accident is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which enters the bloodstream from marijuana use.
How Alabama Car Accident Lawyers Make Personal Injury Claims
At our Birmingham, Alabama law firm, we specialize in handling car accident personal injury claims. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process:
Initial Steps After a Car Accident
Seek Medical Attention:
Your health is our priority. Immediately following your accident, seek medical attention, even if you don’t seem or feel like you got hurt. Prompt care from medical professionals ensures your well-being and provides essential medical records to support your claim.
Document the Accident:
Gather evidence as much as possible at the accident scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain a copy of the police report. Detailed documentation is critical in building a solid car accident claim.
Report the Accident:
Always report the accident to the police. Police reports are critical pieces of evidence in your claim. Additionally, promptly inform your insurance company about the accident to comply with policy requirements.
The 5 Steps of the Claims Process
Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the claims process. Our expertise ensures that you understand every step and maximize your compensation.
We will help you notify the insurance company about your claim. Providing them with the evidence collected is crucial. Our attorneys will handle all communications to protect your interests and insurance information and prevent you from accepting an unfair settlement.
Less than 2% of people who were completely unharmed in a car accident in our state in 2022 were not wearing seatbelts. That means most people who survived a car accident without injuries wore their seatbelts. Additionally, 56% of all individuals who died in car crashes that year were not wearing a seatbelt.
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a severe offense in Alabama. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered illegal for drivers aged 21 and over. For those under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher is unlawful. DUI penalties include fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.
If negotiations fail, we will file a personal injury lawsuit against the other party on your behalf. In Alabama, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys will represent you throughout the legal process, presenting a compelling case to secure the compensation you deserve.
By partnering with our experienced legal team, you can confidently navigate the complexities of personal injury claims. We are dedicated to achieving your best possible outcome, ensuring justice and fair compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose Glenda Cochran Associates?
Our Birmingham, Alabama, car accident attorneys would be proud to fight to win your injury claim and recover compensation for you. We aren’t your average Alabama car accident lawyers, and here’s why:
We’ve Been Defending Car Accident Victims In Birmingham for 30 years
You don’t have to figure it out and navigate this complex legal process alone. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys in Birmingham, Alabama, is here to listen, believe your story, support you, and be the passionate advocates that bring you the justice and fair compensation you and your family deserve.
Our Alabama Car Accident Lawyers’ Legal Representation Doesn’t Cost A Fortune
Some car accident survivors are hesitant to hire an Alabama car accident lawyer to seek compensation because they know that at many firms, legal representation can cost more than the potential winnings, making it a waste of time and money to try. Our firm stands against such dishonest pricing and payment expectations. We don’t want to take away the money we help our clients win, and in proving that, we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid until you do, and only after we win your case!
Our Testimonials Come From Our Real Clients
When a law firm has fake reviews, it’s a red flag. The testimonials in our media gallery are from real client our team has worked closely with to win maximum compensation!
Get in Touch for a Free Consultation
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