Proving liability for your vehicle accident is necessary to obtain compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Alabama has complex laws regarding liability, and insurance companies try to use these laws to their own advantage. If an insurer blames you for even a fraction of the accident, it can create obstacles to compensation and make your claim more difficult.
It is critical that you hire a car accident attorney to help prove liability and challenge any accusations against you of sharing liability. The right lawyer can ensure you receive the total compensation you deserve from liable parties.
State Liability Coverage in Alabama
Statistically, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ADOT), you have a 90% chance of getting into a collision during your lifetime.
Therefore, you need to make sure you’re covered when it comes to liability. Alabama drivers are required to purchase the state’s minimum amount in liability insurance, which breaks down as follows:
- $25,000 for bodily injury insurance, which covers the injuries or death of another person;
- $50,000 for bodily injury coverage, which pays for the costs of 2 or more people who are injured or killed; and
- $25,000 in property damage coverage.
The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover you financially if you suffer injuries. You must prove liability to collect compensation, however.
Alabama is an “At-Fault” State
Alabama is a fault state for car accidents. If someone causes an accident, they’re legally and financially responsible for the resulting damages. Some parties who are commonly liable for traffic crashes include:
- Other drivers
- Employers of drivers on the job
- Rideshare drivers or companies
- Vehicle manufacturers
You must identify the right liable parties and have evidence to prove their responsibility.
What Lawyers Must Show to Prove Negligence in a Liability Claim
To prove fault or negligence in car accidents in Alabama, lawyers must prove the elements of negligence:
- A driver owes a duty to others to exercise reasonable care when driving.
- However, the driver breached this duty by acting recklessly. For instance, texting while driving, running a red light, or driving while drunk shows that the driver breached their duty of care.
- As a result of this breach, the driver caused injury or death to another person, or a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian.
Other liable parties in a car accident claim may include pedestrians, property owners, passengers, or car manufacturers (if a defective part led to the accident).
Types of Damages Awarded in Personal Injury Liability Cases
If you’re a car accident victim in Shorter, Alabama, you’re entitled to recover different types of damages. These damages include:
- Economic damages that cover financial losses resulting from the wreck, such as lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses.
- Non-economic damages are considered in settlements and usually include pain and suffering. A multiplier of 1 to 5 can be used to calculate physical pain and emotional distress. The more severe an injury, the higher the multiplier used.
- Punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant who acted intentionally or recklessly in a car accident case.
Speak to a Car Accident Attorney in Shorter, Alabama Today
Following an accident and injuries, you need to speak to a car accident attorney in Shorter, Alabama, immediately. The sooner you pursue the case, the better. Contact Luck Law today and schedule an appointment now.
