Did you know that in Alabama, a traffic crash is reported every three and a half minutes? Despite the frequency of these incidents, there’s a lot of misinformation surrounding car accident lawsuits. This sometimes leads to poor decisions and missed opportunities for rightful compensation.
Understanding Car Accident Lawsuits
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6 million car accidents occur annually in the United States. Filing a lawsuit afterward can be a complex process involving state laws, insurance policies, and legal proceedings.
Instead of letting misinformation blossom, let’s debunk some of the most common myths and shed light on the realities of navigating car accident lawsuits.
Myth 1: “I Don’t Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Lawsuit”
Why people believe it: Many believe handling a car accident claim is straightforward and that insurance companies will be fair.
Reality: Without professional help, you risk going without compensation. Insurance companies want to minimize payouts. This leaves legal teams working to protect their interests. A personal injury attorney understands the law, negotiates with insurers, and ensures fair compensation.
Myth 2: “I Can’t Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer”
Why people believe it: Many think lawyers charge expensive upfront fees.
Reality: Most personal injury attorneys (including Timberlake, League, and Brooks) work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs, and their fee is a percentage of your settlement.
Myth 3: “The At-Fault Driver Pays for Everything”
Why people believe it: Victims assume the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover all damages.
Reality: While the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for damages, coverage has limits. If damages exceed those limits, you may need to seek compensation through your insurance or file a lawsuit.
Myth 4: “I Have Plenty of Time to File a Lawsuit”
Why people believe it: Some think they can delay filing a lawsuit until their injuries fully heal.
Reality: Alabama’s statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline means you forfeit your right to seek compensation, no matter how severe your injuries are.
For details, visit Alabama Code on Statute of Limitations (Section 6-2-38)
Myth 5: “The Police Report Determines Who Is at Fault”
Why people believe it: Many believe whatever is written in the police report is final.
Reality: While police reports are essential pieces of evidence, they do not legally determine fault. Insurance companies and courts use other factors, such as witness statements, traffic laws, and expert testimony.
Myth 6: “I Don’t Need to See a Doctor If I Don’t Feel Hurt Right Away”
Why people believe it: People often feel fine immediately after an accident.
Reality: Injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may take time to manifest. Failing to get medical care can hurt both your health and your legal case. Always see a doctor after a collision.
Myth 7: “If I’m Partially at Fault, I Can Still Get Compensation”
Why people believe it: In many states, victims can recover damages even if they are partially at fault.
Reality: Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning if you’re even 1% at fault, you may be ineligible for compensation.
Misconceptions about car accident lawsuits can prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. However, understanding the realities of Alabama’s legal system can protect your rights. Don’t let myths and fallacies prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve. Contact the experienced attorneys at Timberlake, League & Brooks. We can help.
