Intersection Accidents Attorney in Alabama

Caught in an intersection accident in Alabama and not sure what’s next? Don’t worry, help is available. Our intersection accidents attorney in Alabama is here to help.

Our legal team is deeply familiar with Alabama’s specific laws surrounding intersection accidents. We’ll stand by your side, upholding your rights and working diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable. The journey towards justice can be complex and demanding, but with Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys by your side, it’s a journey you won’t have to make alone. Contact our law firm today to set a schedule for an appointment with our personal injury attorney.

What is an Intersection Accident?

An intersection accident is a collision occurring where two or more roads intersect, a common conflict point on roadways. These accidents often involve serious injuries, property damage, or fatalities and can include various vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians.

What Are the Causes of Alabama Intersection Accidents?

The causes of intersection accidents in Alabama can vary greatly. However, some factors are more common than others. Here are a few of the most common causes:

• Distracted Driving: This is perhaps the most common cause of intersection accidents. When drivers are distracted by their phones, food, or anything else in the car, they are more likely to miss traffic signals and other cars, resulting in accidents.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit is another major cause of accidents. When drivers speed, they have less time to react to unexpected changes at intersections.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals is a dangerous behavior that often leads to intersection accidents. Drivers who run red lights or stop signs can collide with vehicles that have the right of way.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use can significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impaired drivers are more likely to cause accidents due to slowed reaction times and poor decision making.
• Poor Intersection Design: In some cases, the design of the intersection itself can contribute to accidents. For example, intersections with poor visibility, insufficient signage, or complicated layouts can confuse drivers and lead to accidents.
• Reckless Driving: This includes a range of irresponsible behaviors like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and aggressive driving. Such actions can easily lead to intersection accidents.

If you’re ever involved in an intersection accident in Birmingham or Huntsville, Alabama, our team at Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys is here to help you navigate through the aftermath. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and support.

What Are the Most Common Intersection Accident Injuries?

Intersection accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity. Some of the most common intersection accident injuries include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that commonly occurs in rear-end collisions. It involves a sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments.

Fractures

The impact of a collision can lead to broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone.

Head Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) can occur if the head strikes a hard surface during the accident. Even without visible external injuries, the brain may suffer from concussions or more severe injuries.

Back Injuries

The force of a collision can cause herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, or other damage to the back, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

Cuts and Bruises

Broken glass and other debris can cause cuts and bruises, which, while generally less severe, can still require medical attention.

Internal Injuries

The impact of a collision can cause internal organs to be damaged or bruised, leading to serious health risks.

Sprains and Strains

Muscles and ligaments can be stretched or torn during an accident, causing painful sprains and strains.

Psychological Injuries

Intersection accidents can have a significant emotional impact on those involved, leading to conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.

Fatalities can happen in severe intersection accidents, causing immense grief for the victim’s family. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention after any accident, minor or severe. Early medical care can also document injuries, an essential aspect of personal injury claims.

What to Do Following an Intersection Accident in Alabama?

If you’re involved in an intersection accident in Birmingham or Huntsville, Alabama, it’s essential to follow these steps:

Check If Anyone is Injured

First, evaluate yourself and any passengers for injuries after an accident. Then, check on other drivers, offering help as needed.

Dial 911 Immediately and Inform Them About Injuries

Call 911 promptly, providing the exact accident location and indicating any injuries or road obstructions. Even minor accidents should be reported to the police. They will document important details like driver info, damage, injuries, and initial fault assessment.

Exchange Contact Details With the Other Driver(s) Involved

Swap your contact, license, registration, and insurance details with other drivers involved in the accident. If they refuse to cooperate, wait for the police who will collect and share all necessary information among parties involved.

Capture Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene

If it’s safe to do so, use your phone to take pictures and videos of your injuries, the vehicle damage, and the entire accident scene from different perspectives. These visual records can serve as valuable evidence to support your injury claim.

Note Down Important Details About the Accident

Record accident details as soon as possible, including the other driver’s direction, speed, and attentiveness, along with the accident’s time, location, and weather conditions. These specifics can be crucial for future reference.

Get Contact Information From Witnesses

If any bystanders witnessed the accident, it’s essential to ask them for their contact information. Witnesses can strengthen your case by providing an impartial account of how the crash happened. Your attorney might reach out to them later to obtain a statement from their perspective.

Refrain From Admitting Fault or Blaming Others

Avoid admitting fault or apologizing after an accident, even instinctively. Saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you by the other driver’s insurance company to reduce or deny your claim. Be careful with your statements to preserve your rights.

Avoid Discussing the Accident With Anyone Except the Police

Discuss the accident only with the police and avoid social media comments about it. Insurance companies could use your statements to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you. To protect your case, be cautious with your public declarations.

Seek Medical Help for Any Injuries

Seek immediate medical attention after an accident, even for minor injuries. Delayed symptoms like concussions could arise later, and insurers might attribute them to other incidents if medical attention was not sought immediately. Prompt medical evaluation protects your claim.

Inform Your Insurance Company About the Accident

You must inform your insurance company about the accident. Give them the name of the other driver involved and their insurance details.

Obtain a Copy of the Accident Report From the Authorities

As part of the claims process, you should obtain a copy of the police report. Insurance adjusters consider the police report as a crucial piece of evidence when assessing your claim.

Get in Touch With Our Skilled Attorney for Legal Assistance

Contact our intersection accidents attorney in Alabama to review your accident and legal options. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, we’ll handle insurance negotiations and support your claim. At Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys, we’ll manage your claim while you focus on your recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Intersection Accident Injuries?

Liability for intersection accident injuries depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. In general, one or more parties may be held liable for the injuries sustained. Here are some common parties who could be considered liable:

Negligent Drivers

If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, they may be held responsible. This could include drivers who ran red lights, failed to yield the right-of-way, made illegal turns, or were distracted while driving.

Vehicle Operators

If the intersection accident involved commercial vehicles, the driver’s employer could be held liable under the legal principle of “vicarious liability” for the actions of their employee.

Government Entities

In some cases, a government entity may be held liable if poor road design, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed to the accident.

Pedestrians or Cyclists

Pedestrians or cyclists may also be held liable if their actions, such as jaywalking or disregarding traffic signals, caused or contributed to the collision.

Manufacturers

If the accident was caused by a vehicle malfunction due to a defective part, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the faulty component might be held liable.

What is Alabama’s Statute of Limitations for Intersection Accident Injury Claims?

Alabama’s statute of limitations for traffic accidents is two years. Starting your intersection collision case within this timeframe is crucial, or your claim may be dismissed.

Am I Eligible to Sue for Negligence in an Alabama Intersection Accident?

If you had the right of way and another driver acted carelessly, you could potentially sue that driver. Proving negligence, though, requires supporting evidence. Our Alabama intersection accidents attorneys can help you establish that:

• The other driver had a duty to ensure your safety.
• They didn’t meet this duty.
• Their lack of care caused the accident.
• You incurred losses due to the accident.

Like everyone, the other driver had a responsibility to drive safely. If their negligent driving led to an intersection accident causing your injuries, you might have a solid ground for legal action.

What Are the Factors That Can Impact the Value of My Intersection Accident Injury Claim?

Several factors can influence the value of your personal injury claim. Some of the most significant factors include:

• The strength of the evidence backing your claim
• The severity and long-term impact of your injury
• Your age, gender, and occupation before the accident
• How likable the parties involved are perceived to be
• The judge and jury pool

In addition to the factors mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to remember that Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule.

What is Contributory Negligence in Alabama?

If you’re dealing with your first intersection accident, you might not be familiar with the Alabama laws that can affect your case. Alabama follows a fault system, which means the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. Moreover, Alabama has a contributory negligence rule. 

If you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you won’t be able to collect any damages from the other driver. Insurance adjusters use this evaluation to assess your claim. Our law firm has extensive knowledge of Alabama’s accident laws, and we can guide you through the process with our experience and knowledge.

What Are the Damages I Can Recover for My Intersection Accident Injury Claim?

Individuals injured in intersection accidents in Birmingham or Huntsville, Alabama have the opportunity to receive the following compensations:

Economic Damages

Also known as “special damages,” economic damages are meant to reimburse you for the measurable financial losses resulting from your injuries. Some examples of economic damages include:

Medical Costs

In Alabama, you have the right to be compensated for all the “reasonable and necessary” medical costs you face due to your injury. This includes expenses like hospital stays, emergency room visits, physical therapy sessions, surgeries, prescription medications, and mental health counseling.

Lost Wages

In Alabama, you’re entitled to compensation for income lost due to injury. This includes wages lost while unable to work, as well as future earnings impacted by a disability resulting from the accident.

Damage to Property

If your personal belongings, like your car, get damaged in an accident, you have the right to be compensated for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, often referred to as “general damages,” are meant to compensate you for the intangible and non-monetary losses resulting from your injury. Some examples of non-economic damages include:

Mental Suffering

In Alabama, you can seek compensation for mental suffering as long as it is linked to a physical injury.

Pain and Suffering

You have the right to be compensated for both current and future physical pain and suffering caused by your injuries.

Loss of Consortium

In Alabama, you have the option to make a claim for loss of consortium if your spouse has suffered physical injuries. “Consortium” refers to the right to your spouse’s company, companionship, cooperation, and assistance as a partner in the family unit.

Punitive Damages

Lastly, punitive damages aim to punish the defendant for their actions and discourage similar behavior in the future. In Alabama, punitive damages are granted only in two types of cases:

• Cases involving wrongful death
• Tort actions where the defendant intentionally engaged in oppressive, fraudulent, reckless, or malicious conduct

How to Avoid Intersection Accidents?

Avoiding intersection accidents largely depends on maintaining good driving habits and staying alert at all times. Here are some suggestions:

• Follow Traffic Signals and Signs: Always obey traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs. They are put in place to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and minimize accidents.
• Stay Alert: Keep your eyes on the road, particularly in busy intersections. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Use Indicators: Use your vehicle’s turn signals when changing lanes or making turns. This informs other road users of your intentions and helps prevent collisions.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front. This gives you enough time to react if the other driver suddenly brakes or makes a turn.
• Avoid Distractions: Avoid using your phone or any other distractions while driving. Even a momentary lapse in concentration can lead to a serious accident.
• Follow Speed Limits: Always adhere to the posted speed limits, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
• Exercise Caution at Yellow Lights: When the light turns yellow, prepare to stop unless it’s unsafe to do so.
• Look Left and Right: Even when you have the right of way, take an extra second to look both ways before proceeding through an intersection.

Remember, the key to avoiding intersection accidents is a combination of proactive, defensive driving, and constant awareness of your surroundings.

Why Do I Need an Intersection Accident Attorney in Alabama?

After an intersection accident in Birmingham or Huntsville, Alabama, the support of an experienced attorney can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome, while reducing your stress. Our intersection accident attorneys are equipped to handle all aspects of your case, including:

• Legal Guidance: With a thorough understanding of Alabama’s traffic laws, we’ll guide you through the legal process, safeguarding your rights.
• Evidence Gathering: We can conduct a comprehensive investigation, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to establish liability and build a compelling case.
• Determining Liability: We can scrutinize the evidence to identify who should be accountable for your injuries and losses.
• Insurance Company Interactions: Our team is adept at negotiating with insurance companies, countering their tactics to minimize payouts, and striving for fair compensation.
• Compensation Maximization: We’re aware of the potential damages you might be entitled to and will work to maximize your rightful compensation.
• Negotiation and Settlement: Skilled in negotiation, we aim for a fair settlement, potentially avoiding a lengthy court process.
• Trial Representation: If necessary, we’re prepared to represent you in court, advocating for your rights before a judge and jury.

Ultimately, hiring our intersection accident attorney allows you to focus on your recovery, secure in the knowledge that your legal matters are being handled professionally.

Work With Our Experienced Intersection Accidents Attorney in Alabama Today

Enlist the support of our intersection accidents attorney in Alabama at Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys. Our legal team is dedicated to fighting for your rights, leveraging our personal injury law skills and deep understanding of Alabama’s regulations to build compelling claims on your behalf.

We’ll handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers, aiming to maximize your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If needed, we’ll aggressively represent you in court.

As your legal representative, we’re committed to handling your case with compassion and tenacity. Our team also offers legal representation in Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, Drugged Driving Accidents, and Motorcycle Accidents. Contact Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys now to start your pathway to justice.