Mike Slocumb Law Firm Mike Slocumb Law Firm

Birmingham Car Accident Lawyers

Car Accidents in Jefferson & Shelby Counties

In Alabama, you may be entitled to financial compensation if someone else caused the crash that led to your injuries or the tragic loss of your loved one. While no amount of money can undo the immense pain and suffering you have experienced, a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can not only provide the monetary resources you need to manage unexpected financial losses but also the sense of justice you need to heal. 

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our Birmingham car accident attorneys represent injured victims and the families of those wrongfully killed in Jefferson County, Shelby County, and all of the surrounding areas. 

We understand how complex these cases can be, as well as the unique challenges you are facing. Most importantly, we know how to protect your rights and fight back against the insurance company’s efforts to dispute or deny your car accident claim. Our team is here to help you fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed so that you can get back on your feet and move forward with your life.

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After a car accident, call the team at Mike Slocumb Law Firm to learn how we can fight for you. Reach us at (205) 236-2502 or use our online contact form. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents? 

Generally speaking, most car accidents are the direct or indirect result of negligence. Most often, it is other drivers on the road whose negligence leads to devastating crashes, injuries, and deaths. However, in some cases, third parties—such as pedestrian, cyclists, trucking companies, manufacturers, and even government agencies—may behave carelessly or wrongfully. 

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include: 

  • Speeding
  • Texting and other forms of distracted driving 
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 
  • Fatigued driving 
  • Traffic law violations 
  • Disobeying stop signs, signals, and other traffic control devices
  • Failing to yield the right of way 
  • Making unsafe or illegal turns 
  • Changing lanes or passing unlawfully 
  • Aggressive driving 
  • Tailgating 
  • Poorly maintained roadways 
  • Defective road design, construction, or maintenance 
  • Auto defects 
  • Third-party negligence 

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, we know how to investigate car accidents to determine the cause, as well as who is liable.

We often work with industry experts, such as accident reconstructionists, to understand exactly how a collision occurred. This, in turn, allows us to identify the liable party and immediately begin building a case against them. We utilize all available evidence to aggressively advocate for our clients and the maximum compensation they are owed.

Where Do Car Accidents Occur in Birmingham?

In Birmingham, AL, car accidents frequently occur in specific areas due to traffic patterns, road conditions, and driver behavior. Common accident-prone areas include:

  • Intersections: Busy intersections such as those on U.S. Highway 280 and Red Mountain Expressway are hotspots for collisions. These areas often involve high traffic volumes, making them prone to rear-end accidents, side-impact crashes, and red-light violations.
  • I-65 and I-20/I-59: Major interstates passing through Birmingham are sites for frequent accidents due to high speeds, congestion, and heavy commercial vehicle traffic. Merging lanes and sudden stops can contribute to collisions.
  • Downtown Birmingham: The city’s central business district experiences accidents due to a mix of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Narrow streets, construction zones, and distracted driving are common causes of crashes here.
  • Highway 31: This major thoroughfare sees a large volume of traffic, particularly during rush hours, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Speeding and changing lanes can lead to dangerous situations, especially near retail centers and commercial areas.
  • Residential Streets: Accidents can also happen in residential neighborhoods, often due to speeding, distracted driving, or failure to observe stop signs and pedestrian crossings.

How Do I Prove the Other Driver Was At Fault for the Accident?

Proving fault in a car accident typically involves gathering evidence from the scene, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photographs of the vehicles and road conditions. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts may be used to analyze the crash and establish liability. Alabama's contributory negligence laws make it essential to have strong evidence showing the other driver was fully at fault, as even a small percentage of fault on your part can bar you from receiving compensation.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

While it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer, it is highly recommended to do so for several reasons:

The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming.

  • From gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, negotiating settlements, to understanding complex legal procedures, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Having our experienced car accident lawyers by your side can alleviate this burden and allow you to focus on your recovery.

Insurance companies don't have your best interests in mind.

  • They may try to undervalue or deny your claim altogether, leaving you without the compensation you deserve. Our skilled car accident attorneys know how to navigate the tactics used by insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Our attorneys know how to build a strong case. 

  • They have a deep understanding of personal injury laws, court procedures, and case precedents. This knowledge allows them to build a strong case on your behalf, maximizing your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome, whether through negotiation or in the courtroom.

Ultimately, while you may not be required to hire a lawyer for a car accident, having professional representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. It ensures that your rights are safeguarded, your case is handled efficiently, and you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Schedule a consultation with our Birmingham car accident lawyers to discuss the specifics of your case and understand how we can help you navigate this challenging process.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

If you have been in a car accident in Alabama, you may be wondering if you can still pursue legal action against the responsible party. It's important to understand that there is a statute of limitations for car accident claims in Alabama. This means that there is a time limit for filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. 

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. 

If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue legal action and compensation. Seeking legal representation from a car accident attorney in Birmingham as soon as possible can aid in the process and ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Who is Responsible for Paying My Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

In Alabama, which follows a fault-based system for car accidents, the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for paying medical bills and other damages. However, you may still need to cover initial medical costs through your health insurance, personal injury protection (PIP), or MedPay coverage, if available. Once fault is determined and a settlement is reached, the at-fault driver's insurance should reimburse you for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

What Can I Be Compensated For?

After being involved in a car accident, it's important to understand the types of compensation that may be available to you. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover for a variety of damages, such as: 

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • And more

It's important to work with an experienced car accident lawyer in Birmingham who can help you identify which types of compensation apply to your situation and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. 

Don't hesitate to reach out to Mike Slocumb Law Firm for legal guidance following a car accident – the right attorney can make all the difference in your case.

  • I thank Mike Slocumb so much for changing my life.

    “I thank Mike Slocumb so much for changing my life. David and Mike were like Angels to me. I didn’t know if I would ever walk again.”

  • Mr. Gracie handled my case, he was superb.

    “Mr. Gracie is really, really experienced and an exceptional lawyer.”

  • I Couldn't Have Been Happier

    “My case was actually settled earlier than projected and I couldn't have been happier with the outcome.”

  • Great Communication!

    “I dealt with Lowell Moore here and I’ll recommend him to anyone, anytime! The defining factor was his communication... I was able to always deal with Lowell firsthand about any questions or concerns I had.”

  • Incredible Attorney!

    “Attorney Lowell Moore was awesome in the whole process! He kept us included in every move made for our accident/injury case. Never had an issue with communication and he really showed us he cares about his clients!!!”

How Alabama’s Rule of Contributory Negligence Could Affect Your Claim

Although some accidents are caused by just one person’s careless or reckless conduct, many are the result of multiple parties’ mistakes. 

Unfortunately, when it comes to shared fault, Alabama follows a very strict rule known as the “rule of contributory negligence.” 

Under the rule of contributory negligence, you may not recover any compensation for your accident-related damages if you are found to be even slightly to blame for the crash. Even if you are just one percent at fault, you are barred from filing a personal injury claim. 

To make matters worse, insurance adjusters are the first ones responsible for assigning blame. They know how to use the rule of contributory negligence to unjustly deny claims and may argue that you were partly at fault for the crash—even if you weren’t. 

Because of this, it is extremely important that you work with an experienced car accident attorney, like those at Mike Slocumb Law Firm. Our team can stand up for your rights against the best interests of the insurance company. 

We are fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Our aggressive approach to litigation has helped us recover more than half a billion dollars in compensation for our clients. We have the resources, skill, and experience to fight tirelessly for you.

Talk to Our Car Accident Attorneys in Birmingham

Whether you were involved in a rear-end collision, or your loved one was killed by a drunk driver, turn to the team at Mike Slocumb Law Firm for help seeking justice. Our Birmingham car accident attorneys are here to answer your questions and provide the information you need to make empowered decisions about your recovery and your future. 

We offer compassionate and personalized legal representation, as well as aggressive advocacy both in and out of the courtroom. After a serious car, truck, or motorcycle accident, you can count on us to fight for every penny you are owed. 

Call (205) 236-2502 or contact us online for a free consultation. Hablamos español.

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