Athens Car Accident Lawyer

Since 1988, the Athens car accident attorneys at McCutcheon & Hamner have worked tirelessly for the rights of accident victims in Athens and throughout north Alabama. With more than 30 years of combined legal experience, we have a deep knowledge of personal injury laws and extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies.

Trust us with your car accident case, and we’ll provide you with the peace of mind of knowing a legal professional is handling your claim and advocating for full and fair compensation on your behalf. 

How Our Car Accidents Lawyers Handle Injury Claims

When you hire a lawyer with McCutcheon & Hamner, we will begin right away on your car accident claim. Some actions we may take include:

Provide a Free Initial Consultation

The process usually begins with an initial consultation where you discuss the details of your accident with our attorney. They will ask questions to gather relevant information about the accident, injuries sustained, and damages incurred. This helps us understand the case better and assess its strength. 

Investigate Your Accident

Our car accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence supporting your claim. They may collect police reports, eyewitness testimonies, accident scene photographs, medical records, and any other relevant documentation that can strengthen your case.

Identify All Liable Parties

Your lawyer will assess the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident to determine all parties who may be held liable. For example, if an inexperienced truck driver caused your accident, the trucking company that hired him may be held liable. We will seek compensation from all liable parties, further maximizing your compensation.

Value Your Claim

Unlike insurance adjusters who generalize your injury under a simple value, your attorney will assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. They consider current and future damages and the impact of your injuries on your loved ones to determine a fair and comprehensive compensation amount.

Damages that may be available to car accident victims include:

• Current and future medical bills for treatments, hospitalization, medication, rehabilitation, etc. 
• Durable medical equipment or prostheses 
• Lost income and benefits
• Loss of future earnings
• Modifications to your home or vehicle
• Property damages
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Scarring
• Loss of enjoyment in life
• Loss of companionship 

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

As your attorney, we will act as intermediaries between you and the insurance companies involved. We will handle all communication, including submitting the claim, negotiating with the insurance adjusters, and advocating for fair compensation on your behalf.

Our experience dealing with insurance companies protects your rights and recovers the compensation you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit in civil court.

 Represent You in Court, if Necessary

If the case goes to court, your attorney will represent you during litigation. We will present your case, examine witnesses, cross-examine the opposing party’s witnesses, and argue for your rights before a judge and jury.

Throughout the process, we work diligently to protect your interests, ensure you understand your legal options, and strive to secure the best possible outcome for your claim.

Filing a Car Accident Claim in Alabama

When we say that Alabama is an at-fault insurance state for car accidents, it means that the person responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for covering the resulting damages and injuries. In other words, the at-fault driver’s insurance company typically must pay the expenses related to the accident, such as vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other losses.

 In an at-fault system, the insurance companies of the drivers involved in the accident will generally investigate the circumstances and determine fault or primary responsibility for the collision. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will then handle the claims and compensate the other party or parties involved up to the policy’s limits.

 Alabama law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance to cover potential damages they might cause in an accident. This insurance coverage protects individuals and property affected by accidents and ensures victims can receive compensation for their losses.

 Alabama’s minimum required insurance covered required for all drivers is:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person
• $50,000 per accident (if more than one person was injured)
• $25,000 for property damage per accident. 

 If there is a dispute about who is at fault or if the damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, you may pursue legal action to seek additional compensation or resolve the matter. A car accident lawyer with McCutcheon & Hamner can help you identify liable parties and hold the at-fault party accountable. 

You Must Report Your Accident to Your Own Insurance Company

Insurance companies generally aim to settle claims promptly and may present you with a settlement offer before you can consult a lawyer. This offer may not fully compensate you for all your damages. Often, it takes time to realize the full extent of your injuries’ impacts on you. And if you accept the insurance company’s offer, the claim is settled. You cannot request more money if your injuries require more medical attention.

An experienced personal injury with McCutcheon & Hamner can evaluate your case and provide a more accurate value for your damages. Then we can report your accident to your insurance company and deal with the at-fault party’s insurer for you.