Seasoned & Proven Florence Car Accident Lawyers on Your Side
Unfortunately, car accidents are far too common on the roads and highways of Alabama. According to Drive Safe Alabama, 851 fatal car accidents occurred in our state that killed 930 individuals in 2019. For each of these fatalities, 50 people were injured that year. Most of these accidents are caused by human error ranging from inattention to speeding to driving while drunk. As a result, car accidents are the most common cause of personal injury claims filed against at-fault drivers and/or their insurers.
At McCutcheon & Hamner, we have been dealing with personal injury claims for years, working aggressively on behalf of our clients to bring them the compensation they need and deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured or if your family has suffered a wrongful death due to the negligence of another in a car accident, we strongly urge you to seek our help. Proving your claim and defending it against accusations that you may have contributed fault in any accident can be a challenging task. Our Florence car accident attorneys are well-versed in Alabama law, in how to build cases, and how to vigorously negotiate or litigate for a fair and just result. These abilities are backed by proven results accumulated over many years of practice.
Connect with a Florence car accident attorney online or at (256) 333-5000 for legal guidance regarding your injury case.
Car Accident Claims & Lawsuits in Florence, Alabama
McCutcheon & Hamner has developed a personal injury law practice that consists almost exclusively of suing insurance companies for personal injury. Most drivers are covered by various types of insurance under state-mandated laws requiring auto insurance. Therefore, when accidents occur, claims are made against insurance carriers. Our firm is often asked questions about the difference type of automobile insurance because many people are uncertain about what their insurance covers and what triggers that coverage.
The following are the basics of insurance coverage that may come into play in any car accident case:
- Liability insurance for another person or auto damaged as a result of your carelessness. This type of coverage is purchased for a specific car and is mandatory in our state.
- Collision insurance is insurance to repair your car if you collide with another object whether or not you are at fault.
- Comprehensive insurance is similar to collision and covers your car in the event of fire, theft, or glass breakage regardless of fault.
- Uninsured motorist insurance follows both the car and driver for personal injury. If an uninsured driver injures you or someone in your car, this coverage pays for your damages. It also generally covers under-insured motorists.
- Medical payment insurance is coverage for your medical bills arising out the use of the insured automobile without regard to fault for occupants of the insured vehicle. This is typically purchased in increments of $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000. If you have health insurance coverage, it is best not to tell a hospital about this coverage so that you can use your medical payment insurance for deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Most car accidents are caused by a negligent action or omission on the part of a driver. Common causes include speeding, failing to obey other traffic laws, such as rolling through stop signs, running red lights, or swerving between lanes, as well as driving while texting or using a cell phone, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or mere inattention to the task at hand. These types of behaviors place liability for damages on the careless driver and thus his or her insurance carrier.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Most accidents involve more than one vehicle. However, in some cases, an accident can occur involving just one vehicle. Examples of this type of accident can include losing control of your vehicle and spinning out of control or hitting a guardrail, tree, or other object, hitting an animal, and rollovers. In these cases, it is generally the driver who is deemed to be at fault. However, exceptions do occur where a third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or auto parts manufacturer may be at fault.
When a vehicle is negligently designed and an injury occurs, the manufacturer of the poorly-designed part or vehicle may be held liable. This falls under the legal concept of product liability caused by a vehicle defect or failure of its equipment.
Examples of negligently designed/defective autos or their parts can include but are not limited to:
- Roof crushes
- Airbag failures
- Inflexible fuel filter lines
- Seatbelt failures
In a single-vehicle accident injury case, we have to preserve the vehicle for our engineers to look at and for the manufacturer’s experts to inspect. Where vehicle defects can be shown, you may be entitled to all of the injury-related damages that could be available in any other personal injury case.
Contact a Florence Car Accident Lawyer Today
Our firm has been dealing with car accident injury cases for decades leading to many positive results. Taking on your injury claim on your own when you are facing serious injuries is not advised. Proving the fault of the other party or parties as well as dealing with insurance companies whose main objective is to reduce or deny your compensation calls for an experienced professional. The Florence personal injury lawyers atMcCutcheon & Hamner have been fighting for the legal rights of Alabamans since 1988 and brings a wealth of experience to your case. We urge you to take advantage of the dedication, legal knowledge, and resources we can provide in fighting for you and your family at this difficult time.
Learn more about your specific situation and how we can help in a free consultation. Contact us online or at (256) 333-5000 today.
Florence Office
2210 Helton Drive
Florence, AL 35630
(256) 333-5000