Determining Fault in an Auto Accident in Alabama
Determining Fault in an Auto Accident in Alabama
Determining Fault in an Auto Accident in Alabama
If someone else caused a car accident and you sustained injuries, the law gives you the right to receive compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. But how do you know who should be liable for your losses?
Determining fault in a car accident is essential to your financial recovery, as you must file insurance claims with the proper companies that cover the at-fault parties. Fault is most often based on negligence, though there are some other legal doctrines that can determine liability. It is important to have a Montgomery car accident lawyer evaluate your case.
Common Causes of Car Wrecks that are Attributable to Fault
Most car accidents are caused by human error. When these errors amount to legal negligence, victims are entitled to compensation for their accident-related losses. Some of the more common causes of crashes that typically result in car accident claims include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Ignoring poor weather conditions
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
After a car accident, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer review the facts of your case and determine whether and against whom you may be able to file a claim. In addition, it’s best to talk to a lawyer sooner than later, as it’s important to start investigating your claim as soon as possible.
Potential Employer Liability
Sometimes, companies might be liable for your losses when they did not engage in negligence, but instead employed a negligent driver who caused the accident. Legal principles hold companies vicariously liable for the harm caused by negligent employees, and this includes drivers who crash. Such liability might apply for accidents caused by commercial truck drivers, delivery drivers, construction workers, and any others who drive as part of their jobs.
In addition, if an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident while they are picking up a passenger or have a passenger, the corporate insurance policies of Uber or Lyft can be liable for your losses. It is important to identify when companies might be liable, as they often have more extensive coverage than individual drivers.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
After an accident, you may be wondering whether you actually need an attorney to represent you, especially if the other side has admitted fault. Insurance companies are incentivized to settle your case for as little as possible and will not hesitate to take advantage of victims who are not represented by counsel. For this reason, it’s always advisable to retain a lawyer for a car accident claim, even if it’s clear that your case is going to settle and will not end up in court.
Consult with a Montgomery Car Accident Lawyer Right Away
At The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr., we understand how seriously car accidents impact victims and are dedicated to helping our clients obtain the maximum compensation possible. To schedule a case evaluation with a car accident attorney in Montgomery, call us today at 334-398-8408 or contact us online.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. These recoveries and testimonials are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. serves Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County, the River Region of Alabama and throughout the State of Alabama, including Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka Prattville, Selma and Tuskegee. No attorney-client relationship is established by requesting a consultation or emailing Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr.. Information submitted in such communication is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure.
