Hobbs Law, LLC, is dedicated to helping injury victims across Alabama pursue just compensation after an auto accident. Suppose you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle collision due to another driver's wrongful conduct. In that case, you may have a claim for the harm and losses caused by the at-fault driver.
Auto Accident Personal Injury Claims in Alabama
Alabama law allows car accident victims to seek compensation for injuries and damages caused by a driver's wrongful conduct. Proving that the driver acted negligently or wantonly is crucial for recovering compensation.
Negligence vs. Wantonness
The injured victim or plaintiff has the burden of proof to show that the alleged wrongdoer is at fault. The burden is on the plaintiff to prove that the driver was negligent or wanton.
Negligence is when a driver acts unreasonably and causes an accident. Common examples include failing to yield the right-of-way, running a red light, or following too closely.
Wantonness is a more severe form of misconduct. A driver is wanton or reckless when he consciously acts while conscious that harm will probably result.
Alabama follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, meaning that if the injured party is found liable or at fault for the wreck, they may be barred from recovering compensation. An attorney may be able to help an injured victim navigate the legal system and overcome any affirmative defenses that may be asserted against that victim.
The Alabama Rules of The Road
The Rules of the Road are designed to promote traffic safety and prevent accidents. The Rules cover different types of conduct that may occur on the road, including:
- Speed limits;
- Right-of-way laws at intersections;
- Prohibitions against distracted and impaired driving;
- Lane usage and passing of other vehicles using the road; and
- Other driving practices.
When applicable, a specific rule of the road may help prove that the other party's conduct was wrongful. These rules may establish a prima facie negligence case or that the responsible party was negligent per se. The claimant's injuries and damages must result from the at-fault driver's wrongful conduct.
Common Types of Auto Accidents
Drivers must adhere to prudent and safe driving practices while operating an automobile. Frequently, automobile accident cases involve the following actions or inactions:
- Failure to stop at a red traffic signal or stop sign;
- Failure to yield the right-of-way;
- Traveling over the speed limit;
- Distracted driving; and
- Driving while impaired.
Automobile accidents commonly occur at intersections, especially busy intersections. Often, a rear-end collision will result from a distracted driver striking a vehicle lawfully stopped at an intersection controlled by a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign. Regardless of the circumstances, automobile accidents often injure at least one party.
Common Auto Accident Injuries
Auto accidents can cause serious, lasting injuries, including concussions and TBIs, which may lead to memory loss and chronic headaches. Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash, herniated discs, and nerve damage, can limit mobility and cause persistent pain. Severe spinal cord injuries may result in paralysis. Shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tears often require surgery. At Hobbs Law, LLC, Attorney Dillon Hobbs is committed to securing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages for auto accident victims.
Contact Hobbs Law, LLC Today
If you are injured in an automobile accident in Birmingham or anywhere in Alabama, you don't have to navigate the claim and legal processes alone. Contact Hobbs Law for a free initial consultation to discuss your possible case and whether Attorney Dillon Hobbs may be able to help seek just compensation on your behalf.