personal injury attorneys in Decatur AL

Personal Injury Attorneys in Decatur, AL

Accidents happen in Decatur. Weather it’s in the hot and humid summers on Jay Landings Marina, or Brickyard Landing Marina, or in the icy winters when Old Trinity Rd freezes up, or when there’s an accident on rt 67. Even when there was no malice, they can be expensive. After, victims often wonder if they have any rights. The other person may seem apologetic, but you’re the one left with a stack of medical bills and weeks of missed income.

Even if your injuries were caused unintentionally, you can still hold the other party accountable. If they were negligent or malicious in their actions, they may be required to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses.

Not sure what your next step is? It’s time to talk to the team at Hodges Trial Lawyers. Our team of experienced Decatur, AL personal injury attorneys is here to explain your options and help you begin your claim. Call us at 256-539-3110 to set up a meeting now.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Take

The team at Hodges Trial Lawyers brings substantial personal injury experience to the table, with both settling cases out of court and taking these cases to trial. Some of the personal injury cases we take include:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle collisions
  • Pedestrian injuries
  • Slip and fall injuries
  • Dog bites and other animal attack injuries
  • Wrongful death

The basics are often similar for each type of case. Our goal is to figure out what caused the injuries, whose actions contributed to the injuries, and who is liable for the damage caused. We then calculate what you are owed based on your injuries and begin fighting for compensation.

What to Do After an Injury

Everything you do after an injury in Decatur is important. Even small mistakes can threaten your claim and prevent you from seeking compensation. After an accident, we recommend:

  • Make a quick assessment of the damage. Whether it’s a fall, a vehicle crash, or a dog bite, check all victims for injuries.
  • Reporting the incident to the proper authorities. If you’re involved in a car accident, this means calling the Decatur Police Department. If you are bitten by a dog, call the Animal Services Department in Decatur. You may also need to file a police report. If you fall, report the accident to the homeowner or business owner.
  • Collecting evidence. Evidence is essential when it comes to a personal injury claim. Take pictures of your injuries and where the accident occurred. For example, in a car crash on Moulton Street & Memorial Drive, you would take photos of the crash scene, the street names, and nearby scenes. If you fell on ice, take pictures of the untreated ice and the surrounding area. Assume that any evidence you see after the accident will be gone after the liable party realizes they may be in trouble.
  • Seeking medical care. Prompt treatment is important for many injuries. It’s also a big part of proving your personal injury claim. Whether you seek treatment at an urgent care facility like AFC Urgent Care or a hospital like Decatur Morgan Hospital, get a full checkup.
  • Connecting with an attorney. If you plan on seeking compensation, it’s time to talk to a Decatur personal injury attorney. The team at Hodges Trial Lawyers is ready to learn more about your injuries, investigate your claim, and build the strongest case possible on your behalf.

Getting Compensation for Your Injuries

Depending on the details of your accident and injuries, you could be entitled to several types of compensation after an injury. Common types of compensation awarded include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical costs if your injuries are severe enough to require long-term or permanent care
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning opportunities if your injuries will prevent you from working permanently or progressing in your career
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

A lot goes into calculating potential compensation, so bring all of the evidence you have to your attorney. You may want to bring a police report, an accident report from the store or home where you were injured, proof of your injuries, medical reports, medical bills, and documentation of missed work.

The Role of Contributory Negligence in Alabama

One factor that may affect your case is one that actually isn’t relevant in most states. Contributory negligence is a principle that prevents a victim from recovery if he or she contributed to the accident. This is only the law in four states. In most states, a victim with some liability for an accident has their compensation decreased proportionately to their liability. In Alabama, you cannot recover anything if a jury finds that you are even 1% liable.

This complicates the negotiation process, as insurance companies know they have more leverage than in other states. If your case goes to court, they only have to prove that you had a role in causing the accident.

That is why you absolutely need an attorney. While it’s likely that your case will be settled out of court, you do not want to negotiate with the insurance company without an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. Often insurance companies use contributory negligence as an excuse to pay less than they should. The attorneys at Hodges Trial Lawyers understand the law surrounding contributory negligence and can evaluate your case.

Why You Need an Attorney

You may already have had some contact with the insurance company, and if they seem ready to offer you a settlement, you’re likely wondering if you even need an attorney. Yes, you do—even if the insurance company seems apologetic and ready to offer you a fair settlement, expect them to act in their own best interest.

That means the insurance company wants to settle your claim for as little money as possible, get a signed liability waiver from you, and close your case. This protects the insurance company’s profit margins and keeps them out of legal trouble. The insurance company does not care if you can pay your medical bills or cover your expenses after being out of work.

We do care. Our only priority is to ensure that you receive a full and fair settlement. Someone else’s negligence shouldn’t leave you unable to pay your bills, cover your medical expenses, or otherwise take care of your family. While you tackle recovery, we’ll take care of your legal needs and keep you informed every step of the way.

Contact Hodges Trial Lawyers to Get Started

The sooner you contact Hodges Trial Lawyers after an accident, the sooner we can start investigating your claim. Ready to set up an appointment? Call us at 256-539-3110 or contact us online to schedule a meeting now.