Everyone probably knows at least one person involved in a car accident. While car accidents are common, some are very serious, and many drivers are badly hurt. If you were hurt in an accident, call a lawyer for advice.
Although accidents are common, not everyone takes legal action to recover damages. Many are hesitant to do so out of fear of the litigation process. It is best to talk to a lawyer and take legal action as soon as possible, as there is a strict deadline by which you must file your case. In addition, the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence. Evidence often comes right from the scene of the crash. Since accident scenes are cleared away quickly, time is of the essence. Evidence might include photos, tire marks, and witness testimony. Damages are often high in car accident cases, as plaintiffs experience painful injuries, high medical bills, and a loss of income when they cannot return to work.
Set up a free evaluation of your claims by calling (844) 876-4357 and discussing your case with our experienced car accident attorneys.
When to Take Legal Action for a Car Accident in Gadsden, AL
Many injured accident victims are unsure whether they have a claim worth taking to court. You have a valid case if another negligent driver injures you. While you might want some time to consider your options, you should not wait too long to hire a lawyer and file your case.
According to Ala. Code § 6-2-38(l), you have only 2 years from the day of your accident to submit your lawsuit to the courts. This might seem like a long time to prepare your case, but the deadline is deceptively short. Most of the work that goes into a lawsuit happens before the case is filed. You need time to assess damages, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare your complaint. The longer you wait, the less time you will have to get ready.
In addition to the statute of limitations, there are time limits regarding evidence. While there is no statutory time limit on evidence, there is a practical one. Evidence does not stick around forever. It tends to be fleeting and easily lost. For example, witnesses might move away, or physical evidence might be disposed of. It would be best if you met with a lawyer quickly so they can help you gather important evidence before it is gone.
Types of Evidence Needed for Car Accident Claims in Gadsden, AL
The evidence needed for your case depends on your specific circumstances. As such, you should consult an attorney about evidence to determine what you need and how to get it. In many cases, photos from the accident scene are a great place to begin. Photos are present in many accident cases because it is common for drivers to take pictures after a crash for insurance purposes. While these photos might be useful when you file an insurance claim, they might also be sued as evidence in the courtroom.
Even seemingly useless or random details from the accident might help us shed light on how it happened. For example, tire marks on the road may indicate the direction from which the defendant was traveling and the speed at which they struck your vehicle. This may be very important in a case where the defendant denies how fast they were going or where they were traveling.
Witness testimony is another crucial piece of the puzzle. Even if other evidence is few and far between, witnesses might come forward and back up your version of events. Eyewitnesses are extremely valuable as they can testify about how they saw the defendant strike your car.
In some cases, an accident reconstruction expert might be necessary to help us piece together these details in a way that explains the crash. These experts can take details such as witness testimony and tire marks and scientifically recreate how the crash likely occurred. Their testimony might be paramount to holding the defendant liable.
Damages Involved in Gadsden, AL Car Accident Lawsuits
Damages are your losses and injuries from the accident. Damages often reflect physical injuries but can also represent subjective experiences. For example, medical bills are a big part of many plaintiffs’ damages after a car accident. Even treatment for relatively minor injuries may be very expensive, and you should not have to foot the bill alone. If you need long-term care for your injuries, we can help you estimate the costs of future medical care and add it to your damages.
Damages may also reflect injuries to property. In car accidents, perhaps the most significant property damage is your vehicle. Your vehicle might require costly repairs or need to be replaced altogether, and doing so might be expensive. Auto insurance can help you, but it might not cover everything. Even if auto insurance covers all your property damage, the defendant should still be made to pay.
As mentioned, any of your damages reflect painful experiences rather than physical damage or injuries. Many such experiences might not come with a monetary cost, but they should still be compensated. For example, pain and suffering might be substantial after a bad accident. An injured victim might spend months in recovery, working through painful physical therapy, and emotionally adjusting to a new way of living. The defendant should have to pay for causing such distress.
Many injured car accident victims end up losing valuable income because they cannot return to work after the crash. For some, only a few days or weeks of work are lost. For others, a long-term leave of absence is necessary, or they might not be able to work at all. Talk to your attorney about your income and how long you were out of work. You might be entitled to substantial damages for lost income.
Call Our Gadsden, AL Car Accident Lawyers for Help Today
Set up a free evaluation of your claims by calling (844) 876-4357 and discussing your case with our experienced car accident attorneys.
