Every attorney knows that they cannot know every single law for every single practice area. It would be impossible for one lawyer to provide effective legal counsel for all areas of law. For that reason, you might want to consider referring cases that do not match your area of practice.
Our lawyers have represented many plaintiffs who were injured in car accidents. We can help the client understand the key issues of their case and tailor their case to Alabama legal standards. Rest assured that your client’s claim will be in good hands with us.
Call our attorneys for car accident referrals at Howe Law for free at (844) 876-4357 to discuss your client’s case.
When Should You Refer a Huntsville, AL Car Accident Case?
It can be hard to refer a client to another attorney. When you have built up a rapport with a client, it can be tough to entrust their legal assistance to someone else. Many lawyers refer clients because they have taken on many cases or are not experts in a particular area of law.
Large Case Load
Every attorney gets into crunch time once in a while. You might have too many cases to render effective legal assistance to all of them at some point. Taking on too many cases might lead to missing key details, which could lead to a worse outcome for the client.
If representing another client could hamper your ability to provide effective legal counsel to the clients you already have, consider referring them to our car accident lawyers.
Different Areas of Practice
For the same reasons that you would not go to a chiropractor for a toothache, clients do not want lawyers representing them who are not knowledgeable about the relevant areas of law. Sometimes, however, clients might go to the lawyer they are most familiar with instead of the one right for their case.
Our attorneys are well-versed in certain issues that might come up in a car accident claim. We have dealt with difficult auto insurance companies as well as combative employers who do not want to be liable for their employee’s actions. The numerous car accident cases we have handled give us an edge that will help your client have a good chance at getting the compensation they need.
Different State
If you are not an Alabama attorney, you might not have full familiarity with the state’s laws. Laws differ from state to state, so there is the potential that mistakes are made, and the client does not get the best outcome if they are represented by someone who does not know a state’s laws.
Referring a client is also more convenient than pro hac vice representation. When you represent someone pro hac vice, you still have to show up in person. Attorneys with busy schedules might not be able to do that and give their clients the representation they deserve. Referring them to our attorneys for car accident referrals can help the client get the experienced representation they need in a car accident case.
Laws to Be Aware of for Huntsville, Alabama Car Accident Lawsuits
Alabama has some laws that are different from other states nearby. Unfamiliarity with these laws could lead to a bad outcome for the client. We are dedicated Alabama attorneys who are familiar with the legal processes of the state, so we can give effective legal counsel to any clients you refer to us.
Contributory Negligence
Alabama is one of only five states that use a contributory negligence standard. Under a contributory negligence standard, a plaintiff that is even 1% at fault cannot recover damages.
All of the states that neighbor Alabama use a comparative fault standard, which is much less punishing for plaintiffs who only want to get their life back on track.
Our attorneys have experience handling a comparative negligence standard and can do their best to avoid having a client barred from recovering damages. We can communicate with insurance companies and opposing counsel for them so that they do not accidentally say something that could admit fault.
At-Fault Insurance
Most states in the southern United States use an at-fault insurance standard. This means that the client must pursue a claim against the other party’s insurance to recover damages. Conversely, no-fault states like our neighbor Florida require damages to be covered partially by the client’s no-fault insurance before victims can pursue any claims.
It could be tougher for a car accident victim to recover compensation in an at-fault state. We have experience dealing with Alabama insurance companies, so we can negotiate with them on behalf of the client.
Statute of Limitations
The statutory period to bring a lawsuit varies from state to state. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years per Ala. Code § 6-2-38.
One strange quirk of the Alabama statute of limitations is that the tolling period for minors does not end until the client turns 19 years old. If your client was in a car accident as a minor, they still might be able to recover in Alabama even though the statutory period might have run out in another state.
The statutory timer makes it important to refer your client’s case promptly, especially if you are out of state. Another state might have a longer statutory period, making it seem like there is more time than there actually is. Moreover, the client could have waited to tell you about the case, so time is of the essence.
Call Our Huntsville Attorneys for Car Accident Referrals Right Away to Refer Your Client’s Case
How Law has attorneys for car accident referrals ready to discuss your client’s case at (844) 876-4357.
