Car accidents are a very common source of harm in Alabama. For instance, victims of such accidents regularly sustain injuries like fractured bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and soft tissue damage. These injuries are often painful and debilitating. Furthermore, the medical treatments required for such injuries are often very costly.
Thankfully, at-fault drivers can be held responsible for medical bills after car accidents in Alabama. However, the path to compensation after a crash can be complicated. Support from legal representation can be invaluable to victims when fighting for the payment they deserve.
Get help from our experienced Alabama car accident lawyers at Howe Law by dialing (844) 876-4357.
Determining Responsibility for Medical Expenses After a Car Accident in Alabama
When an individual sustains injuries in a car accident, they often wonder who will be accountable for covering their medical expenses. Alabama follows a “fault” or “tort” system when it comes to car accidents. This system implies that the party responsible for causing the accident will typically be held accountable for the resulting medical bills.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Alabama and sustained injuries, the responsible party, often the at-fault driver, will typically be expected to cover your medical bills. These expenses may encompass hospitalization, doctor’s visits, medication, rehabilitation, and any other treatment necessary for your recovery.
However, Alabama law does not demand that all drivers carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which can cover medical bills regardless of fault. Therefore, if the at-fault driver lacks insurance or sufficient coverage, it could complicate the process of obtaining compensation for your medical bills. In such cases, our Alabama personal injury attorneys can help victims determine the appropriate courses of action.
Recovering Payment for Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Alabama
Recovering payment for medical expenses after a car accident in Alabama can be a complex and challenging process. Thankfully, the team at our firm can provide crucial guidance through each of the following steps of the process:
Seek Medical Treatment
It is essential to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. This not only ensures your well-being but also establishes a medical record of your injuries, which will be crucial for your claim. Prompt medical treatment can prevent further complications and ensure that your injuries are properly documented, providing a clear link between the accident and your medical expenses.
Gather Evidence
Collect evidence from the accident scene, such as photographs, witness statements, and police reports. This evidence can help establish liability and the extent of your injuries. Proper evidence gathering is essential because it can support your claim and demonstrate the circumstances surrounding the accident, making it easier to secure compensation for your medical bills.
Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer
It is highly advisable to seek help from our legal team quickly after your collision. We will guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. Further, our expertise in car accident cases can significantly improve your chances of recovering the full extent of compensation you deserve.
Contact Insurance Companies
You should also report the accident to your insurance company as well as the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, be cautious when communicating with them and avoid making any statements that could harm your claim. Communicating with insurance companies is a standard procedure, but it’s vital to understand what to say and what not to say to protect your interests and ensure fair compensation for your medical expenses. Support from legal representation can be invaluable during such communications.
File a Claim with The at-Fault Party’s Insurer
Our attorney’s will assist you in filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This claim will detail your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages you’ve incurred because of the accident. Filing a personal injury claim is the formal step in seeking compensation, and it serves as a legal document outlining the basis for your claim, including the medical bills you seek to recover.
Negotiate a Settlement
Your legal representation will also engage in negotiations with other parties to reach a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses and other damages. Negotiations are a critical phase in securing compensation. Our skilled legal professionals will work to maximize the settlement amount, ensuring that your medical expenses are adequately covered.
Still, many defendants in car accident cases are reluctant to present acceptable settlement offers. If an appropriate offer is not presented, then you may explore other options for obtaining compensation.
Consider Legal Action
If a settlement cannot be reached, then you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party and their insurance company. A trial may be necessary to determine liability and secure compensation for your medical bills. While litigation is more time-consuming and complex, it may be the only option to ensure you receive the monetary damages you are owed.
Deadline to Pursue Payment for Medical Expenses After a Car Accident in Alabama
Car accident lawsuits in Alabama must be filed in accordance with Ala. Code § 6-2-38. Usually, you will have two years from the date of your collision to bring your case to court. If you miss this deadline, then you may miss your chance at recovering payment for medical bills.
Furthermore, even though you may have up to two years to file your lawsuit, you should begin working on your car accident case as quickly as possible after your crash. Crucial evidence needed to support your claim can become hard to preserve and gather as time passes. For example, eyewitnesses can forget relevant details and physical evidence can deteriorate. The more quickly you begin building your case, the more efficient your evidence collection will be.
Call Our Law Firm for Help with Your Car Accident Case in Alabama
In the aftermath of your crash in Alabama, get support from our experienced Gadsden, AL car accident attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
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