Alabama law requires mandatory liability insurance coverage for all automobile drivers. But, if you suffer a serious personal injury, the mere existence of coverage on the at-fault driver may not be enough. Plus, there is no guarantee the insurance adjuster will fairly handle your claim. This is when you must decide whether a qualified Alabama car accident attorney is needed for your claim.
Here's the scenario: you have been t-boned at an intersection by a texting while driving driver. The driver assures you he has "full coverage". That night, you go to the emergency room with lower back pain that radiates down your legs. The next day you are sore all over and have to miss work. While off work, the other driver's insurance adjuster is calling to take a recorded statement, assuring you that it is standard procedure. At this time, you begin to wonder if hiring an attorney is the proper thing to do.
If you have not suffered any injury and the other driver's insurance carrier repairs the property damage to your car, then you probably do not need an attorney. If, however, you
have lingering aches and pains and face future medical bills and lost wages, an attorney is a must.
While the insurance adjuster may only be discussing paying your emergency room bill, there are a host of items that may, and should, be claimed. Every case is different, but here are some commonly claimed damages in auto accident cases:
* Past and future medical bills;
* Lost wages;
* Pain and suffering;
* Property damage;
* Loss of earning capacity;
* Rehabilitation and therapy;
* Prescription bills; and
* Punitive damages (when applicable).
If your injury is catastrophic or involves a permanent element, it may be that the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient. Alabama law only requires $25,000 in liability coverage. In these situations, you may need the underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage under your own auto policy. A lawyer can guide you through the process of making a claim for underinsured benefits.
The decision as to whether an auto accident lawyer is needed must be made before you settle with the insurance company and sign a release. Once the release is signed, you injury claim is forever extinguished. Hire an experienced car accident lawyer... It's better to be safe than sorry.
