HUNTSVILLE AL CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Car Accident Attorneys in Huntsville AL
Have you or a loved one been seriously injured or killed in a
car accident in Huntsville, Alabama? Is the negligent party's car insurance company giving you the runaround? Do you need the best car accident lawyer you can hire for your case? When you’ve been hurt in an accident, you need a Huntsville
car accident lawyer with experience—someone who’s been helping Huntsville car accident victims for more than 30 years. Call Huntsville car accident
attorney, Randy W. Ferguson. We offer no obligation,
FREE CONSULTATIONS to all of our car accident clients and their families. We also have a
LOWEST FEE GUARANTEE, and you pay nothing if you do not recover. Home and hospital visits are available if you are unable to come to our Huntsville office. Call
256-534-3435. We can help.
Causes of Huntsville Car Accidents
Thousands are injured each year in car accidents in Huntsville, Alabama. All too often, individuals do not consider the risks of texting, answering the phone, writing or replying to an email, or checking Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram while driving. The number one cause of car accidents in Alabama and the U.S. is distracted driving. Whether a driver is using their phone, GPS, eating, drinking, or talking with other passengers while driving, they are risking their lives, their passengers' lives, and other drivers' lives. There are various causes of car crashes including:
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- Driver fatigue: Drowsy driving is also called fatigued driving. It is driving while you are sleepy or tired.
- Speeding: Almost 1/3 of all fatal car crashes in the U.S. are caused by excessive speeding. Speed limits in Alabama are similar to much of the United States with a minimum of 15 mph in school zones and a maximum of 70 mph on some interstate highways. The speed limit is highly variable in some areas so make sure you check the signs. Here are the general speed limits across the state. School zones 15 mph
Residential areas 25 mph
Non-paved county roads 35 mph
Highways 45-55 mph
Roadways with 4 or more lanes at 65 mph
Interstate highways 70 mph
- Weather and road conditions: Fog, ice, floods, snow, and heavy winds create driving hazards and limit visibility for safe driving.
- Driver distractions: Some common distractions are passengers, cell phones, satellite radio, hands-free devices, and outside distractions.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the risk of getting into a car accident. Drunk driving can cause you to become drowsy, have slower reaction times, and lose focus.
- Failure to yield: Failure to yield is one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States.
- Running red lights and stop signs: People running lights were responsible for 846 deaths in the U.S. in 2018. People often run red lights trying to get through the intersection on a yellow light. They also run lights because they are distracted.
- Disregarding traffic signs: Drivers often do not pay attention or follow traffic signs.
- Driving too fast for conditions: Speeding in the rain, snow, or high traffic often causes accidents.
- Failure to stay in lane: Not keeping your vehicle in your lane can cause accidents.
- Failure to watch for motorcycles: Motorcycle accidents are usually caused by drivers not seeing motorcycles in their blind spot or pulling out in front of motorcycles.
- Failure to yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Drivers frequently do not see pedestrians or fail to slow for crosswalks.
- Following to close: Rear-end accidents are usually caused by drivers tailgating or following too close.
- Improper passing: Passing in no-passing zones can cause head-on collisions.
- Reckless driving: Speeding, drinking and driving, and distracted driving.
- Wrong way driving: Wrong way driving is going the wrong way down a road or interstate. Drunk drivers, the elderly, and people driving on unfamiliar roads often cause wrong-way head-on collisions.
- Texting and driving: The most common distracted driving ace caused by texting and driving.
- Drowsy driving is also called fatigue driving.
- Overweight trucking loads: Improperly loaded trucks or overweight trucks cause eighteen-wheeler accidents.
- Defective vehicle parts: Defective brakes or tires often contribute to car accidents.
- Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, drop-offs, and other defects often cause car accidents. You may be able to recover against the construction company or the government agency responsible for maintaining the road.
- Confusing signs: Confusing signs can cause drivers to go the wrong way.
- Unsafe roads: Potholes can cause a driver to lose control or damage a vehicle and lead to an accident. Things such as roads with limited visibility, and the failure to post proper traffic signs can all be contributing factors to severe motor vehicle collisions.
- Construction zones: Many accidents in construction zones are caused by speeding.
- Wet roads: Wet roads reduce your stopping distance and can cause rear-end and head-on collisions.
- Road debris: Items dropped on the roads by vehicles can cause vehicles to lose control or damage their vehicle thereby causing a car accident.
- Icy or snowy roads: Slick roads can lead to drivers losing control.
- Shoulder drop-offs: Road defects or drop-offs can cause a car to lose control or flip over.
- Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving can manifest in unsafe driving tactics, such as tailgating, excessive lane changes, and speeding.
- Driving at night: Nearly half of all fatal accidents happen at night. Often drivers are drunk, fatigued, or unable to avoid animals or cars that enter their lane of traffic.
Types of Car Accidents
There are numerous types of motor vehicle accidents. Our attorneys have the expertise to handle all types of car accidents. Our firm has represented clients who have been involved in the following types of accidents:
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- Rear-end collisions in which one car is struck by another in the back of the vehicle.
- Head-on collisions in which the front ends of both vehicles collide usually cause serious injuries.
- Motorcycle accidents usually cause severe injuries or death.
- Bicycle accidents.
- Pedestrian accidents usually involve very serious injuries or death.
- Side impact or T-bone collisions in which one vehicle is struck on either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle.
- Rollover accidents in which a vehicle flips or rolls over. Often SUVs or trucks.
- A single-vehicle accident in which a car strikes a ditch, car, tree, or other object. Sometimes these accidents are caused by passengers or animals.
- Multi-car pileup in which three or more vehicles are involved in the accident.
- Commercial vehicle accidents in which 18 wheelers and other large vehicles strike other vehicles.
What to do After A Car Accident
The steps you take immediately following a Huntsville car accident can affect your ability to receive fair compensation for your injuries. The first thing anyone should do after a car accident is check to see if anyone has been hurt. If someone has suffered an injury, you are required by Alabama law to contact the authorities and remain at the crash site.
If possible, you should also:
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- Immediately file an accident report with the police, sheriff, or highway patrol, if the agency has not done so at the scene.
- Write down the name, address, insurance information, vehicle license number, and driver’s license number of any persons involved in the accident. Record names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all witnesses.
- Obtain photographs of the accident scene, all vehicles involved (before repairing), and any visible injuries to the parties involved, such as cuts, bruises, and scars.
- Do not discuss the accident or your injuries with anyone, except your doctor and your attorney.
- Do not consent to a recorded statement or sign any document without first reviewing it with your attorney. Innocent statements made by you attempting to assist an insurance adjuster can easily be misinterpreted and used to deny or minimize your recovery.
- Immediately seek medical attention and tell your doctor the nature and extent of your pain and injury, and how the injury occurred.
- Track Your Expenses.
A strong claim clearly outlines the financial impact of your accident. Keep records of your:
- medical bills,
- mileage driven to doctors’ appointments,
- rental car expenses,
- time away from work,
- and any other expenses your accident has caused.
Damages You Can Recover
The Law Office Of Ferguson and Ferguson is an experienced car accident law firm with a long track record of obtaining for clients the compensation and accountability they deserve. An individual who negligently operates a motor vehicle may be liable for a wide variety of damages that an accident can cause, including but not limited to the following:
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- Disability and Disfigurement
- Loss of Consortium
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Mental and Emotional Distress
- Out of Pocket Expenses
- Future Medicals
- Prescriptions
- Pain Management
- Physical Therapy
- Walkers, wheelchairs and crutches
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
Don’t let an insurance company decide what your personal injury claim is worth, contact us today. It’s our job to get you the money you’re truly owed.
Common Huntsville Car Accident Injuries
The most common injuries caused by car accidents include:
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- Amputations
- Broken limbs
- Concussions
- Dislocations
- Sprains and strains
- Head and brain injuries
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Migraine Headaches
- Paralysis
- Death
Hospitals Serving North Alabama
People who are injured and require emergency care in North Alabama have many choices when it comes to medical care. If you have suffered serious trauma in your auto accidents you will normally be transported to one of the following hospitals. If you are in either hospital recovering from your injuries, we are available 24-7 to discuss your case. In most instances, you will receive at least four bills when you are transported to one of these hospitals. The hospital bill, the radiology bill, the emergency physician bill, and the ambulance bill. If necessary, you may receive other treatments and bills from orthopedic surgeons and other physicians. You may be worried about how you will pay your medical bills and monthly bills. If necessary, we can connect you to companies that do low-interest loans to cover your living expenses and medical bills while you recover. Our injury attorneys can help guide you through the process of recovering from your injuries. The hospitals in North Alabama are:
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- Decatur Morgan Hospital – Parkway Campus
1874 Beltline Rd. S.W.
Decatur, Alabama
Phone: (256) 973-2000
Website
- Decatur Morgan Hospital – Decatur Campus
1201 7th St. S.E.
Decatur, Alabama 35601
Phone: (256) 341-2000
Website
- Huntsville Hospital
101 Sivley Rd SW
Huntsville, Alabama 25801
Phone: (256) 265-1000
Website
- Crestwood Medical Center
One Hospital Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 429-4000
Website
- Athens Limestone Hospital
700 Market St W
Athens, AL 35611
Phone: (256) 233-9292
Website
- Cullman Regional Medical Center
1912 AL-157
Cullman, AL 35058
Phone: (256) 737-2000
Website
- Madison Hospital
8375 Hwy 72 W
Madison, AL 35758
Phone: (256) 265-2012
Website
- Highlands Medical Center
380 Woods Cove Rd
Scottsboro, AL 35768
Phone: (256) 259-4444
Website
- Marshall Medical Center North
8000 AL-69
Guntersville, AL 35976
Phone: (256) 571-8000
Website
- Marshall Medical Center South
2505 US-431
Boaz, AL 35957
Phone: (256) 593-8310
Website
- North Alabama Medical Center
1701 Veterans Dr
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 629-1000
Website
- DeKalb Regional Medical Center
200 Medical Center Dr. SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Phone: (256) 845-3150
Website
- Helen Keller Hospital
1300 South Montgomery Avenue
Sheffield, AL
Phone: (256) 386-4196
Website
- Lawrence Medical Center
202 Hospital Street
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-2200
Website
- Gadsden Medical Center
1007 Goodyear Ave
Gadsden, AL 35903
Phone: (256) 494-4000
Website
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Car Accident Questions and Answers-FAQ'S
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section about car accidents provides answers to various questions regarding car accidents. Here is an overview of the questions addressed:
How does car insurance affect a car accident claim?
Insurance coverage can have a major impact on a car accident claim. When determining insurance coverage in a car accident claim, it is important to understand the full extent of coverage available, including liability coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage. Adequate insurance can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other costs that have been incurred as a result of the accident. By working with experienced professionals and utilizing their expertise, you can navigate the complexities of insurance coverage and ultimately support a successful car accident claim.
How do you contact your insurance company after a Huntsville car accident?
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident in Huntsville, Alabama and need to file a claim with your auto insurance provider, the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the company you are insured with. Here are general guidelines for proceeding with some of the major insurers:
1. Access Insurance, Alfa, Allstate, Esurance: Contact your insurance as soon as possible to report the accident. You will likely need to fill out a claim form, and they may direct you to a preferred mechanic or medical professional.
2. Geico, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide: Reach out by phone or through their online claims center. These companies offer mobile apps that can simplify the process of document submission and claim tracking.
3. Progressive, Safeco, State Farm: It is important to gather all relevant information regarding the accident, including photos of the scene if possible, before making the claim. These insurers provide 24/7 customer service for accidents and claims.
4. Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance, Travelers Insurance, The General: After the accident, ensure you obtain a police report if necessary, which will be crucial for your claim. Contact your insurer to understand their specific process as it may require additional documentation.
5. USAA Insurance: USAA services are tailored for military members and their families. If you are eligible and involved in an accident, contact USAA immediately. Their process is also streamlined through a mobile app which facilitates filing and tracking claims.
In any case, no matter your insurer, be sure to document everything thoroughly, keep records of all correspondences, and follow up regularly to ensure your claim is processed efficiently. Your specific insurance company will provide precise instructions on their procedure post-accident.
What are the most common car accident questions?
Frequently asked questions about car accidents often revolve around what to do if you are in one, whether to hire an attorney, how to deal with insurance companies, if a statement should be given to the insurance company following an accident, determining the worth of a claim, and seeking legal advice regarding the lawsuit. Other common queries involve tips on avoiding car accidents, different types of car accidents such as DWI/DUI incidents, issues related to distracted driving, road hazards, passenger safety, common injuries sustained in car accidents, as well as available resources for those involved in car accidents.
Can car accident injuries arise months or years later on?
Car accident injuries can surface months or even years after the initial incident due to various reasons. One common factor is the delayed onset of symptoms associated with certain injuries. For example, soft tissue injuries or whiplash may not manifest immediately after a crash but could become apparent over time as inflammation and pain worsen.
Additionally, some injuries may go unnoticed initially, especially in the aftermath of a traumatic event like a car accident. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain and symptoms, leading individuals to overlook underlying injuries that later become apparent as the body's natural response subsides.
Moreover, certain types of injuries, such as concussions or internal organ damage, may not present immediate symptoms but can develop or worsen over time. Without thorough medical evaluation and monitoring, these injuries may remain undetected until they become more severe, potentially causing long-term health complications.
Therefore, individuals involved in car accidents must seek medical attention promptly and undergo comprehensive evaluations to detect any underlying injuries, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. This proactive approach can help identify and address injuries early on, reducing the risk of long-term complications that may manifest months or years after the incident.
1. What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?
2. Do I need to hire an attorney after a car accident?
3. How should I handle my insurance company following a car accident?
4. Is it necessary to state the insurance company after an accident?
5. How can I determine the value of my claim?
6. Are there any resources available for car accident-related information?
7. What steps can I take to avoid car accidents?
8. What are the different types of car accidents?
9. How does driving under the influence (DWI/DUI) contribute to car accidents?
10. What is distracted driving and how does it lead to accidents?
11. What are some common road hazards that can cause car accidents?
12. How can I ensure passenger safety in a car?
13. What are some of the common injuries sustained in car accidents?
14. Can I file a lawsuit regarding my car accident?
15. Where can I find additional resources and support for car accidents?
Please note that this list provides an overview and may not include every question addressed in the FAQ section.
Why Hire Car Accident Attorneys Ferguson and Ferguson
The law offices of Ferguson and Ferguson take pride in giving each car accident client individual and personal attention.
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- We are attorneys from Huntsville, not Birmingham or Montgomery
- Unlike Birmingham and Montgomery attorneys, we know the streets and roads in Huntsville
- Knowledgeable about car accident cases
- We are committed to excellent client service.
- We care about our clients, and have patience.
- Free phone consultation 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays
- Free office consultation as late as 7 p.m. and Saturdays also
- Locations near you
- You talk to car accident lawyers, not secretaries
- We answer all our client's calls or return them promptly.
- We keep our clients informed of the status of their car accident cases.
- We make sure that our clients understand each step of their case.
- We have great compassion for the physical, emotional, and financial problems that our clients suffer, and will do everything possible to get them through their difficult times.
- We win our car accident cases
Our injury lawyers have represented car accident victims in negotiations with insurance companies and at trial in civil court proceedings for over twenty years. Every insurance company has adjusters, investigators, and attorneys assigned to auto accident claims. Their primary goal is to limit the amount of compensation the insurance company pays to auto accident victims like you. Insurance companies are not the friends of injured claimants. Don’t make their job easier by providing them with information that they can use or manipulate to deny your claim. Make sure you have the best Huntsville auto accident lawyer you can hire on your side to aggressively protect your interests.
Free Case Review
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident in Huntsville, Alabama, deciding to hire a lawyer is an important choice that takes careful consideration. If you need the best car accident lawyer you can hire for your auto case, call or email us. Our consultations are free. We can visit you or your loved one at a hospital, residence, or workplace. Some lawyers, due to their lack of skill or resources, may not pursue all claims and compensation available to you. If you have been a victim of a car accident in Huntsville, Alabama, do not hesitate to call our skilled and experienced personal injury attorneys for a free assessment of your situation. Call 256-534-3435. We are here to help.
Huntsville Office Location:
303 Williams Avenue SW
Suite 321
Huntsville, AL 35801
Our car accident attorneys serve every city and county in the State of Alabama.
Car Accident Resources
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- Federal Citizen Information Center: Cars - Features consumer information on cars, including pamphlets and brochures covering a wide variety of automotive topics.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Auto Warranties and Routine Maintenance - Provides consumer education materials on automobile warranties and the importance of routine maintenance.
- Insurance Information Institute: Auto Insurance - Great introduction to automobile insurance, with information to help you choose the right policy or make a claim.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety/Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS/HLDI) - Features vehicle ratings, safety facts, and publications; with special sections on airbags, impaired driving, child safety, and more.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Provides crash statistics and articles about automobile accidents, product safety, and child passenger safety.
- National Safety Council (NSC): Driving information - Information about defensive driving, distracted driving, employer traffic safety, teen driving, and related topics.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - Features consumer publications, product recalls, reports on unsafe products, statistics and more; including content about automobile safety.
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) - Features automobile statistics, dockets, rules, and references; with dedicated sections on distracted driving and other vehicle safety issues.
- SaferCar.gov - Comprehensive resource for car owners, car shoppers, and parents; with crash test ratings, recalls, and other automobile safety information (NHTSA).
- Motor Vehicle Safety: MedlinePlus - This service, provided by the National Institutes of Health, provides email updates on critical motor vehicle safety issues.
- The Center for Auto Safety - Organization that provides news headlines and action alerts for defective automobiles and other vehicle safety information.
- Automobile Safety Foundation - Through its CarSafe.org portal, the Automobile Safety Foundation provides news and alerts about vehicles safety and other car-related topics.
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation - Organization that develops comprehensive safety training programs for motorcyclists.
- Motorcycle Safety (NHTSA) - Motorcycle safety guide published by the NHTSA in conjunction with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.