Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Dothan, Southeast Alabama, and the Tri-State Area
The Dothan personal injury lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC are passionate about helping our clients recover the maximum compensation they deserve. Our firm is recognized as the premier personal injury law firm serving the Dothan area, as well as Southeast Alabama and the Tri-State area.
If you were injured because of someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, contact Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC today online or at 844-654-6228 to schedule a FREE case evaluation. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.
Millions of Dollars Recovered for Our Alabama Clients
Our accomplishments include recovering one of the highest jury awards in the history of the state, at a value of $21,000,000. Our professional legal team provides top-level legal counsel in a range of injury cases. In any area of personal injury we practice, our Dothan personal injury attorneys are equipped with experience, resources, and determination, and always take on a creative approach to helping our clients maximize their recovery.
Testimonials From Former Clients
Cory was absolutely fantastic. He settled my case beyond what I could even imagine. Not only was he very knowledgeable concerning the law, he was available whenever we needed him, Cory was also so kind and courteous to us at all times. During the time since my case ended I have called on Cory several times to ask questions related to situations I have had going on and he has always been available to help me. I would recommend Cory without a second thought to any friend, family member, co-worker or acquaintance.
Love, love, love these people! When no one out there seems to care, let me tell you that this group right here will fight tooth and nail for you.
“Never in a million years did I believe that these attorneys would do everything possible to seek justice.”
Attorney Driggers and his team did a wonderful job with my case. They were professional and pleasant. They were patient with me and answered all my questions. They addressed all my concerns from the first conversation to the last. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney.
Hired Joseph Morris to handle my car accident and he did a great job at handling the case and explained the process as the case went. I would highly recommend him.
“I’ve had Joey take care of three separate cases and two for other family members. The service was always great and he was always there to answer my questions no matter how many times I called. Great m …”
Cory and his staff are very professional and make you feel at ease whether it is by phone or in person. My case was solved quickly and very efficiently. Thanks for everything!!
I would recommend Mr. Driggers to anybody needing legal help him and his staff first of all are very nice to you and act like they are very understanding to your needs. He talked to me on the phone like he knew me all my life and that really mattered to me. When we had our hearing he treated me like he had already met me and he hadn’t, I just really loved him and have already been telling people about him and his office.
I would highly recommend Cory Driggers. He kept me informed all during my case. I never felt left in the dark. He was always straightforward with me . I can’t express how impressed I was with him.
Cory Driggers represented my daughter following an car accident. He showed real genuine care for her and the case. He and his staff worked to get all of the medical bills gathered and also to get them decreased. Cory kept us updated and contacted my daughter when decisions needed to be made. Ultimately, Cory got what my daughter deserved for her injuries and my daughter was completely satisfied. I would recommend Cory to anyone that is looking for a good Christian attorney. Thanks Cory for your help!
Joey (and his team) was extremely helpful in a time when we did not know what to do. His professional approach gave us assurance while he settled our case.
I would highly recommend Cory Driggers. He kept me informed all during my case. I never felt left in the dark. He was always straightforward with me. I can’t express how impressed I was with him.
“Our family is so thankful for Mark, Dan and their entire team. Every step of the way they made sure we were comfortable and understood every aspect of our case. It was apparent that our interest was …”
“I was pleased with their work and the outcome of my case.”
Mr.Driggers is a wonderful Lawyer that knows the law, he helped me when I had no idea in my situation where to start and what to do, he worked with me hands on and got the best results for me in my case. It was a privilege to get to know him as my lawyer and a friend. If you need legal representation call him you will be satisfied.
The staff handled my case in a prompt and professional manner. They returned my calls in a timely fashion and was always prepared to answer any questions. Furthermore, Attorney Driggers is a Christian man and first class professional. I am certainly happy that i was represented by this Law Firm.
Nearly 150 Years of Combined Legal Experience
At Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC, our approach to every case is to see the innocent injury victim fairly compensated for their damages and we do everything within our skill and power to make that come true. With nearly 150 years of combined legal experience, you can trust our counsel and our commitment to your case’s outcome.
The most common aspect of personal injury law involves various types of accidents. While these events are, by nature, accidental, they often involve negligence of some sort. Pinpointing negligence and an abandonment of duty to care is our mission, and our goal is to obtain the maximum recovery for you and your family.
Notable Verdicts & Settlements
Our Areas of Practice in Dothan
Our Dothan personal injury lawyers have considerable experience in a wide range of accident cases, including:
- Bicycle accidents
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Construction accidents
- Dog bites
- Drunk driving accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
Our firm also handles other types of cases that involve negligence and damages, but which may not be specific to one accident.
Special areas of personal injury law that we practice include:
- BP oil spill claims
- Business litigation
- General negligence claims
- Insurance bad faith
- Nursing home abuse
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Social security disability
- Worker’s compensation
- Wrongful death
If you are seeking compensation for any of these matters, contact Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC today to schedule a consultation with one of our Dothan personal injury attorneys for FREE. We can discuss your situation and offer you preliminary information on your options for proceeding with legal action.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
A personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Here are several ways in which a personal injury attorney can help you:
Legal Expertise
Personal injury law can be complex, and it’s constantly evolving. An experienced attorney understands the intricacies of the law, including statutes, regulations, and case precedents, and can navigate the legal system on your behalf.
Case Assessment
Your attorney will evaluate the facts and circumstances of your case to determine whether you have a valid claim. We can provide an honest assessment of the strength of your case and help you understand your legal options.
Investigation
Attorneys have the resources and knowledge to conduct a thorough investigation into your accident or injury. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with experts in fields such as accident reconstruction or medical evaluation to build a strong case.
Determining Liability
Your attorney will identify the parties responsible for your injuries and establish their liability. This is a crucial step in seeking compensation.
Estimating Damages
Your attorney will help you assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. We will work to ensure you pursue fair and adequate compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers your losses.
Filing Legal Documents
There is a significant amount of paperwork involved in a personal injury case. Your attorney will handle all the necessary legal documents, ensuring they are filed correctly and within the required deadlines.
Representation in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney will represent you in court. We will present your case to a judge and jury, advocating for your rights and interests.
Expert Witnesses
Personal injury cases may require expert witnesses to testify on your behalf, such as medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists. Your attorney can identify and retain these experts to support your case.
Peace of Mind
Dealing with a personal injury can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Having an attorney on your side can provide peace of mind, knowing that someone is advocating for your interests and handling the legal complexities.
Maximizing Compensation
Ultimately, the goal of a personal injury attorney is to help you obtain the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses. We will work diligently to ensure you are not shortchanged in your pursuit of justice.
It’s important to choose an attorney with experience in personal injury cases and a track record of successful outcomes. A skilled attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and your ability to recover the compensation you deserve.
Recoverable Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
In a personal injury lawsuit, recoverable damages refer to the various types of compensation that an injured party (the plaintiff) may be entitled to receive from the at-fault party (the defendant) or their insurance company. These damages are intended to compensate the plaintiff for the losses and harm they have suffered as a result of the injury.
The specific amount of recoverable damages in a personal injury lawsuit will depend on the facts of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the impact the injury has made on the victim’s life. It’s essential to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney to assess your case and determine the types and amount of damages you may be entitled to seek in your lawsuit.
Recoverable damages generally fall into the following categories:
Economic Damages (Special Damages)
Economic damages are tangible, quantifiable losses that have a direct financial impact on the plaintiff. They may include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of past and future medical treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and any other healthcare-related expenses incurred due to the injury.
- Lost Earnings: Compensation for wages or income lost as a result of the injury. This may cover past and future lost earnings, including the potential for reduced earning capacity if the injury has a long-term impact on the plaintiff’s ability to work.
- Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing any property that was damaged in the accident, such as a vehicle in a car accident.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This includes expenses related to the injury, such as transportation costs for medical appointments, prescription costs, and home modifications if needed due to the injury.
Non-Economic Damages (General Damages)
Non-economic damages are more subjective and are intended to compensate the plaintiff for intangible losses and the pain and suffering endured as a result of the injury. These may include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain, discomfort, and distress caused by the injury.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for psychological or emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting from the injury.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact the injury has on the plaintiff’s relationship with their spouse or family members.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the loss of ability to participate in activities and hobbies that the plaintiff enjoyed before the injury.
- Scarring or Disfigurement: Compensation for visible scars or disfigurement resulting from the injury or necessary medical procedures.
Punitive Damages
Alabama does allow for punitive damages in certain personal injury cases, but there are specific legal standards and limitations in place (see Ala. Code § 6-11-20). Punitive damages in Alabama are intended to punish a defendant for particularly egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future, rather than to compensate the plaintiff for their losses.
To be awarded punitive damages in Alabama, the plaintiff must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s actions involved wantonness, malice, fraud, oppression, or wanton disregard for the rights and safety of the plaintiff. This is a higher standard of proof than the preponderance of the evidence standard typically used in civil cases.
Alabama law imposes caps on the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in most cases. Generally, punitive damages are limited to three times the amount of compensatory (economic and non-economic) damages or $1.5 million, whichever is greater.
In some cases involving intentional misconduct or particularly severe behavior, Alabama law does not impose caps on punitive damages. However, these exceptions are limited.
In Alabama, punitive damages are determined in a separate phase of the trial from compensatory damages. This means that the jury first considers the plaintiff’s claims for compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) and then, if necessary, moves on to consider punitive damages if the clear and convincing evidence standard is met.
To succeed in a punitive damages claim, the plaintiff typically must present strong evidence that the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious. Mere negligence or ordinary negligence is not sufficient to justify punitive damages.
It’s important to note that not all personal injury cases in Alabama will involve punitive damages. They are typically sought in cases where the defendant’s conduct goes beyond ordinary negligence and is characterized by extreme recklessness or malice. If you believe your case may warrant punitive damages, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Alabama who can assess the specific circumstances of your case and advise you on the applicability of punitive damages.
What Is the Personal Injury Claim Process?
In most cases, a personal injury claim comprises the following steps. It is generally in your best interest to discuss your situation with a Dothan personal injury attorney as soon as possible and allow your attorney to handle the process on your behalf.
1. Seek Medical Attention
As with any personal injury case, your first priority should be seeking immediate medical attention for your injuries.
2. Preserve Evidence
Collect and preserve evidence related to your accident and injuries. This includes photographs, witness statements, accident reports, and medical records.
3. Consult an Attorney
Consult with a personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable about Alabama’s laws and can guide you through the legal process.
4. Determine Fault and Liability
Identify who is at fault for the accident and your injuries. In Alabama, the state follows a “contributory negligence” rule, which means that if you are found even partially at fault for the accident, you may not be eligible to recover compensation. Therefore, it’s crucial to establish the other party’s liability.
5. Notify the At-Fault Party or Insurance Company
Your attorney may send a demand letter to the at-fault party or their insurance company, outlining your claim and the compensation you are seeking.
6. Negotiate a Settlement
Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. Alabama does not have specific laws governing the timeline for settlement negotiations, so this process can vary in duration.
7. File a Lawsuit if a Fair Settlement Cannot Be Negotiated
If settlement negotiations fail, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit in an Alabama state court. The lawsuit will specify your claims and the compensation you are seeking.
8. Discovery
Both parties will engage in the discovery process, which involves gathering evidence, conducting depositions, and exchanging information relevant to the case.
9. Pretrial Motions
There may be pretrial motions and hearings to address legal issues or motions to dismiss during the lead-up to the trial.
10. Trial
If a settlement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial. Alabama allows for both jury trials and bench trials (where a judge makes the final decision). The outcome of the trial will determine whether you receive compensation and the amount.
11. Collect Compensation
If you win your case, you’ll need to collect the awarded compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company.
12. Appeal (if applicable)
Either party can appeal the verdict if they believe there was a legal error or an issue with the trial process.
At Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC, we know how challenging the legal process can be for accident victims. We also know how frustrating it can be to feel left in the dark about the status of your case. Communication is a cornerstone of our client commitment. Our firm is dedicated to keeping you updated and informed at every stage of your legal journey. Whether progress is made or a delay is anticipated, we will ensure that you are clear on the status and progression of your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Alabama?
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is an important legal deadline that you must adhere to. The statute of limitations sets a time limit on how long you have to initiate a lawsuit after the date of the injury or accident. Failing to file within this time frame can result in your case being dismissed, and you may lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Alabama is typically two years from the date of the injury or accident (see Alabama Code § 6-2-38). This means that you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. If you file a lawsuit after this two-year period has expired, the court is likely to dismiss your case, and you may no longer be able to pursue a legal claim for your injuries.
However, there can be exceptions and nuances in certain cases, so it’s essential to consult with a Dothan personal injury attorney to get accurate information about the statute of limitations that applies to your specific situation.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The time it takes for a personal injury case to settle can vary widely and depends on numerous factors. There is no fixed timeline, as each case is unique. Some personal injury cases may settle relatively quickly, while others can take several months or even years to reach a resolution. Here are several factors that can influence the duration of a personal injury settlement:
- Severity of Injuries: Cases that involve severe injuries requiring considerable medical treatment and recovery time can take longer to settle, as the full extent of the injuries and their long-term consequences may not be immediately known.
- Liability Disputes: If there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident or injury, it can prolong the settlement process. Investigations and legal arguments may be necessary to establish liability.
- Insurance Company Cooperation: The willingness of the at-fault party’s insurance company to negotiate and make a reasonable settlement offer can significantly impact the timeline. Some insurance companies are more cooperative than others.
- Negotiation Process: The negotiation phase can take time, as both parties work to reach an agreement on the compensation amount. This may involve multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers.
- Legal Complexities: Some cases involve legal complexities or issues that require additional time for research, preparation, and argumentation.
- Medical Treatment and Recovery: In cases where ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation are necessary, the settlement may be delayed until the full extent of the medical expenses and long-term effects are known.
- Court Dockets and Scheduling: If a lawsuit is filed, the court’s schedule and caseload can affect the timing of trial dates and, consequently, the settlement process.
- Discovery: The discovery phase, during which both parties gather evidence and exchange information, can be time-consuming. Complex cases may involve extensive discovery efforts.
- Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Some cases go through mediation or other forms of ADR to reach a settlement. The scheduling of these processes can affect the timeline.
- Unforeseen Delays: Unexpected events or complications can arise during the legal process, leading to delays. These can include witness availability issues, changes in legal strategy, or other unforeseen circumstances.
It’s essential to work closely with your personal injury attorney to understand the progress of your case and the factors that may be affecting the timeline. At Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC, our attorneys can provide guidance on when it might be a good time to consider settlement offers or whether it’s in your best interest to continue pursuing the case through trial. Ultimately, the goal is to secure a fair and just settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses.
When Should I Contact an Attorney Following an Accident?
If you have been injured due to the negligent behavior of a person, company, or other entity you may be entitled to compensation. Following an accident, your first priority should be your health and safety. Once your injuries have been assessed and treated, connecting with a lawyer can start the process of claiming damages for your losses.
It’s never too early to contact a lawyer in personal injury cases. Alabama law grants a window of two years to file a claim with the intent to receive damages following a personal injury. Filing your claim sooner after your accident can make for a more favorable outcome as you may have more access to crucial evidence to prove your claim, such as photographic evidence and witness testimony.
Contact a Dothan Personal Injury Lawyer for FREE
The experienced personal injury lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC are committed to helping accident victims move forward after a serious injury. We believe every person has the right to exceptional legal counsel, and we are passionate about helping our clients recover the maximum compensation they need and deserve.
The clock may already be ticking on your case. If you have been harmed due to the reckless or careless actions of another, contact our office today online or at 844-654-6228 to schedule a FREE case evaluation with a Dothan personal injury lawyer. Our distinguished attorneys have substantial experience with a range of complex personal injury claims. We will fight diligently on your behalf to protect your rights and best interests.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.
