Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Greensboro, Hale County, Southwest Alabama, and the Tri-State Area
The Greensboro personal injury lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC have built a reputation for excellence in Alabama. With more than 130 years of combined experience, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to handle even the most complex legal matter.
If you were hurt due to the careless or reckless actions of someone else, you deserve compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. We understand the hardships you may be facing, and our attorneys work tirelessly to protect the rights and best interests of our clients. We aren’t intimidated by big insurance companies and we don’t back down from a fight.
Contact Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC today online or at (844) 654-6228 for a FREE case evaluation with one of our Greensboro personal injury lawyers.
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We Can Help with Any Personal Injury Matter
With over 130 years of combined experience, our attorneys can cover a wide range of personal injury matters as well as business litigation, social security disability, and workers’ compensation.
Our personal injury lawyers in Greensboro have the skills to investigate your case. MATD can gather all necessary documents, scrutinize physical evidence, question witnesses, and more. Our goal is to prove that someone else’s actions left you in pain.
You can trust us to help you with:
- Bicycle accidents
- Car accidents
- Construction accidents
- Defective product accidents
- Dog bites
- Drunk driving accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and falls
- Swimming pool accidents
- Workplace accidents
- And more!
When seeking justice for our clients, we first attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial in order to recover the maximum compensation to which you are entitled under the law. Regardless of the path your case takes, we will guide you through the process and keep you informed every step of the way.
Don’t Face Your Injuries Alone
An injury affects more than just your health. It can also affect your finances. While recovering, you will spend a considerable amount of money on your treatment. You will also lose income from missed work. This puts even more strain on your life when you should be focused on getting better.
Personal injury law exists to address these issues. It is a way of receiving financial compensation for the losses you incurred. When someone else’s behavior results in your misery, you deserve to be taken care of.
Furthermore, personal injury lawsuits can compensate you for the pain and suffering you experienced. Your attorney can use complicated formulas to calculate this cost. It is related to the severity of the misery you endured and the amount of time you endured it.
When another’s negligence results in your pain, Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC is here to help. We have helped many clients through difficult times, and we know what you are going through. Our team is dedicated to treating your case with care and compassion while simultaneously holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Building a Claim for Your Greensboro Personal Injury Case
When our Greensboro personal injury lawyers build a personal injury claim, the process involves several detailed steps. The goal is to establish the liability of the party at fault, demonstrate the extent of the client’s injuries, and secure fair compensation. Here’s how we typically approach this:
FREE Case Evaluation
The process begins with an initial complimentary meeting to understand the details of the incident, the nature of the injuries, and the impact on your life. We evaluate the merits of the case, considering factors like the extent of injuries, evidence of liability, applicable laws in Alabama (such as contributory negligence), and the potential for recovery of damages.
Investigation
If we agree to move forward together, the process will begin with a thorough investigation of the incident. This includes collecting police and accident reports, interviewing witnesses, gathering photographic evidence, and possibly consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
Medical Records Review
We will collect and review all medical records related to the injuries. This may involve consulting with medical experts to understand the full extent and future implications of the injuries.
Determining Liability
Based on the evidence, we will identify all potentially liable parties. In Alabama, this is crucial due to the contributory negligence rule, where if the client is found even slightly at fault, they cannot recover damages.
Calculating Damages
Our personal injury attorneys in Greensboro will calculate total damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and any other applicable damages. Future expenses and impacts are also considered.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
We will engage in negotiations with the insurance companies involved. This includes presenting the evidence and arguing for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Drafting Legal Documents
If a fair settlement cannot be achieved through negotiations, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit. We will prepare and file a complaint in the appropriate court. This document lays out the legal basis for the claim and the damages sought.
Litigation
If the case proceeds to court, we will represent you in all legal proceedings, including pre-trial motions, discovery (exchange of evidence), and trial. We will prepare legal arguments, depose witnesses, and present the case in court.
Settlement Discussions
Throughout the litigation process, we may engage in settlement discussions. If a settlement is reached, we will ensure that it adequately compensates for the injuries and losses you suffered.
Trial and Verdict
If a settlement is not reached, the case goes to trial. We will present evidence and arguments before a judge or jury, who will then render a verdict.
Post-Trial Actions
Depending on the outcome, there may be post-trial motions or appeals. If the verdict is in the client’s favor, the firm will assist in collecting the judgment.
Each client is unique and no two cases are exactly alike. That’s why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach to any claim. Our Greensboro personal injury lawyers tailor our approach based on the specific circumstances and your individual needs.
How Is Liability Determined?
Determining liability in a personal injury claim in Alabama involves understanding how fault is established and how it impacts the ability of an injured party to recover damages. Alabama’s approach to liability in personal injury cases is somewhat unique due to its adherence to the doctrine of “contributory negligence.” Here’s how liability is typically determined:
- Establishing Negligence: To establish liability, it must be shown that the defendant was negligent. This involves proving four elements:
- Duty: The defendant had a duty to act or refrain from acting in a certain way (e.g., a driver’s duty to follow traffic laws).
- Breach: The defendant breached that duty (e.g., by speeding or running a red light).
- Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the accident.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered damages (physical injury, property damage, etc.) as a result of the breach.
- Contributory Negligence: Alabama is one of the few states that still follow the strict rule of contributory negligence. Under this rule, if the injured party (plaintiff) is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovering any damages. This makes proving the complete fault of the other party crucial in Alabama personal injury cases.
- Gathering Evidence: Evidence plays a vital role in establishing liability. This can include police reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene, video footage, medical records, and expert testimony.
- Use of Expert Witnesses: In complex cases, expert witnesses may be employed to provide specialized knowledge, such as accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals, to help establish the cause of the accident and the extent of injuries.
- Legal Analysis: Our personal injury attorneys will analyze the facts of the case in light of Alabama’s laws and precedents. They will construct a legal argument to demonstrate the defendant’s full liability.
- Insurance Company’s Role: Often, the determination of liability is initially made by insurance companies. They will conduct their own investigation and make a determination based on their findings. However, their assessment can be challenged legally.
- Negotiations and Litigation: If there is a dispute over liability, it may be resolved through negotiation or litigation. In court, liability will be determined based on the evidence and legal arguments presented by both sides.
Determining fault in a personal injury case can be extremely complex, and require the knowledge and skill of an experienced personal injury attorney. The lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC have a proven record of success in a wide range of difficult cases. We understand the intricacies of Alabama law and we know how to build a strong case.
What Is Contributory Negligence in Alabama?
In Alabama, the principle of contributory negligence plays a critical role in personal injury cases and is very strict. Under this rule, if an individual seeking damages is found to have even a minor degree of fault in the incident, such as being just 1% responsible, they are ineligible to receive any compensation from the other party. This stands in contrast to the approach in most other states, where a person’s compensation is typically reduced in proportion to their fault. Therefore, in Alabama, it is essential for claimants to conclusively demonstrate that the other party was entirely at fault to succeed in their claim. The rigidity of this rule often leads to challenging situations, particularly when a claimant’s involvement in the incident is minimal.
Our Greensboro personal injury lawyers understand the severity of Alabama’s contributory negligence laws and work diligently to prove liability on the part of the at-fault party. During your FREE case evaluation, we will listen to your story, assess the merits of your claim, and explain your rights and legal options.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
In an Alabama personal injury case, the potential compensation available to a plaintiff, often referred to as “damages,” can vary depending on the specifics of the case. Generally, these damages are intended to compensate the injured party for the losses they have incurred as a result of the accident. The main categories of compensation include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all medical costs related to the injury, both past and future. It includes hospital bills, medical treatments, medication costs, rehabilitation expenses, and any future medical care that might be needed as a result of the injury.
- Lost Wages: If the injury caused you to miss work, you could be compensated for lost income. This also extends to loss of earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress you suffered due to the injury. This category is more subjective and varies greatly from case to case.
- Property Damage: If the incident resulted in damage to your property, such as a vehicle in a car accident, compensation can include the cost of repair or replacement.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, where the defendant’s conduct is found to be especially egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended not as compensation, but as a punishment for the defendant and a deterrent to prevent similar actions in the future.
- Wrongful Death and Survival Damages: In cases where the personal injury results in death, the victim’s family may be entitled to wrongful death damages, which can include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and compensation for emotional distress.
- Loss of Consortium: In certain cases, a spouse or family member of the injured party may be able to claim damages for loss of consortium, which refers to the loss of the benefits of a family relationship due to the injury.
It’s important to note that Alabama’s contributory negligence rule can significantly impact the ability to recover these damages. If you are found to be even slightly at fault, you may be barred from receiving any compensation. It is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Greensboro to ensure your rights and best interests are protected.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of the injury or accident (see Alabama Code § 6-2-38). This time frame is crucial because if you attempt to file a lawsuit after this period has elapsed, your case is likely to be dismissed, effectively forfeiting your right to seek compensation.
However, there are important exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the injury was not immediately discovered, the statute might start from the date the injury was or should have been discovered. Also, if the claim is against a government entity like a city or the state, the deadlines can be different and often shorter, such as a six-month notice requirement for claims against a city. Additionally, for minors, the statute of limitations may not begin until they reach 18 years of age.
There are other specific circumstances that might alter this standard two-year limit. Therefore, it is in your best interest to consult with one of the Greensboro personal injury lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case and to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Contact our Greensboro Personal Injury Lawyers for Free
If you’re in need of legal assistance following a serious injury in Greenville, our team of personal injury lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC is here to help you. We provide FREE initial consultations to accident victims, firmly upholding the belief that everyone deserves exceptional legal representation. Our commitment is to support our clients in securing the fullest compensation they rightfully deserve.
Don’t let time slip away if you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. Contact our Greensboro office today for a complimentary case evaluation with one of our skilled personal injury lawyers. You can reach us online or by phone at (844) 654-6228.
Remember, our services for personal injury cases are offered on a contingency basis. This means our fees are contingent upon securing a successful resolution for your case – if we don’t win, you don’t pay.