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334-333-3333It can be costly when you’re hurt in a car accident in Alabama. In 2022, the average hospital stay in the state cost $1,899 per day, which means just a few days can set you back thousands of dollars. Factor in other expenses, like property damage to your car and lost wages, and one collision can leave you financially vulnerable.
You can file a compensation claim against the person who caused the crash to recoup your losses, including non-economic damages like pain and suffering. But how do you calculate the amount you’re entitled to?
In this post, we share how car accident settlements are calculated and why having an Alabama car accident lawyer from The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can maximize your compensation.
When you’re the victim in an auto collision, you can seek financial compensation for various damages. Your settlement helps pay for losses like medical bills, vehicle damage, and the emotional consequences of accidents. Here’s a breakdown:
Calculating how much you’re owed after a crash requires evaluating several factors. These include the severity of the injuries, who was at fault, available insurance coverages, and contributory negligence laws. An attorney from The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help you consider these elements to ensure you get a fair settlement:
| Factor | Description | Example |
| Extent of Injuries | The severity and type of injuries sustained in the accident. | More severe injuries like spinal damage, head trauma (TBIs), or disfigurement can lead to higher compensation due to long-term care, potential disability, and impact on quality of life. |
| Liability | Identification of all parties potentially responsible for the accident, including drivers, trucking companies, municipalities, or vehicle manufacturers. | If your attorney determines that another driver is responsible for the crash, you can pursue compensation through their liability insurance. Alternatively, if a trucking company caused your injuries, you could seek recompense through its commercial liability insurance policy. |
| Insurance Coverage | Insurance coverage limits affect your potential compensation. These can include Alabama’s required minimums, federal limits for trucking companies, or optional coverages under your own policy. | If you file against a negligent driver with Alabama’s minimum coverages, you might only receive $25,000 for your damages. If you were hurt in a miss-and-run or hit-and-run, you could file with your own uninsured motorists’ insurance if you have these coverages. |
| Contributory Negligence | Alabama uses a strict contributory negligence doctrine to award damages, which affects compensation based on fault allocation. Under the state’s contributory negligence law, you are ineligible for compensation if you’re even 1% at fault. | You’re involved in a crash where the other driver was speeding, and you forgot to signal your turn. You may both be at fault, making you unable to receive compensation due to Alabama’s contributory negligence law. |
To ensure your recovery award reflects your damages accurately, it’s important to keep detailed records of your losses. Here are a few tips for maximizing your settlement after a crash:
After a car crash, you might find yourself facing large medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering because of your injuries. At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to protecting your rights and securing a fair compensation package that covers all your losses from the accident.
Our car accident verdicts include $785,000 for a rear-end crash and $775,000 for another collision. We can use our legal skills and experience to win you what you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
