Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer Answers: 10 Key Questions After an Accident

If you were hurt because someone else didn’t act with reasonable care, you may have a claim. This guide shares straight answers from an Alabama personal injury lawyer—and what Bodewell Injury Group does to help people across Alabama pursue full, fair compensation.

Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer Q&A: What You Need to Know Now

1) What qualifies as a personal injury claim in Alabama?

Most claims come down to this: someone owed you a duty of care, breached it, and caused injuries and losses. Common examples include car, truck, and motorcycle crashes; pedestrian and bicycle collisions; slips and falls; unsafe properties; nursing-home neglect; medical errors; defective products; workplace injuries; and wrongful death.

2) How long do I have to file in Alabama?

Many claims must be filed within two years from the date of injury (with exceptions). Claims involving cities or other government entities can require special notices and faster deadlines—often around six months in municipal cases. Some notices are shorter—call to confirm your exact deadline.

3) Do I really need a lawyer?

Insurance companies are built to minimize payouts. An attorney preserves evidence, calculates damages (including future needs), negotiates from a position of strength, and—if the insurer won’t be reasonable—prepares the case for an Alabama jury.

4) What damages can I recover?

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation, prescriptions, and in-home assistance
• Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage and out-of-pocket expenses
• Punitive damages in limited, serious circumstances (case-specific and subject to Alabama rules)

5) How much is my case worth?

It depends on injury severity, total medical care, time missed from work, long-term limitations, available insurance, and the quality of the proof. After we review the evidence and records, we provide an honest range—then build the documentation to justify it.

6) How long will the case take?

Some straightforward claims resolve in months. Cases with disputed fault, serious injuries, or complex medical issues can take longer. We push for efficient progress without leaving money on the table.

7) What if I was partly at fault in Alabama?

Alabama follows a strict rule called contributory negligence. In many situations, if you’re found even slightly at fault, you can be barred from recovery. That’s why early investigation matters—so evidence doesn’t disappear and unfair blame-shifting doesn’t stick.

8) Will I have to go to court?

Many cases settle, but the best settlements come when the insurer knows your team is prepared to try the case. We develop every claim like it’s going to trial—so you’re never negotiating from weakness.

9) How do attorney fees work?

We handle injury cases on a contingency fee. You pay nothing up front, and no attorney fee unless we recover compensation. If we win, the fee is a percentage of the recovery, plus reimbursed case costs as agreed in the engagement contract.

10) What should I do right after an accident?

• Get medical care immediately and follow doctors’ instructions.
• Photograph the scene, hazards, vehicles, and visible injuries.
• Collect witness names and contact info.
• Save damaged property and keep receipts and treatment notes.
• Avoid social media posts about the incident or injuries.
• Don’t give a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with counsel.

Common Causes—And the Proof That Wins

Why Choose Bodewell When the Stakes Are High?

Alabama Personal Injury Deadlines and Fault Rules (Quick Alabama Guide)

• Filing deadline: Many Alabama injury claims must be filed within two years (exceptions can apply).
• Fault rule: Contributory negligence can bar recovery if you’re found even slightly at fault in many situations.
• Government/municipal claims: Notice deadlines can be much shorter—often around six months for municipal claims.

Many claims must be filed within two years; some notices are shorter—call to confirm your exact deadline.

What to Do Now to Protect Your Claim

• Keep all medical appointments and ask for copies of discharge instructions.
• Write down symptoms each day (pain levels, sleep disruption, limitations).
• Save pay stubs and any work-restriction notes from your doctor.
• Forward any insurance letters to your attorney and avoid recorded statements.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and deadlines can vary by facts and defendant; consult an attorney about your specific situation.