Car accidents happen every day across the state of Alabama. In many cases, the cause of the accident is apparent, such as in a drunk driving accident or distracted driving case.
However, in other situations, it is not so clear. If a tractor-trailer was involved, for example, the fault may lie with the driver, the company that serviced the truck, the auto-parts manufacturer, or even another driver entirely. In these cases, it may be necessary to reconstruct the accident to determine the root cause.
A Birmingham reconstruction lawyer can help. At the Morris Bart law firm, we work with accident scene reconstruction experts to build a strong case pursuing compensation to the fullest extent of our clients’ injuries. We also do not take any money upfront or out of pocket. We only receive our payment if we are successful with your case. In other words, you have nothing to lose. Contact us today at (205) 380-4158 for a free review of your case.
Understanding Accident Reconstruction
Reconstruction is the process of recreating the scene of car accidents to determine what happened in the moments leading up to a crash. An accident reconstruction team is responsible for determining who is at fault for an accident. They may do the following tasks:
- Gather eyewitness statements
- Collect video from security cameras, if available, and review the footage
- Analyze data stored on a black box, if available
Reconstruction teams use advanced technology to collect data about an accident. For example, they may use a “total station,” a tool that utilizes “GPS, laser technology, and electronic measuring technology to create a 3-D map of the crash site.”
Another tool that investigators use is called a sled. With this device, the reconstruction team can analyze the friction on the surface of the road, any skid marks that are present, along with other data to calculate the speed that the driver was going at the time of the crash. They also evaluate the safety devices deployed in the car, such as the airbags, and whether the occupants of the vehicles were wearing seat belts.
Accident scene reconstruction experts are often costly, although the expertise they offer and strength they can add to a case is invaluable. A Birmingham reconstruction lawyer, though, has relationships in place with accident reconstruction experts already. They can take the burden off your shoulders, so you only have to worry about healing from your injuries. They can handle working with the investigative team and building a strong case on your behalf.
To speak with a member of our team or have us get to work on your case right away, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (205) 380-4158 for a free case review.
For a free legal consultation with a Reconstruction Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call 800-537-8185
Laws that May Impact Your Claim
There are some laws that you should be aware of in the state of Alabama: the statute of limitations and contributory negligence.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has its own statute of limitations, a law that places a limit on the amount of time that you have to pursue compensation after a car accident. In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to pursue compensation to recover losses. After two years, you are typically barred from recovering any type of compensation.
Contributory Negligence
Alabama is one of the few states that follows the legal doctrine of pure contributory negligence. According to this law, if you are found to be at all responsible for causing your accident, you will be barred from recovering any amount of compensation from the defendant. This means that even if you are only 1% at fault, you still cannot recover your losses in a personal injury lawsuit.
Car accidents can be complicated. The stakes are often high, especially in cases where the losses are substantial, and the liable party is not always 100% clear. This is why an accident scene reconstruction team can help. They can gather evidence and use advanced technology to determine exactly what happened in the moments leading up to an accident. This can make all the difference in Alabama cases, where any degree of liability bars you from recovering damages.
Possible Damages You May Recover After an Accident in Birmingham
Every case is different, and the exact damages that you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries and other details of your case. However, we have worked on many cases like these, and some of the common types of damages that car accident victims recover include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Future wages if earning potential is lost
- Pain and suffering
- Dismemberment or disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
Wrongful Death
If your loved one did not survive the accident because of the extent of his or her injuries, your family may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Some possible damages that you may be able to recover include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
- Medical costs left to the family
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the care of the victim before his or her death
Click to contact our Birmingham Car Accident Lawyers today
How a Birmingham Reconstruction Lawyer Can Help
Liability in many auto accidents is not clear, but because Alabama is a pure contributory state, it is important to take every measure necessary to prove liability beyond a shadow of a doubt.
A Birmingham reconstruction lawyer can help you with that. Reconstruction lawyers like the team at the Morris Bart law firm have long-standing relationships with reconstruction experts who can help our team gather the evidence to build a strong case.
And because our team operates on a contingency fee basis only, we ask for nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. That means you get access to our entire network of experts at no cost to you. If we are not successful with your case, you owe us nothing.
For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (205) 380-4158.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
