There is no way to determine an average payout for car accident claims. Each case is different, and the financial recovery depends heavily on the unique facts of the claim. Even if we could determine the average uninsured motorist settlement in Alabama, it would not help you understand your case or your potential compensation amount.
The best way to ensure you are pursuing fair damages following an Alabama traffic accident is to work with a personal injury law firm. Our attorneys will assess your case based on its merits, offer guidance concerning the specific details of the accident, and represent your best interests throughout this process.
Many Factors Can Affect an Uninsured Motorist Settlement
Recovering money for a car accident is rarely as simple as it seems. Many people think you can turn your bills and receipts over to the other driver’s insurance company and get paid for your expenses just like that. However, there is much more involved in this process. This is especially true when the other driver is uninsured.
While the Alabama Department of Insurance says every driver must have a minimum amount of auto liability coverage, we know from experience that this does not always happen. This often forces drivers to rely on their uninsured motorist coverage for a payout—if they have this policy available. The steps to recover a fair payout in this type of claim include:
- Determining what happened and who is legally responsible
- Reviewing any insurance policies they have to determine if coverage is available
- Reviewing your policies and putting a plan in place to pursue coverage
- Gathering evidence to show fault and liability
- Identifying the damages you suffered
- Valuing the claim, including future costs and intangible damages
- Demanding appropriate money damages from your insurance provider
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
As you can imagine, navigating this process can be time-consuming and stressful. Having an attorney handle it can make it much easier for you.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is Important in Alabama
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Alabama ranks seventh in the United States for having the most uninsured drivers. This is not a list any state wants to be on. In 2019, 19.5 percent of all Alabama drivers were uninsured. In other words, almost one in every five drivers on the road does not have insurance coverage.
While drivers can opt out of uninsured motorist coverage without violating the state’s insurance requirements, we do not recommend doing so. This puts you in a precarious position when it comes to pursuing money damages that could cover expenses and losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Future treatment and care costs
- Wage loss if you miss work
- Property damages
It may be hard to recover money for these losses if you choose not to purchase an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
How an Attorney Can Help You Make the Most of Your Uninsured Motorist Claim
If you were hurt in a crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Alabama, you should consider working with an attorney who is familiar with how to navigate these claims and recover compensation for clients. They can ensure all your expenses and losses are properly documented and seek an appropriate payout based on those damages.
Having a car accident attorney from our team on your side ensures someone is fighting for you to get the money you need based on the facts of your case. We represent clients based on a contingency fee, never asking for a retainer or upfront payments.
You generally have up to two years to sue in Alabama under Ala. Code § 6-2-38, but the deadline can be even shorter in some cases. Additionally, other deadlines could apply if your best option for financial recovery is filing a claim on your uninsured motorist insurance policy.
If you sue, a jury could grant you an award. However, you will not receive money if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or the assets to pay you. Your lawyer can help you determine the best options in your case.
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Discuss Your Legal Options With a Lawyer from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC
You can talk to an attorney from the Morris Bart law firm about your Alabama collision case for free today. We provide these consultations as a complimentary service to victims hurt in crashes throughout the areas we serve.
We represent clients in all parts of Alabama. Reach out to our team today to learn more about your legal options.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
