You likely do not have to go to court for a car accident in Alabama. However, circumstances will determine if your lawyer files a lawsuit to get compensation from an insurance company. Even if theyfile a lawsuit, your attorney could settle before going to court.
The American Bar Association (ABA) notes that most civil cases (including car accident cases) settle and do not go to trial. However, if your lawyer determines that a trial is necessary, they will take your case to court.
What Determines if an Alabama Car Accident Case Goes to Court?
After a car accident, you will have one clear mission: Getting the compensation you need to cover your damages. Our team generally follows a sequence to get the compensation our clients deserve, including:
- Reviewing insurance policies to determine the amount of coverage available
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Accepting or rejecting the insurance companies’ best offers
- Filing a lawsuit if the insurance company has not agreed to a fair settlement
- Proceeding to court if the insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement after we have filed the lawsuit
Car accident cases are unique and will not always follow this sequence exactly. However, we generally seek a settlement before considering taking a case to court.
Why Would an Insurance Company Refuse to Pay a Fair Settlement?
When you purchase auto insurance, you assume your insurer will honor its contract. And if another party is liable for your accident, it is reasonable to believe that their insurer will pay what you are owed.
However, insurance companies have their own financial motives. An insurer makes money when they pay out less in claims than they take in through premiums. Therefore, we are not surprised when our clients face bad-faith insurance tactics.
If you have questions about whether an insurance company is acting in bad faith, hire an attorney as soon as possible.
How do Insurance Companies Avoid Paying What They Owe Car Accident Victims?
An insurer can use several tactics as it tries to avoid paying an accident victim fairly, including:
- Offering an immediate, lowball settlement: Insurers understand that some accident victims accept money without considering the full cost of their collision. Motor vehicle accidents can cause medical bills, severe vehicle damage, and other expenses, and some victims might accept a lowball settlement offer without thinking twice.
- Blaming the victim for the accident: Alabama is an at-fault state, which means that the insurance company for the at-fault party should cover victims’ losses. Therefore, an insurance company has a clear financial incentive to deny that their policyholder caused the accident—which could mean blaming you.
- Stalling: Once the insurance company extends an offer, it may not be quick to up it. The insurance company could stall, hoping you will eventually accept the original settlement because your financial costs are mounting.
These are just three of many tactics an insurer could use against you. However, auto insurance companies tend to have ample resources and a legal team ready to fight against your claim. Therefore, you should hire a car accident attorney to protect yourself and seek the money you deserve.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Can an Attorney Negotiate with the Insurance Companies for Me?
The Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) explains that you can get coverage for collision damage from your insurer. Yet, you could get pushback from even your own insurance company.
You can spare yourself the hassle of one or more insurance claims by hiring a lawyer from our firm. Our car accident lawyers will:
- Gather evidence and documentation: We will build your case with evidence of negligence and documentation of your losses. We will prove who caused your accident and what damages you have suffered.
- Negotiate with the insurance companies: Your attorney will lead negotiations if you seek collision coverage from your insurer or compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer. Insurance companies have experience, but we do too.
- Take your case to trial, if necessary: Our attorneys have trial experience and trial results. Insurance companies will take note when they learn that the Morris Bart law firm represents you. Because we have a record of winning at trial, insurers could decide to offer the settlement you deserve.
Though we never guarantee case results, we will fight hard for the money you deserve. We will cover all case-related costs. You will only pay us attorney’s fees if we win for you.
Discuss Your Claim with a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Do not wait to take action after your car accident in Alabama. The state generally requires that you file your car accident lawsuit within a specific timeframe. A lawyer from our firm will start your case as soon as possible. But first, we need to complete your consultation.
Call the Morris Bart law firm today to discuss your case. We have secured more than $1 billion for our clients. Let us fight for you.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
