Types of Auto Accidents in Alabama

Have you or a loved one been injured in an auto accident in Alabama? Contact Maloney-Lyons, LLC today. Our Alabama auto accident lawyers will review your case and help you fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

Auto accidents can have a devastating effect on the people who get injured and their families. The physical toll of injuries is undeniable, but the financial burden of mounting medical bills and lost wages can feel crushing. The emotional trauma lingers, casting a shadow over your recovery. Dealing with complex insurance procedures and legal matters when you’re already vulnerable can feel like an impossible mountain to climb. Alabama has specific laws governing car accidents, and navigating the path to a fair settlement can be daunting without a strong legal advocate.

You don’t have to face this alone. Here at Maloney-Lyons, LLC, you can get an Alabama auto accident lawyer to represent you who understands the challenges you face. We’ll fight tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable, whether it’s another driver, a company responsible for road maintenance, or anyone else whose negligent actions caused your accident.

We’ll conduct a thorough investigation, meticulously building a case that gets you the compensation you deserve. We go beyond legal matters – we’ll help connect you with the medical professionals you need to recover physically and be a steady presence by your side throughout the entire process. Our goal isn’t just to win your case; it’s to help you rebuild your life and get back to enjoying the Alabama sunshine, with the peace of mind that comes with a fair resolution. Contact our law firm today to file a car accident claim.

Defining an Auto Accident from a Legal Perspective

An auto accident, also commonly referred to as a car accident or motor vehicle collision, is an event involving one or more vehicles that results in property damage, personal injury, or even death. These accidents can occur in a wide range of situations and vary significantly in severity.

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were over 134,000 reported traffic crashes in Alabama in 2020 alone, tragically resulting in 932 fatalities that year.

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Alabama, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Maloney-Lyons, LLC, our experienced Alabama personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at our law office today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.

Types of Alabama Car Accidents

Car accidents are a frightening reality on our roads, and the specific type of collision can significantly impact the severity of injuries, the legal complexities involved, and the strategies employed to secure compensation.

Here are some of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents in Alabama:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents, often referred to as “chain reactions” when involving multiple vehicles, are some of the most frequent common types of car wrecks in Alabama. They occur when the front of one vehicle slams into the back of another.

These accidents can happen at various speeds, from slow-moving traffic situations to high-speed highway collisions. The severity of rear-end accidents depends heavily on the speed differential between the vehicles involved.

Here are some common scenarios:

• Distracted Driving: A rear driver texting, talking on the phone, or eating is more likely to miss slowed or stopped traffic ahead, leading to a rear-end collision. Drunk driving and drowsy driving can also cause serious car wrecks.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating significantly reduces reaction time. If the car in front brakes suddenly, a rear-end collision is almost inevitable, especially at higher speeds.
• Sudden Stops: Unexpected slowdowns due to road hazards, traffic merging, or adverse weather conditions can catch following drivers by surprise, resulting in a rear-end collision.
• Mechanical Failure: Brake malfunctions or tire blowouts on the lead vehicle can cause sudden stops that following drivers may not be able to avoid.

The consequences of rear-end collisions can range from minor whiplash to severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities. Whiplash is a common neck injury caused by the sudden movement of the head and neck during a rear-end impact. However, more serious injuries like back fractures, head trauma, and airbag injuries can also occur.

If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision in Alabama, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention immediately and document the scene of the accident.

Maloney-Lyons, LLC’s experienced car accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal process, investigate the cause of the accident, file a legal claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact us for a free case review today.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions, also known as frontal crashes, are among the most dangerous types of car accidents. These occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions. Due to the combined speed and direct impact, head-on crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Several situations can lead to a head-on collision. One scenario involves a driver who negligently crosses the center line into oncoming cars. This could be due to factors like distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, eating), driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or falling asleep at the wheel.

Another scenario involves a driver making a left turn at an intersection and misjudging the oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on crash. Additionally, poorly marked lanes, malfunctioning traffic signals, or aggressive driving maneuvers can also increase the risk of a head-on collision.

The severity of injuries in a head-on collision depends on the speed of the vehicles involved. However, due to the direct impact on the front of the vehicles, occupants are at high risk of fatal injuries like head trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal bleeding.

If you’ve been involved in a head-on collision, seek immediate medical attention and contact an experienced car accident lawyer like those at Maloney-Lyons, LLC. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve to recover from your injuries.

T-Bone Accidents

Among the various types of car accidents, T-bone crashes, also known as broadside collisions, pose a significant threat due to the immense force involved. These accidents occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a shape resembling the letter “T.”

Causes of T-Bone Collisions

T-bone collisions often happen at intersections, where a driver fails to yield the right of way. Common scenarios include:

• Running a red light or stop sign: This is a leading cause of T-bone crashes. It occurs when a driver disregards a red light or stop sign and enters the intersection when they shouldn’t, colliding with a vehicle lawfully proceeding through the intersection.
• Misjudging a yellow light: A driver misinterprets a yellow light as having enough time to clear the intersection and ends up broadsiding a car already proceeding through the intersection on a green light.
• Left-turn collisions: Left turns are particularly risky, as drivers must yield to oncoming traffic before turning. If a negligent driver fails to yield, it can result in a T-bone collision with a car traveling straight through the intersection.
• Turning without proper signaling: Not signaling a turn can confuse other drivers and lead to a collision, especially at intersections.

Severity of T-Bone Collisions

The severity of T-bone crashes can vary depending on factors like the speed of the vehicles involved and the point of impact. However, these accidents are generally considered more dangerous than rear-end or head-on crashes due to the following reasons:

• Occupants on the struck vehicle’s side absorb the brunt of the impact: The car’s side offers less protection compared to the front or rear, making occupants in the impacted area more vulnerable to serious injuries.
• Increased risk of rollovers: The force of the impact can cause the struck vehicle to roll over, leading to additional injuries.

Injuries Associated with T-Bone Collisions

This type of accident can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

• Head injuries: T-bone car accident victims can suffer head injuries ranging from a mild concussion to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the impact can cause significant head trauma.
• Neck and back injuries: The sudden force can strain muscles, ligaments, and discs in the spine, leading to neck pain, herniated discs, and chronic pain.
• Broken bones: The impact can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
• Internal injuries: These injuries can be life-threatening and may not present immediate symptoms, requiring prompt medical attention.
• Spinal cord injuries: In the most severe cases, the force of the impact can damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.

Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

Multi-vehicle pile-ups, also known as chain reaction accidents, are some of the most dangerous and unpredictable types of auto accidents. These occur when a series of collisions happen in rapid succession, often on busy highways or during adverse weather conditions.

Imagine this scenario: you’re cruising down a wet Alabama highway with reduced visibility due to heavy rain. Suddenly, a car ahead of you brakes sharply to avoid a stalled vehicle.

Unable to stop in time, you collide with the car in front, triggering a domino effect. The force of your impact pushes the first car into the vehicle ahead of them, and so on, creating a chaotic chain reaction that can involve multiple vehicles.

These situations are particularly dangerous because drivers at the back of the pile-up often have no warning of the impending collision. The severity of injuries in a multi-vehicle pile-up can vary greatly depending on the number of vehicles involved, the speed at which they were traveling, and the point of impact.

If you’ve been involved in a multi-vehicle pile-up, the scene can be overwhelming. Stay calm, check for injuries, and call for help immediately. It’s crucial to document the scene with photos or videos and exchange information with all drivers involved, even if they appear unharmed.

Navigating the legal complexities of a multi-vehicle accident requires experienced legal representation. Our team at Maloney-Lyons, LLC can help you investigate the cause of the accident, identify all potentially liable parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve to recover from this traumatic experience.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

These accidents are a particularly stressful type of auto accident. These occur when the driver at fault in a collision flees the scene without exchanging information or checking on any injured parties.

Hit-and-run accidents not only leave you dealing with the immediate aftermath of the accident but also create significant hurdles in pursuing compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage.

Scenarios for this type of accident can vary. Perhaps a driver rear-ends you at a red light and speeds away before you can react. Maybe you find your parked car with a crumpled fender, with no witness to identify the culprit. Hit-and-run collisions can also be particularly dangerous, as the fleeing driver may be intoxicated, uninsured, or even wanted by the police.

The absence of the at-fault driver makes the legal process more challenging. However, Maloney-Lyons, LLC is experienced in handling these situations. We’ll work diligently to gather evidence, and help you navigate the complexities of your insurance claim while exploring all available options to recover compensation for your losses.

Don’t let a hit-and-run driver leave you stranded – contact Maloney-Lyons, LLC for a free case review.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Alabama

The aftermath of a car accident can be a whirlwind of emotions, especially if you’ve sustained injuries. However, Alabama law requires certain actions to be taken to protect your rights and pave the way for potential compensation.

Here’s what you should do after a car accident in Alabama:

Ensure Safety and Call for Help

The priority is to check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If there are serious injuries, call 911 immediately and seek medical treatment. If the accident is minor and everyone seems unharmed, move your vehicles to the side of the road to avoid further congestion. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

Gather Information

Exchange contact details with all involved drivers, including names, phone numbers, and insurance companies. Note down the license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions of all parties involved. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene from various angles, capturing the damage to all vehicles, skid marks, road signs, and any traffic signals.

Report the Accident

Alabama law mandates reporting accidents to the police if they result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. File a police report with the responding officer, ensuring it accurately reflects the events that transpired.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay initially, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Sometimes, injuries can manifest later, and a documented doctor’s visit establishes a clear connection between the accident and your health concerns.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your own insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the details and cooperate with their investigation.

Beware of Quick Settlements

Insurance companies may attempt to offer a quick settlement to resolve the claim. Don’t accept any offers without first consulting with an experienced Alabama car accident lawyer. These settlements may not cover the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses or lost income.

Following these steps will set you on the path toward securing the financial compensation you deserve. At Maloney-Lyons, LLC, our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultations to fighting for a fair settlement or taking your case to court.

You should also keep in mind that the statute of limitation on auto accident cases in Alabama is generally two years, so it’s important to contact an auto accident lawyer at our law office as soon as possible to help you file a personal injury claim.

At our law firm, we handle all sorts of car crashes including intersection accidents, sideswipe accidents, and multi-vehicle pile-ups. We will help you prove liability and ensure that the other driver responsible for the collision is held accountable for your damages.

Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of an Alabama car accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, injuries sideline you from work, and the legal process seems like a maze. You shouldn’t have to face this alone. At Maloney-Lyons, LLC, our experienced Alabama car crash lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Maloney-Lyons, LLC?

• Experience Matters: Our team has a proven track record of success in handling all types of car accidents in Alabama. We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to navigate the legal system to your advantage.
• Meticulous Investigation: We’ll take a deep dive into your case, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working tirelessly to build a strong foundation for your claim.
• Aggressive Negotiation: We’ll fight aggressively to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
• Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. There’s no obligation – just honest legal advice tailored to your specific situation.

Don’t Let the At-Fault Party Walk Away

Many motor vehicle accidents are caused by negligence, whether it’s a distracted driver, a reckless one, or even a poorly maintained road. We’ll hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and ensure you receive the compensation you need to move forward.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car crash in Alabama, don’t wait. Contact an experienced Alabama car accident attorney at Maloney-Lyons, LLC by calling 251-225-6105 or reach out to us online for a free case evaluation. Let our experienced car accident lawyers fight for the justice you deserve.