If you sustained injuries after a crash, a Birmingham car accident lawyer can help you pursue justice and fair financial compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
You may be entitled to compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and more.
Birmingham offers many potential options when it comes to choosing an auto accident attorney.
At the Fob James Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys provide a personalized approach to legal representation.
We take the time to listen, understand your needs, and document your claim as thoroughly as possible.
We aggressively pursue a resolution to your case and the maximum possible settlement for you.
Recent Car Accident Settlement
THE CASE: Attorney Fob James’ client suffered a fractured face and double vision when a funeral home’s hearst t-boned her on a busy road. Fob’s client had surgery to repair the damage to her face. The insurance company did not want to pay, arguing that Fob’s client was speeding. However, Fob’s expert downloaded the “black box” data from the vehicles, proving that his client was going under the speed limit.
CASE RESULT: The insurance company settled the case for $960,000.00.
Why Our Birmingham Car Accident Lawyers Are The Best Choice
The responsibility that comes with representing individuals is real and important but I wouldn’t trade it for anything—representing individuals is what I want to do the rest of my life.”
Fob James, Car Accident Attorney
- We take fewer cases than other personal injury law firms in Alabama so we can provide the utmost care to your situation
- 50+ years of experience advocating for victims of injuries, our attorneys know what it takes to obtain a higher settlement
- We never charge fees up front, and if we do not win your case you owe us nothing
- We are not afraid to take your case to trial
- We’ve got your back and carry a 5-star rating on Google from helping those in Birmingham.
We are aggressive and passionate accident-injury advocates that work to get the most out of your case.
At Fob James Law Firm, we are helping those in Birmingham and around the state of Alabama.
Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with our top rated car accident attorneys.
Why Do You Need a Birmingham Car Accident Attorney?
Although you are not legally required to have representation, having a car accident attorney on your side provides a host of benefits and advantages for injury accident victims.
When you choose a Birmingham car accident attorney from the Fob James Law Firm, we put our extensive network of resources to work immediately.
We take the time to listen and provide the answers and information you need.
When you work with us, these are just a few of the benefits you will experience.
Investigating and Documenting Your Claim
When you trust our Birmingham car accident attorneys to handle your case, we put our investigators and extensive network of resources to work.
We gather documentation and evidence to prove fault and establish liability for your damages.
Representing Your Best Interests
We represent you in all interactions with the insurance company, other attorneys, and any other parties that may be involved.
We handle everything from beginning to end, allowing you to focus on your healing and recovery.
Fighting for Your Future
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could be facing a long fight to get your life back on track. You could lose your job as medical expenses pile up. You will need all the help and resources you can get.
We understand that recovering the best possible settlement will give you peace of mind and allow you to get the care and treatment you need.
The Alabama statute of limitations for personal injury is two years. If you fail to take legal action within that time, you could lose the right to pursue a claim for compensation.
Contact a Birmingham car accident lawyer at the Fob James Law Firm as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident.
This allows us the best opportunity to protect your legal rights and preserve your right to recover compensation.
Car Accident Results That Help Our Clients
THE CASE: Attorney Fob James, IV represented a couple severely injured in a car crash on Highway 431 in Russell County, AL. The crash occurred at night when Fob’s client collided into a trailer that did not have functioning tail lights. The insurance carrier said Fob’s client should have avoided the crash. Fob filed a lawsuit arguing the other driver was primarily at fault because his client did not have adequate time to avoid colliding with the rear of the trailer. In other words, once his clients’ headlights illuminated the rear of the black trailer, it was too late to swerve out of the way. After conducting accident reconstruction, Fob’s expert was able to show that Fob’s client could not avoid the crash.
CASE RESULT: The insurance carriers tendered policy limits of $1.1 million dollars.
Top Questions About Car Accidents in Birmingham, AL (FAQ)
At the Fob James Law Firm, we work every day to help personal injury victims.
If you were injured in an accident you didn’t cause, you likely have many questions—and you deserve answers.
Our Birmingham car accident lawyers can give you the answers and information you need.
Meanwhile, these are some of the most common questions that injury accident victims ask us.
How Do Attorneys Establish Liability for a Car Accident in Birmingham?
In every car accident case, the burden is on the Plaintiff to prove liability. As a result, collecting evidence and testimony after your crash is crucial.
Our attorneys go the extra mile collecting key evidence so we can “proof up” your case, identify fault, and establish liability.
In some cases, we employ top experts to analyze the evidence and formulate an opinion on who caused the crash. The quality of evidence we obtain at the onset of the case helps support our expert’s testimony on liability.
The basis of any personal injury claim requires that we demonstrate the following elements of negligence.
Duty of care
The at-fault party owed you a legal duty of care. This means they had an obligation to act in a reasonable manner so as to protect you from unwarranted harm.
Breach of duty
The at-fault party breached their duty of care and, due to their careless or negligent actions, subjected you to unnecessary harm.
Causation
By breaching their duty of care, the at-fault party caused your accident and resulting injuries, making that party liable for your economic and non-economic damages.
Damages
Your attorney will document the damages that you suffered after the car accident using copies of medical bills, W-2s, and other supporting documentation as necessary.
We do not recommend that you try to establish liability on your own. Every injury accident case is unique and fraught with landmines like contributory negligence.
An experienced Birmingham personal injury attorney will customize their approach and legal strategy to seek the best possible outcome for you.
How Is The Value Of Car Accident Damages Calculated?
Thankfully, there is no maximum limit or cap on how much you can sue for an Alabama car accident. Basically, the value of car accident damages is whatever the jury says they are.
That being said, when pursuing a personal injury settlement, victims typically have the right to recover physical, emotional, and financial damages.
Our team will document your losses to support the full value of your claim. You may have the right to recover compensation for:
- Current medical expenses and treatment,
- Future medical expenses and treatment,
- Current lost income and benefits,
- Future lost income,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional trauma,
- Diminished earning capacity, and
- Diminished quality of life.
Your car accident lawyer will also consider any permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability you suffered when calculating the value of your claim.
If you lost a loved one after they sustained injuries in a Birmingham car accident, the Fob James Law Firm can assist you with a wrongful death action. Contact our office today to learn more.
What Is The Average Car Accident Settlement In Birmingham?
As the victim of a serious injury accident, you face a long road back to health and wellbeing.
The details of your case are as unique as you and your car accident injuries.
Because there is no such thing as an average motor vehicle accident or an average victim, it’s impossible to say for certain the amount of the average car accident settlement in Birmingham, Alabama.
Car Accident Settlements Depend On Many Factors
The reality is that the value of car accident cases depends on many different factors, not just the severity of injury.
For example, juries in Birmingham, AL tend to award more money than juries in other parts of the state like Shelby County. We call this venue.
Other non-injury related factors that may impact the value of your case include:
- Amount of available insurance coverage,
- The likability of the plaintiff versus likability of the defendant,
- Who is the defendant? Juries generally award more against company defendants than individuals,
- Severity of the crash,
- Luck of the draw with jury selection (not all juries are created equal),
- The defendant’s conduct – if conduct was wanton, a jury could award punitive damages,
- Amount of available insurance coverage.
Merely speculating, we estimate that the average car accident settlement in Birmingham is between $25,000.00 and $30,000.00.
Birmingham Car Accident Settlement Value Chart
Generally speaking, below is a range of car accident settlement values based on severity of injury. Again, every case is different so take these figures with a grain of salt:
| Severity of Crash and Injury | Case Value Range |
| Level 1 – Minor Injury | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Level 2 – Medium Injury | $25,000 – $200,000 |
| Level 3 – Significant Injury | $200,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Level 4 – Catastrophic Injury or Death | $1,000,000 + |
Of course, the only way to truly identify what your settlement value is to consult a car accident lawyer in Birmingham.
An attorney can evaluate the details of your case and provide you with a more accurate estimate of your claim’s potential value.
Real World Car Accident Settlements We’ve Obtained
Learning more about settlement amounts in real car accident cases can help you understand what your claim may be worth. Below are actual car accident settlements we have obtained for our clients:
| Injury Sustained | Location | Settlement |
| Back pain and surgery | Russell County | $325,000 |
| Knee pain and surgery | Tuscaloosa County | $225,000 |
| Fractured pelvis | Birmingham | $165,000 |
| Bad concussion and lingering symptoms | Birmingham | $200,000 |
| Back and neck pain without surgery | Jefferson County | $152,500 |
Related: What is the Value of Commercial Truck Accident Cases in Alabama?
More Car Accident Results We Have Obtained
THE CASE: Fob James Law Firm represented a nice lady injured after her vehicle collided in the rear of a truck that had stalled in the middle of the highwyay. The truck was not visible because it was emitting smoke.
We filed suit and used experts to prove the truck had been negligently maintained, which caused it to stall out on the road. Our experts were able to show that our client’s vehicle could not avoid the crash.
CASE RESULT: The insurance carrier paid $876,000.00 to settle the case.
How Much Does A Birmingham Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
At the Fob James Law Firm, we understand that you’re already stretched beyond comprehension, physically, emotionally, and financially.
You’re already worried about how to get the medical treatment you need and how to pay your bills until you can get back to work.
The last thing you need is to be pressed to come up with legal fees.
For these reasons, we accept car accident injury cases on a contingency basis. This means that you don’t pay any legal fees whatsoever until we recover compensation for you.
The standard contigency fee in Alabama is 33% to 40% of the amount recovered. If we obtain a settlement before filing a lawsuit, our attorney’s fee is 33% of the total recovery.
If we do not obtain a recovery, you owe us nothing.
We also offer a free consultation, so you can ask questions and get the information you need to make informed decisions about your future.
How Long Does It Take To Get My Car Accident Settlement?
The answer to this quesiton is: it depends on the case. Car accident cases come in all shapes and sizes.
In some cases, the insurance company settles in a couple months. In other cases, the insurance company drags out the case in ligitation, which can take years.
Rather than guess a specific time, it is important to understand the general process of a car accident claim:
- Your attorney investigates the crash, preserves evidence, and confirms insurance coverage;
- You treat for your injuries;
- After treatment, your attorney collects medical records / bills and submits a demand to insurance;
- The insurance company responds to the demand in about 30 to 60 days;
- Your attorney negotiates with the insurance adjuster;
- If a settlement cannot be reached your attorney files a lawsuit;
- Once a lawsuit is filed, the parties engage in written discovery and depositions;
- After party depositions your attorney will likely take your treating doctor’s deposition;
- The parties may try to mediate the case before or after doctor depositions;
- If the case does not settle, you will likely get a trial date within 1.5 to 3 years after filing suit.
Consequently, the time it takes to settle your case is unpredictable. Your best bet is to contact the Birmingham car accident attorneys at Fob James Law Firm for a free case evaluation.
Our car accident lawyers can look at the specifc factors in your case and provide an estimated timeline.
Do I Need to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident?
After an accident, it’s critical that you contact the police immediately.
The police will take statements, review the scene, and prepare an official report documenting the incident.
Because this accident report may become a critical component of your claim, it is necessary to obtain a copy for your records and for your attorney.
The method for obtaining a copy of a police report varies depending on where your accident took place and which law enforcement agency responded to the scene.
Fortunately, the crash reports for most car accidents in Alabama can be obtained online.
If some cases, the involved drivers are legally obligated to file an accident report directly with the State of Alabama within 30 days.
Related: How to Read a Birmingham Accident Report
Fortunately, an experienced attorney knows how to obtain a copy of the official report, no matter where in Birmingham or throughout Alabama your accident took place.
How Long Do I Have to File My Car Accident Lawsuit?
Alabama law provides a statute of limitations of two years for most car accident lawsuits.
A statute of limitations is the deadline set by law for filing your lawsuit. A failure to file within the time-frame bars you from filing later. There are very few exceptions to this requirement.
A Birmingham car accident lawyer keeps track of these deadlines so you don’t miss your opportunity to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accident Injuries?
Although some victims walk away from a motor vehicle collision unscathed, many others sustain life-threatening or catastrophic injuries.
Some of the most common types of injuries suffered by Birmingham car accident victims include:
- Lacerations,
- Contusions,
- Fractures,
- Dislocations,
- Head injuries,
- Neck and spinal injuries,
- Nerve damage,
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI),
- Internal injuries,
- Lost digits, and
- Lost limbs.
Many victims experience permanent scarring or disfigurement. Victims can sustain permanent impairment or disability, requiring long-term care and adaptive assistance.
Coma, paralysis, and para- or quadriplegia are also possible.
You can reduce your risk of being seriously injured in a car accident by always using your vehicle’s seat belts and restraints.
However, in the most serious crashes, a seat belt may not be enough to prevent catastrophic injuries for you and your passengers.
When Should I Seek Medical Treatment After an Accident?
Even if you do not believe you sustained serious injuries, it is best to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident.
If you had passengers in your vehicle at the time of the collision, each of you should be evaluated by paramedics at the scene. Many accident victims experience shock immediately after a crash.
In this state, victims might not recognize injuries or experience pain as they would normally.
As soon as possible, you should see your doctor or another medical practitioner. Visit the emergency room or an urgent care facility for a full medical evaluation.
Some types of injuries can go undetected, increasing the potential for further damage. Getting comprehensive treatment as quickly as possible can help speed your recovery.
The medical records from your treatment will also play a critical role in the documentation of your case.
Recent Car Accident Settlement
THE CASE: Successful in obtaining a $225,000.00 settlement for a client that suffered a knee injury. The injury happened when another driver pulled out in front of Fob’s client on a busy road in Birmingham. Fob’s client had surgery to repair the damage to her knee. The other driver blamed Fob’s client for the crash by saying she was speeding. However, Fob’s expert was able to prove the other driver was lying.
CASE RESULT: The insurance company settled the case for $225,000.00
What Should I Do After a Car Accident Checklist
There are a few things you should do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. These steps are important to follow, not just to ensure your safety, but also to help ensure that your claim is successful.
The fewer surprises or roadblocks you run into in the process, the better.
Pull Over and Contact the Authorities
If your vehicle is still operable and you are in a safe enough head-space to do so, first move your car to the side of the road.
Next, call 911 to report the accident and to get emergency medical providers to the scene as quickly as possible.
Reporting an accident to the police isn’t just a legal obligation for drivers, it also helps in the claim process. Your accident report is the official record of the wreck.
You and your lawyer will need to know what’s in the crash report to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the claim process.
Seek Medical Care
Be sure to get checked out at the scene, and go to the emergency room if necessary. Even if you don’t need immediate care, you will want to get a detailed medical evaluation to see if you have any injuries.
Always follow your doctor’s orders so that you recover from your injuries properly. Also, always make sure you get a full report from your doctor on any issues that arise.
Don’t let medical expenses deter you from treating. Talk to your personal injury attorney before canceling treatment over money.
Gather Evidence
If you do not require emergency medical care, you should gather as much evidence as possible. Photograph the scene of the accident.
Take pictures of both vehicles, their license plate numbers, and any other damage in the surrounding area. You should also exchange insurance information with the other driver (or drivers). Ask any bystanders if they have a recording of the accident.
More and more people use dashboard cameras these days, so your chances of having a solid recording of the wreck are much higher than they once were.
Contact a Birmingham Car Accident Attorney
Finally, you should contact a car accident lawyer in Birmingham, AL to get a consultation on the next steps you should take.
Whatever you do, you do not want to admit fault to anyone at the scene of the collision or to any insurance company.
Make sure you consult with a Birmingham auto accident lawyer before talking to an insurance adjuster.
More Car Accident Results We Have Obtained
THE CASE: Fob James Law Firm represented a 12-year old girl injured in a car crash on the interstate in Birmingham. The client was a passenger in the back seat of the car, and she gashed her forehead when her driver slammed on the brakes to avoid rear ending the car in front. The insurance carrier, Allstate, denied liability on the basis that the client’s driver was 100% at fault. Fob James filed a lawsuit and argued Allstate’s insured was primarily at fault because he had been weaving in and out of traffic and had been tailing vehicles on the interstate. After subpoenaing the body cam, Fob was able to obtain important testimony and physical evidence reflecting that Allstate’s insured had swerved in front of their client’s car thus causing the wreck.
CASE RESULT: Allstate tendered policy limits of $100,000.00. The client’s treatment consisted of one ER visit and one visit to a neurologist.
Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle
The Birmingham, AL car accident lawyers of the Fob James Law Firm fight tirelessly for our clients.
We provide compassionate legal representation and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
Although you can sustain serious or life-threatening injuries in almost any type of motor vehicle collision, some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Failure to yield to the right of way,
- Tailgating,
- Improper lane change,
- Excessive speed,
- Failure to obey traffic signals,
- Distracted driving,
- Drunk driving,
- Dram Shop / Liquor Liability, and
- Fatigued driving.
We also handle Alabama car accident and injury cases that involve:
- Defective vehicles and parts,
- Head-on collisions,
- Road construction,
- Roadway debris,
- Obstructed views,
- T-bone collisions,
- Rear-end collisions,
- Poor signage & traffic control,
- Poor roadway maintenance, and
- Commercial trucks.
Our personal injury attorneys will assist you with every aspect of your case and handle all the details.
This ensures that you can focus on recovering from your injuries and putting your life back on track.
In most cases, we can negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company before going to court.
However, if filing a lawsuit becomes necessary, we will work to build the most well-documented, persuasive case and fight for you in court.
Car Accident Results That Help Our Clients
THE CASE: Our client aggravated his neck when the other driver pulled out in front of him on a busy road in Mobile. The insurance company denied liability, and the client’s initial law firm quit the case. When Fob James took over, the insurance company’s top offer was $20,000.00, and the client had an eighteen month gap in treatment. At the Defendant’s deposition, she lied by blaming the accident on our client. When asked if she would do anything different that day if she could go back, Defendant brazenly responded “no”. After Defendant’s deposition, Fob was able to locate a witness from the 911 call transcript and obtain testimony that the Defendant was clearly at fault. Fob also hired an expert radiologist to compare his client’s MRI and CT scans before the collision with the imaging after the collision to prove the collision caused an objection change and herniation in his client’s cervical spine.
CASE RESULT: The insurance company requested meditation shortly before trial. Due to Fob’s work up of the case, the case settled for $150,000.00.
Alabama Car Accident Statistics
Knowing about car accident statistics will help you understand just how dangerous it is to drive on Alabama roads.
As the saying goes, protect yourself and family at all times. You need to always be aware of your surroundings and keep a proper lookup while driving.
Never drive fatigued or distracted. Put your phone away so you are not tempted to use on the road.
Center for Advanced Public Safety – 2023 Car Accident Data
The Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS) at the University of Alabama provides comprehensive Alabama car accident data.
In 2023, over 143,000 motor vehicle accidents occurred in our state, resulting in almost 16,500 injuries.
Among those, 3,694 victims suffered serious injuries and 891 people lost their lives.
Alabama Law Enforement Agency – 2023 Car Accident Data
According to ALEA, the Alabama state troopers investigated 31,717 car crashes in 2023 which resulted in 11,070 injuries. Of those injuries 570 were fatal.
The total number of car accident injuries in 2023 increased by 156 compared to 2022.
Drive Safe Alabama – 2022 Car Accident Data
Drive Safe Alabama also tracks Alabama crash facts.
Some of the most disturbing highlights from 2022 data include:
- Alabama is ranked #12 out of all 50 states for speeding-related traffic fatalities;
- A traffic crash was reported every 218 seconds;
- In 2022, a person was injured in a traffic crash every 13 minutes and 51 seconds;
- 37,935 injuries were reported from vehicles crashes in Alabama;
- 986 traffic related fatalities occured in Alabama;
- In their lifetime, typical drivers in Alabama have a 40% chance of involvement in an injury or fatal crash.
Practicing safe driving habits and wearing your seatbelt can help you stay as safe as possible on the roadway.
However, no matter how careful you are, you have no control over other motorists.
One distracted or intoxicated driver could cause your life to change forever.
If that happens to you or someone you love, you need a car accident attorney near me on your side and that you trust.
Recent Car Accident Jury Verdict
THE CASE: Successful in obtaining a $40,000.00 jury verdict for a client that suffered whiplash after a car accident. The crash happened when the Defendant pulled out in front of Fob’s client on a residential road. The client treated with a chiropractor around 30 days after the crash for about five weeks. The insurance company fought liability and argued Fob’s client was not hurt due to the “gap in treatment”. At trial, Fob did not put medical bills into evidence and tried the case on pain and suffering.
CASE RESULT: A Montgomery County jury awarded $40,000.00 in pain and suffering.
The 5 Best Car Accident Lawyers in Birmingham, AL
“If my wife or one of my kids were injured in a car accident—and Fob James Law Firm could not handle—who would I hire to represent them? I would hire one of the attorneys listed in this blog.”
— Fob James, IV – Trial Lawyer
While we would be honored to represent you or a family member injured in a car accident, if you do not choose us we want you to have the best representation possible.
For this reason, Fob James, IV selected, who are in his opinion, the best car accident attorneys in Birmingham, AL.
The lawyers on Fob’s list are in their prime and are obtaining record jury verdicts for their clients right now and likely over the next two decades.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me in Birmingham, AL
You don’t have to deal with this traumatic situation alone.
Trust the experienced Birmingham personal injury lawyers at the Fob James Law Firm to assist you through this challenging time.
We will fight tirelessly for you to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, trauma, and losses.
Our five star reviews speak for themselves.
We offer a free consultation and case analysis for Alabama car accident victims.
Contact the Fob James Law Firm online or call us to discuss your case with a top rated car accident attorney in Birmingham, AL.