Jul 20, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Accident Reports

How to Get a Copy of Your Eufaula, AL Accident Report

After a car crash, you should call 911 to report the crash to the local police department. The investigating officer will likely arrive to the scene of the crash soon. They will proceed to investigate the crash and write an accident report, adding as much detail as possible. Your Eufaula, Alabama car accident report can play a significant role in your claim. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to acquire one. Our experienced Alabama auto accident attorneys can help you obtain an accident report and will review your options. Where to Find Your Car Accident Report in Eufaula, AL You may obtain an accident report in Eufaula, Alabama report directly through the police department. Eufaula, Alabama Police Department There are two ways to get a copy of your crash report from the City of Eufaula Police Department: In-person: Incident and accident reports are available Monday through Friday, 8 am until 5 pm from the records division at the Eufaula Police Department, which is located at 545 East Barbour Street Eufaula, Alabama 36027. There is a $5 charge per report.  Online: You can request a copy of an incident or accident report online at the Government Portal for a credit or debit card payment of $8. You will need to provide the name of the driver, the date of the crash, and your phone number. Where to Find Your Car Accident Report in Barbour County, AL If you were in a car accident that occurred outside the city limits of Eufaula in Barbour County, Alabama, you can likely download your accident report online depending on which law enforcement agency investigated the crash. If the Alabama State Troopers investigated the crash, you can download your Alabama accident report online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s website: Crash Report Request Page To download your car crash report, you will need to provide your ALEA case number or the last name of a driver in the crash and their driver’s license number. Copies of crash reports cost $15 each. If you pay by credit card you will also be charged a credit card processing fee. If the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crash, you can download the car accident report online: Crash Report Request Page To download your Barbour County car accident report, you will need to provide the crash report number, last name of a party involved, and the date of the crash. If you do not know the crash report number you can obtain that information by calling the Barbour County Sheriff’s office at 334-775-3434. What Information Is Included In the Alabama Accident Report? Police officers will do their best to get as much information into the crash report as possible. Standard information you can find in your accident report includes: Date; Time; Location; Driver information; Description of the accident and injuries; Weather conditions at the time of the accident; Photos of the scene and vehicles; and Information regarding any tickets issued at the scene. Car accident reports can be very beneficial to your claim, as they provide an abundance of information about the crash. How an Attorney Can Help A car accident attorney will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve after a car accident, and a crash report can be extremely helpful. Your attorney will likely request a copy of the accident report as part of their thorough investigation. They will also use this information when negotiating with the insurance company. Insurance companies are synonymous with doing everything possible to limit liability, but an accident report is a neutral and unbiased document your attorney will use to prove the other driver’s liability.  The team at Fob James Law Firm has over 40 years of experience helping car accident victims fight for their rights and just compensation. We understand the stresses and frustrations that come after a car accident, so we strive to provide kindness and compassion when you need it most. Our team takes on fewer cases to provide our clients with the highest quality legal representation. We offer free case reviews. Contact us today or call our firm at (205) 407-6009, and let’s discuss your claim. 

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Jul 13, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 2 minutes
Attorney Portrait Accident Reports

How to Get a Copy of Your Homewood, AL Accident Report

If you were involved in a motor vehicle collision in Homewood, you might be considering filing a legal claim with the other driver’s insurance company. In most cases, you will need a copy of your accident report to get the process started. After a motor vehicle collision, the police officer reporting to the scene will complete and file an Alabama Uniform Traffic Crash Report form. This form contains a variety of valuable information that will be required for pursuing a legal claim or lawsuit. You can obtain Homewood, AL car accident reports in a few different ways, some of which are easier than others. How to Get a Copy of an Accident Report in Homewood, AL The easiest method of obtaining a copy of an accident report from the Homewood police department is to download the report from the LexisNexis police report site. This site allows you to search police and accident reports and download copies online. You must have been involved in the accident to review or obtain a report. You also need to have the report number or the date of the accident and the last name of a driver. You can also call the police department’s non-emergency number, (205) 332-6200, and arrange to obtain a copy of your report or request one in writing through the mail. Where Is the Homewood Police Department? You can also obtain your Homewood, Alabama accident report in person. The Homewood Police Department is physically located at 1833 29th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209. Are There Any Other Ways to Get a Police Report in Homewood, AL? Another option for obtaining Homewood accident reports is through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). They offer an alternative option for you to order a Homewood accident report online. To order an accident report from ALEA you will need either: (i) the case number; or (ii) the last name of a driver and the driver’s driver license number. For both the LexisNexis site and ALEA, you must use a major credit card to complete the order. How Much Does a Homewood Accident Report Cost? If you obtain your report from the LexisNexis database, the cost is typically $23 per report, although this fee is subject to change at any time. If you obtain your report via the ALEA website, the cost is $17.00. Contact the Homewood Police Department for information on how much it will cost to obtain a copy of your report directly from their records office. Need help with the accident report? Fill out the free and confidential form and we will get the report for you. Click Here Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer for Help with a Homewood Accident Report The easiest way to get your police report is to contact an Alabama car accident attorney. Your attorney will gather all the evidence necessary to build a persuasive case on your behalf, including the accident report. At the Fob James Law Firm, our Alabama car accident lawyers work diligently to build your case and negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If necessary, our experienced litigators will file a civil lawsuit and fight to get you justice in court. You could be entitled to recover compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

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Jul 13, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 2 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

What to Do When Insurance Companies Drag Their Feet?

When you present a personal injury claim to a defendant’s insurance company, you expect them to handle your claim with professionalism and try to resolve it within a reasonable amount of time. In other situations, you may encounter delays from your own insurance company. When an insurance company delays resolving a claim, it may be guilty of acting in bad faith. If you suspect the insurance company is dragging its feet, speak with the experienced Birmingham personal injury lawyers at the Fob James Law Firm. Types of Bad Faith Claims There are two main types of bad faith claims. These are first-party and third-party bad faith. First-party bad faith claims involve your own insurance company, while third-party bad faith claims involve another party’s insurance company. Examples of Bad Faith Actions by Insurance Companies Every bad faith claim is different, but there are certain actions we see more commonly than others. Lengthy Delays Settling an insurance claim can sometimes be a lengthy process. Some delays and waiting are to be expected. However, when the insurance company takes an unreasonably long time to respond to you and has not provided any reason for the delay, it could be bad faith. Lowball Offers When an insurance company intentionally undervalues your claim to reduce their own payout, you have the right to counter them with a reasonable demand. If your case is clearly worth more and they refuse to entertain reasonable settlement discussions, they may be acting in bad faith. Unexplained Denials Insurance companies have a duty to investigate your claim. Sometimes they may deny at the onset due to a coverage issue, which should be explained. If there is coverage and they conduct an investigation, they cannot deny your claim with no explanation. If the insurance company unfairly denies your claim or refuses to offer any reason why they denied it, this can also be bad faith. Using Illegal Tactics While less common, some insurance companies engage in illegal behaviors to avoid paying out a claim. They may withhold a witness, alter evidence, or partake in other deceitful activity to undermine your claim. Steps to Take When the Insurance Company Is Dragging Their Feet When you think an insurance company is intentionally delaying settling your insurance claim, you should be persistent. Continue to contact the assigned adjuster. Don’t just leave voicemails but send emails as well to create a paper trail. Ask for specific details. For example, if they say a supervisor is reviewing the case, ask when you will receive an update or when the review will be done. Try asking to speak with the adjuster’s supervisor. If the adjuster will not put you through, call back on the general number and ask for the supervisor on your claim. Consider sending a formal demand letter in writing. This step shows the insurance company you are serious, and they must address and respond to your demand letter. Your next step is to contact an Alabama bad faith insurance lawyer who can help. At the Fob James Law Firm, we deal with insurance companies on a daily basis and know how to recognize these bad faith tactics. If you suspect bad faith claims handling in your own case, please contact our office right away. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work for you. We will review your case, confirm whether you have a viable bad faith claim, and let you know how to proceed. 

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Jul 13, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

Can You Sue After a Car Accident If You Are Not Hurt?

If you or a loved one were involved in an Alabama car accident that you did not cause, you might be considering legal action—but what if you were not hurt in the collision? Do you need a car accident lawyer if no injury occurred? Alabama personal injury attorneys work to help clients recover economic and non-economic damages they suffer due to the wrongful actions of another party. Personal injuries can be physical in nature, but they can also be emotional or financial. Whatever damages you might have sustained, you deserve fair compensation. The best way to determine whether you have a valid cause of action for pursuing a car accident claim is to let an experienced attorney evaluate the details of your case. Options for Suing After a Car Accident With No Injuries After a car accident or another type of motor vehicle collision, you have several options for pursuing legal action. If your damages were limited to personal property—damage to your vehicle, for example—you can pursue a claim through the at-fault party’s insurance company. If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, you could have recourse in small claims court. You can also pursue an insurance claim if you suffered emotional trauma as a result of a car accident. Unfortunately, these types of damages can be difficult to document and prove. The insurance company will likely deny your claim or offer an undervalued settlement. In that case, consider getting a lawyer to assist you. Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault? There is no legal requirement in Alabama that you must have an attorney for a car accident claim. However, if you are struggling to get the compensation you deserve directly from the insurance company, getting an attorney can be very much to your advantage. Experienced car accident lawyers understand how to investigate and document an injury accident claim. They have the knowledge and resources necessary to gather the evidence needed to build the strongest possible case. Attorneys also understand how insurance companies work. This helps them protect your legal rights and get the maximum possible compensation on your behalf. There is one more important reason to consider getting an auto accident lawyer when no injury occurs. Car accident injuries do not always manifest immediately. Some types of injuries—including whiplash and other soft tissue damage—may not present symptoms for days or even weeks. By then, you may not be able to recover compensation directly from the insurance company. At the Fob James Law Firm, we have an extensive network of resources that we put to work for you. We can help connect you with a qualified medical professional for a full evaluation. This helps ensure that any potential injuries are identified and that you get any treatment or care that you need. We will identify and document all damages you have suffered so we can pursue compensation on your behalf. Our firm will be by your side throughout the process. We will protect your rights while holding the insurance company accountable. Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer for Help If you have questions about your options for getting a car accident lawyer if no injury took place, contact the experienced car accident lawyers at the Fob James Law Firm. We offer a complimentary consultation to Alabama auto accident victims. Our caring attorneys will answer your questions and provide all the information you need to take the next steps. We will fight tirelessly for you, protecting your legal rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve for your damages, whatever they might be. Call or contact us today to speak to one of our Alabama personal injury lawyers about your options for pursuing legal action.

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Jul 13, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

Car Accident Settlement Calculator—How Much Is My Case Worth in Alabama?

If you sustained injuries in an Alabama car accident that was not your fault, you may have the right to recover compensation for your damages. The question is, How much compensation might you be entitled to?  Car accident claims help accident victims recover their physical, emotional,and financial damages. Unfortunately, researching Alabama car accident claim values online may not provide you with the accurate answers you deserve. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer in Alabama is the best way to help ensure that you get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.  The personal injury lawyers of the Fob James Law Firm understand how frightening and confusing this situation can be. We offer a free consultation to answer your questions and help you get started with the legal process. We can also help provide a more accurate estimate of how much your Alabama car accident claim might be worth and how long it might take to get a check in your hands. Determining the Value of an Alabama Car Accident Settlement If you are considering taking legal action, you may be asking yourself, How much is my case worth? Personal injury attorneys calculate the value of car accident claims by identifying and documenting the victim’s economic and non-economic damages. This typically includes your medical treatment, lost income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. You could also be entitled to compensation for any future medical treatment you require as well as income losses for any period within which your injuries prevent you from returning to work. If you sustained any long-term or permanent damage, such as scarring, disability, etc., you may be able to pursue compensation for those damages. Your attorney can also explore the possibility of seeking damages for diminished quality of life and diminished earning capacity. No matter what websites, injury claim calculators, or other online sources might tell you, however, the most reliable way to establish how much your Alabama injury claim might be worth is to talk to an experienced car accident attorney. Can an Alabama Car Accident Settlement Calculator Help? At this point, you are likely exploring the question of What is my personal injury claim worth? You may perform some basic online research in pursuit of an answer. Should you come upon any type of car accident settlement calculator, it can be tempting to fill out an online information form to see what you can learn.  Approach any type of online personal injury settlement calculator with caution.  To accurately calculate your potential claim value, an attorney must carefully analyze the details of the accident and identify the specific damages you suffered. Venue (i.e., the location where the accident occured) can also be a huge factor in valuing your case. Experienced car accident lawyers have the knowledge and resources to establish value for all your damages and document your claim accordingly. Without these critical details, it is impossible to establish an accurate injury accident claim value. Although you may not feel ready to contact an attorney, doing so is the only way to get accurate answers to your questions.  Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer for Help If you are still asking yourself, How much is my claim worth?” now is the right time to contact an Alabama car accident lawyer. Time is of the essence after an injury accident. The sooner you can speak with an experienced attorney, the sooner you can set your legal claim in motion. The experienced Alabama car accident lawyers of the Fob James Law Firm work diligently to investigate your claim and document your damages. In most cases, we can successfully negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, if we cannot come to a settlement agreement, we have the option of filing a lawsuit and pursuing your claim in court. From beginning to end, we handle everything on your behalf, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and getting back to work.  To schedule a free consultation, or to learn more about what the value of your Alabama car accident case might be, call or contact us now.

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Jun 25, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

What to Do After a Car Accident In a Construction Zone?

There were almost 160,000 car accidents in Alabama in 2019. Over 3,000 of those accidents were in construction zones.  All car accidents can be life-threatening. Road construction accidents can be especially dangerous because of road barriers, reduced lane spaces, uneven road surfaces, and construction personnel. If you’ve been in a road construction accident, you need to know what to do. It is critical that you take action to protect your legal rights and ensure the safety of others.  By taking the following steps, you can help protect your well-being and preserve your legal options. Furthermore, making the right choices after a road construction accident will help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve if you decide to file a claim.  What to Do After a Road Construction Accident Here are several essential steps to take after a construction zone accident. Get You and Your Passengers Out of Danger Before doing anything else, get everyone out to safety. Usually, this means getting to a shoulder or pulling off at the nearest exit. The last thing you want to do is cause another accident by staying in the middle of a road or highway.  Don’t Leave the Scene of the Accident Stay as close as you can to the scene of the accident. Under Alabama law, a “hit-and-run” can be a Class C felony, which may result in up to 10 years of prison time.  Render Aid Alabama law also states that anyone involved in an accident must provide reasonable assistance to other people involved. This may include calling an ambulance or 911.  Exchange Information  This includes your name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license number.  Notify Law Enforcement  If you are involved in a construction zone accident that caused an injury or death, your best choice is to call 911 and the local police department. You can also call the local county sheriff or the Alabama state highway patrol.  Document Everything About the Accident Do everything you can to preserve potential evidence. This includes: Saving any dash cam videos;  Recording any unusual weather or environmental conditions;  Saving all documents and physical evidence you have from the accident; and Photographing the scene of the accident and all vehicles involved. Preserving evidence right after an accident will help increase the chances that you are successful if you decide to file a lawsuit. Causes of Construction Zone Auto Accidents There are a wide variety of unique factors that cause construction zone accidents. Decreased Visibility In a construction zone, construction crews use various kinds of specialized vehicles and machinery that reduce visibility. On top of that, crew often carry out road construction around places with visual barriers like hills, trees, and curves.  These circumstances can create a perfect storm for car accidents. In fact, the CDC found that the movement of construction equipment within the work zone was one of the greatest construction zone hazards.  Unusual Traffic Patterns Drivers—especially daily commuters—often drive on the same roads during roughly the same period every day. Because of that, drivers come to expect certain traffic patterns.  Construction zones change all that overnight.  In a construction zone, there’s likely to be shifting lanes, closed lane shoulders, and detours. All these factors can surprise drivers and cause road construction accidents.  Poor or Unclear Signage Federal and Alabama law require that construction crews (or state agencies) put up road signs to ensure that drivers are aware of construction zone conditions.  Similarly, special speed limit signs put drivers on notice of construction zone speed limits. In Alabama, for example, the department of transportation is responsible for placing construction zone signs at least 100 feet before the beginning of a construction zone. Other regulations state where other signs should be placed, what they should look like, and how many should be placed in a construction zone.  Sometimes construction companies and state agencies fail to obey these regulations. When that happens, road construction accidents follow, causing injuries, property damage, and even death.  Uneven Road Surfaces During road construction, the old road surface is often broken up and replaced. This creates uneven or poor quality pavement at times, which can easily cause a vehicle to blow a tire, swerve, or become damaged.  Why Should I Choose the Fob James Law Firm? Being in a road construction accident is traumatic. Yet you don’t have to deal with this challenging situation on your own. While there are other personal injury attorneys in Alabama, the Fob James Law Firm stands out from the crowd: We have a proven track record of obtaining outstanding results for our clients;  We have extensive experience defending clients in personal injury cases; and We put our clients first, as demonstrated by our testimonials. Even if you aren’t sure about your case, take a moment to contact us. Initial consultations are always free, so you have nothing to lose by giving us a call or email right now.

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May 27, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 2 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident Changing Lanes?

From driver distraction to fatigue to driving under the influence, various reasons may cause a car accident. Additionally, when a car hits you while changing lanes and you suffer injuries, you are entitled to compensation for your losses. An experienced personal injury attorney works quickly to assess your losses and determine fault after your car accident involving changing lanes.  Common Causes for Lane Change Crashes  Negligence often represents the cause of a car accident involving someone changing lanes. A driver may be deemed at fault if they were: Driving while intoxicated; Speeding;  Not paying attention; Texting, talking on the phone, posting to social media, and other illegal mobile phone use; Performing other forms of distracted driving like adjusting GPS, looking at the radio, eating, or other activities; Not taking adequate precautions when driving in inclement weather. Drivers owe a duty of care to the drivers around them. When a car hits you while changing lanes, the driver may not have been operating their vehicle in a safe manner. A personal injury attorney analyzes the facts surrounding your accident to determine who is at fault in a car accident changing lanes.  Determining Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident Changing Lanes  It’s not always easy to determine who is at fault in these types of car accidents. However, there are questions you can ask to get a clearer picture of who is responsible for the resulting accident.  Important evidence your personal injury attorney may use to determine who is at fault in a car accident changing lanes includes:  Photos of the damage to vehicles, the scene of the crash, and the surrounding area around the crash;  Surveillance video of the accident scene if any exists;  Statements from witnesses who observed the accident;  Information from the police report; and Expert testimony in reconstructing the scene of the accident.  Your personal injury attorney knows what evidence is the most compelling. They know what it takes to build a strong case and will gather the necessary evidence for you. Additionally, there may be situations where more than one vehicle may be at fault for the car accident that resulted from changing lanes. The following situations may indicate more than one driver at fault: Both drivers attempt to change into the same lane at the same time and collide; Both drivers demonstrate reckless, distracted, or impaired driving; or A vehicle has faulty equipment such as faulty headlights or brake lights which can confuse other drivers. It’s vital not to go through the complex process of a personal injury lawsuit alone. Speaking with and retaining a personal injury attorney to represent your rights ensures that no stone is left unturned when assessing who is at fault when a car hits you changing lanes. Contact Us  Determining who is at fault in a car accident changing lanes is a complex task requiring the counsel of a qualified personal injury attorney. The attorneys at Fob James Law Firm represent clients in personal injury cases throughout Alabama and Florida. We understand the hardships you may be facing as you recover from your injuries after a car hit you while changing lanes. We work tirelessly to provide caring, compassionate, and vigorous representation while protecting your legal rights. Day and night, we are here for you. Contact us today for a free consultation! 

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May 27, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

What Is Rubbernecking While Driving?

When most people drive past an eye-catching scene, they may find curiosity gets the better of them. This act of rubbernecking driving causes many car accidents each year. The chain reaction caused by rubbernecking while driving results in multiple car collisions each day. An experienced personal injury attorney works to assist you if suffering injuries from a rubbernecking accident.  What Is Rubbernecking?  Rubbernecking in driving is the act of slowing down while driving past the scene of something occurring outside your car. What catches your attention could be another car accident, an arrest on the roadway, a broken-down car, or anything else that sparks your curiosity. This is considered a form of distracted driving because when you turn to look at the scene of a car accident, your eyes are no longer on the road ahead. It doesn’t take long for this momentary lapse in attention to cause an accident.  Common Accidents Caused by Rubbernecking While Driving  The most common accident caused by rubbernecking while driving is a rear-end collision. When a driver slows suddenly to look at a scene outside their car, the car behind them may not have time to react. This act may result in a rear-end collision with the rubbernecking driver. Alternatively, the rubbernecking driver may rear-end the driver in front of them. As the distracted driver stares outside their car window, they may not notice the car in front of them stopping and drive straight into them.  Additionally, rubbernecking drivers may cause an accident by swerving into neighboring lanes and causing a collision.  Common Injuries Caused by Rubbernecking While Driving Even if done at slow speeds, rubbernecking driving does not mean there is no risk of injury. Common injuries resulting from rubbernecking driving include: Broken bones,  Neck injuries, Spinal cord injuries, Cuts and bruising,  Back injuries.  If you’ve been in an accident where you believe the driver was rubbernecking while driving, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your options.  What Can I Recover?  When injured in an accident due to someone rubbernecking while driving, you may seek recovery for your losses. Personal injury lawsuits permit recovery of both economic and non-economic damages.  Economic damages, often referred to as tangible losses, include things like medical expenses, property damage, and lost earnings. Calculations of these damages require you to save records of auto service fees and medical bills. Keeping past pay stubs may also be used to calculate lost earnings for your inability to work or loss of employment.  Non-economic damages include losses more particular to each person’s experience after an accident. One does not calculate non-economic damages from receipts and bills. Instead, non-economic damages include: Pain and suffering for medical conditions caused by the accident; Mental anguish for trauma or other psychological conditions resulting from the accident; Decreased quality of life due to injuries suffered in the accident; Physical disfigurement for catastrophic injuries that permanently alter your appearance;  Physical impairments preventing you from returning to the normal life you had before the accident; and  Loss of consortium compensates for the loss of a companion or partner.  Non-economic damages vary from person to person. There is no easy formula to calculate non-economic damages. Therefore, it’s vital to have a qualified personal injury attorney on your side to ensure your rights are protected, and you receive adequate compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.  Contact Us The Fob James Law Firm specializes in personal injury and fraud cases in Alabama and Florida. We know what rubbernecking while driving means and how many accidents this form of distracted driving causes. At the Fob James Law Firm, we dedicate our practice to protecting people and families injured by the negligence of others. We work tirelessly to obtain the best possible result for our clients, and we are here for you! So don’t hesitate. Call or contact the Fob James Law Firm online today for a free case consultation!  

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May 27, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 3 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

Can You Recover Compensation for PTSD After a Car Accident?

Emotional injuries can be just as devastating as physical injuries in a car accident. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you might have a claim for physical and emotional damages, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People typically associate PTSD with military-related trauma, but the psychological effects from a car accident can be devastating, especially if you witnessed a loved one die. To learn more about pursuing a claim for PTSD after a car accident, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer at the Fob James Law Firm. What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental condition that affects people who witnessed or experienced some type of traumatic event. Violent events, terrorist attacks, and even a shooting or assault can trigger PTSD. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, can also result in PTSD. Don’t mistakenly assume that PTSD from a car accident isn’t legitimate. A severe car accident can absolutely lead victims to develop PTSD. If not properly diagnosed, it will get worse over time. In a medical study published in 2018, researchers determined that car accidents can increase a person’s risk of developing PTSD. In fact, just over 22% of car accident survivors developed PTSD. Common PTSD After Car Accident Symptoms People who experience PTSD after a car accident suffer more than just emotional distress that might go away on its own. Psychological trauma needs to be dealt with, or it can become even worse. Symptoms can become incapacitating and spread into daily life, causing depression and additional anxiety. Some of the symptoms that are characteristic of PTSD include: Being unable to concentrate or sleep; Reliving the trauma again and again through nightmares or flashbacks; Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind the victim of the traumatic event; Intense feelings of fear, anxiety, or anger, or having sudden outbursts; and Experiencing severe or prolonged psychological distress when the victim is exposed to triggers that remind them of the car accident. PTSD can trigger other behavioral changes that can lead to suicidal thoughts, intense bouts of depression, and more. It’s imperative to seek medical assistance right away if you are suffering from severe psychological trauma after a car accident.  Challenges of Pursuing a Claim for PTSD While it’s possible to pursue a claim for PTSD in some cases, it’s not always the easiest claim to make. Because PTSD is a mental and emotional disorder, it’s challenging to demonstrate the true impact of PTSD on a victim’s life. When you are dealing with physical injuries, it’s easier for people to visualize the effects. Therefore, determining the value of a PTSD claim can be more difficult. However, don’t despair—getting PTSD car accident compensation is not impossible. You just need to develop a strong case and have an experienced legal advocate on your side.  As the plaintiff, you must be able to show you definitively have PTSD. This may require stronger evidence even than a doctor’s diagnosis, as the other side will challenge the diagnosis. Additionally, you need to show that your PTSD was the direct result of the car accident or that the accident contributed in some way to you developing PTSD. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today If you believe you have a legitimate PTSD claim, don’t go through it alone. You need a skilled auto accident attorney who can help prepare the strongest case possible. Obtaining a PTSD car accident settlement is possible, but you need a strong legal advocate on your side. Your attorney may need to hire experts who can testify as to their expert opinion and whether you have PTSD or not. They can also testify on the impact PTSD has had on your life. At the Fob James Law Firm, we have years of experience representing clients in severe car accident cases. We’ve successfully helped countless clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for their physical and emotional injuries. To learn more about how we can help, contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.

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May 26, 2021 | By Fob James, IV | Read Time: 2 minutes
Attorney Portrait Articles

Highway 431: What Makes It the Most Dangerous Road in Alabama?

US Highway 431 in Alabama is a 353 mile stretch of road between the Alabama and Tennessee border. Often referred to as the “Highway to Hell,” Hwy 431 in Alabama obtained the reputation for the deadliest highway in the world. If you are involved in a car accident on Highway 431 in Alabama, a qualified personal injury attorney can work to protect your rights as you seek recovery for your losses.    The Dangers of US Highway 431  Multiple factors contribute to the dangerousness of US Route 431 in Alabama: The majority of the stretch of roadway has poor visibility; The highway is a mostly two-lane highway that suddenly switches to a four-lane highway, then back to a two-lane highway at critical points;  US Highway 431 cuts through multiple towns, requiring people to suddenly stop and slow their speed; US Highway 431 contains multiple curves; There are a large number of vehicles entering and exiting the highway at any given time; and The stretch of Highway 431 in Alabama is extremely long.  These factors, combined with poor decision-making and distracted driving, cause a substantial number of accidents on Hwy 431 in Alabama.  How to Drive Safely on Highway 431 in Alabama  Traffic accidents occur every day. However, there are steps you can take to drive safely on US Hwy 431 and on all roadways. While you cannot control the behavior of other drivers on the road with you, undertaking certain safety precautions may prevent you from being the unfortunate victim of a car accident. Following a few simple tips reduces your risk of causing a car accident on US Route 431 in Alabama and all roadways. Avoid Distractions Keep your hands free of technology. Don’t text or surf the internet while driving. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, could result in deadly consequences.  Don’t Speed It’s important to always drive the speed limit. The faster you drive, the less time you have to stop in an emergency. Additionally, traveling at high speeds increases the impact of an accident and the likelihood that severe injury or death may occur.   Avoid Fatigued Driving Take measures to avoid driving while fatigued. When drowsy or overtired, your reflexes and ability to spot dangers become less sharp. If you’re feeling tired, pull off the road and rest.  Always Wear a Seatbelt Even though seatbelts are required by law, many people fail to buckle up, resulting in catastrophic injury or death in a car accident. Seatbelts save lives. You should never skip putting on a seatbelt any time you get into a car.  Avoid Bad Weather If you can, it’s recommended to avoid traveling in inclement weather. In fog or icy conditions, driving becomes exponentially more hazardous. If you must drive in bad weather, stay alert. Never Drink and Drive Drunk driving is one of the most tragic and avoidable causes of car accidents. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Contact Us The personal injury attorneys at the Fob James Law Firm focus their practice on personal injury cases throughout Alabama. We understand the hardship resulting from recovery after a car accident. If you’re involved in a car accident on Hwy 431 in Alabama, let us help you. We provide our clients with aggressive representation to obtain the highest possible settlement. Contact the Fob James Law Firm today for a free case review. Get started on your road to recovery after an accident on Highway 431 in Alabama. 

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