If you believe you were at fault for a collision you were in, you might wonder whether it’s still possible to get some compensation for your injuries and other expenses. The answer depends on many factors, including your insurance coverage, the state you live in, and the potential liability of the other driver.

Our car accident law firm is based in Alabama, which has very different laws relevant to this topic than other states. So, we’ll be focusing primarily on our state’s laws, though many of these principles are applicable to readers in other states.

One important thing to note before we dive into the details—you should never admit fault in the immediate aftermath of a crash or when speaking to an insurance adjuster, even if you think you were. It not only hurts your chances of compensation, but it might also not be accurate. You don’t know what the other driver was doing before the crash or all the other factors that could have contributed to the accident.

Let’s look at the possibility of getting compensation when you are at fault for a crash.

Getting Compensation from Your Own Insurance Company

In Alabama, if you have certain types of optional coverage, like collision and medical payment (MedPay), you can pursue compensation from your own insurance coverage. Neither of these types of coverage are required in Alabama, but it’s strongly recommended that you opt for both.

Here’s a quick breakdown of these two types of insurance coverage:

MedPay

Medical Payments Coverage, or “MedPay”, provides coverage for medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault, up to your coverage limits. It can cover costs such as hospital visits, surgeries, X-rays, and more. MedPay can offer much-needed financial protection for medical costs not covered by health insurance.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage is particularly valuable if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle. While not required by law, lenders typically require collision coverage for financed or leased vehicles.

How much compensation you can get depends on the specifics of your policy and the amount of expenses you’re facing. In many cases, you might face expenses that will not be covered by your insurance policy. And it’s not uncommon for insurance claims to get denied, which is why it’s highly encouraged to call an attorney when filing a claim.

Getting Compensation from the Other Driver’s Insurance Policy

Alabama is one of the very few states in the U.S. that follows a pure contributory negligence law, which is much harsher than the comparative fault law commonly used in other states. Under this law, you cannot seek compensation if you are even just 1% at fault for the crash.

This is why working with a personal injury lawyer is so important for someone who has suffered injuries in a crash.

The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

The best way to protect yourself from Alabama’s contributory negligence law is to build a strong defense on your behalf denying any of your actions contributed to the accident, which often means gathering evidence, consulting experts, and speaking to witnesses.

Here are just a few reasons you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer:

  • Expertise in Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Law: Alabama’s strict contributory negligence rule can be a major hurdle in auto accident claims. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have a deep understanding of this law and how to navigate it, potentially making the difference between a successful claim and no compensation.
  • Maximizing Your Compensation: A skilled lawyer can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, to ensure you’re seeking the maximum compensation possible.
  • Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. A personal injury lawyer will handle all negotiations on your behalf, advocating for your best interests and protecting you from lowball offers.
  • Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Personal injury lawyers have the resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, gather crucial evidence, consult experts, and build a strong case to support your claim.
  • Litigation Experience: If your case goes to court, having an attorney with litigation experience is invaluable. They’ll manage all aspects of the trial, from filing the lawsuit to representing you in court.

Contact Our Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers Today

The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can get to work on your behalf and maximize your chances of a successful outcome. Our Huntsville car accident lawyers have a track record of helping clients in many types of accident cases, and we can help you better understand your legal options if you may have been at fault through a free consultation.

Contact Tyler Mann Injury Law today to speak to our team.