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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Personal Injury Law

What is personal injury?

Personal injury law is a specific area of legal practice and a broad term that means any kind of accident or occurrence resulting from the negligence or wrongdoing of others that leads to bodily injury. Personal injury law can involve many types of accidents including truck accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace injuries and accidents, wrongful death, and dog bites, to name a few.

What types of cases does Tyler Mann Injury Law handle?

At Tyler Mann Injury Law of North Alabama, we focus on car accident injuries, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, slip and fall injuries, and dog bite injuries. If you’ve been injured in any of these types of accidents, contact us immediately.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Case?

Depending on your situation, you may recover compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and prescriptions
  • Lost Income: Wages you missed while unable to work
  • Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle
  • Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional impact of the accident

Who Will Be Responsible for My Future Medical Costs If My Injuries Cause Long-Term Issues?

Future expenses are often included in your claim when medical experts can show that ongoing treatment, therapy, or medication will be necessary. Your lawyer may work with physicians from facilities such as Huntsville Hospital Therapy and Sports Rehab to estimate those costs before settlement negotiations begin.

Why do I need an attorney?

In short, an experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to level the playing field by negotiating settlements, navigating the pre-trial process, taking your case to trial, and fighting for the compensation you deserve—all with a greater chance of success than if you do it yourself. Having a personal injury lawyer will get the attention of the party you are claiming against, and your likelihood of negotiating a fair settlement is much higher.

What Happens If I Am Partially at Fault for My Accident in Alabama?

Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule. This means if you are found even slightly responsible for the crash, you may be barred from recovering damages. Because the rule is strict, it is critical to let an experienced attorney review your case and gather evidence that demonstrates the other party’s fault.

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help pay for your injuries and property damage. Alabama requires insurers to offer UM coverage by default. You can learn more about these protections through the Alabama Department of Insurance.

Should I Give the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement?

You should avoid giving any recorded or written statement to the other driver’s insurer before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may use your words out of context to reduce or deny payment. Your attorney can handle communications on your behalf and help ensure that any required statement is accurate and limited to the facts.

How soon after I am injured do I have to file a lawsuit?

If you’re receiving medical treatment for your injuries, you don’t need to wait to file a claim. In fact, it’s a good idea to get the process started, whether we’re talking about an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. For most personal injury cases, the time limit in Alabama is two years, meaning you must file a lawsuit against any potential defendant within two years of the date of your accident.

What are contingent fee cases?

A contingency fee is a payment to an attorney for legal representation and services that depends on money damages being recovered. It’s the popular “You don’t pay unless we win” model. When compensation from a case is awarded, the law firm collects a percentage as payment. If the case is lost, the client does not pay a fee.

Will Tyler Mann Injury Law talk to me about my case for free?

Yes. We offer free case evaluations and consultations. Call us today at (256) 400-4000 or complete our quick free consultation form to get started.

Will Filing a Personal Injury Claim Affect My Insurance Rates?

In most cases, filing a claim for an accident you did not cause should not raise your premium. However, each insurer sets its own policies. Speak with your agent before filing through your own coverage to understand any potential changes.

Who Pays My Medical Bills While My Case Is Pending?

You are responsible for your medical expenses as they arise, but several options can help. Health insurance or MedPay coverage can offset costs until your case settles. Once the claim resolves, reimbursement is typically made from the settlement funds. Your lawyer can also work with healthcare providers in Huntsville to delay billing until the case concludes.

If Tyler Mann Injury Law takes my case, what's next?

There are many steps to seeking monetary damages for accidents through no fault of your own. To learn more about this process, view this general breakdown of personal injury case steps and processes.

I'm not sure whether I have a case or not. What should I do?

If you’ve suffered significant harm because of someone else’s obvious carelessness or negligence, the answer may be yes, but many situations are not so simple. If you’re figuring out whether you have a valid personal injury claim—one that would justify going to the time and trouble of filing an insurance claim over the incident or bringing a lawsuit to civil court—contact us for a free consultation or call (256) 400-4000.

How Soon After an Accident Should I Start My Claim?

It is best to begin the claims process as soon as possible. The earlier you notify the insurance company and contact an attorney, the easier it is to gather witness statements, photos, and police reports. Alabama’s statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the accident date, so acting quickly helps protect your rights.

How do you determine the value of my claim?

There are many factors when determining the value of a personal injury claim. Considerations include severity of injury, medical costs, lost wages, physical property damage, etc. It is best to contact us for a free consultation to determine this value together. If you have questions, call us today at (256) 400-4000 or fill out our quick free consultation form.

Should I talk to the at-fault party's insurance company?

You are not legally required to speak with the other insurance company’s representative. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t talk to the other insurance company when there is the potential for anyone involved in the accident making a claim for serious personal injuries. If you think you have a case or may pursue a case, contact us for a free consultation. If we decide that there is a case to be made, you can simply refer the insurance company to us.

What should I do after an accident?

Keep in mind that the insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters who begin evaluating your injury claim right away. Because of this, it is essential that you retain a personal injury lawyer immediately if you are injured or seeking medical attention. When an adjuster calls you for your statement, you can simply refer them to us. We offer free case evaluations and consultations. Call (256) 400-4000 today or submit a few details through our quick free consultation form.

What Happens If I Didn’t Realize I Was Injured Until Days or Weeks After the Accident?

Delayed symptoms are common. If you notice pain, stiffness, or headaches later, see a doctor immediately and document everything. Your attorney can include these new findings in your claim. The medical timeline becomes important evidence when proving that your injuries stem from the original accident.

Should I See a Doctor Even If I Don’t Feel Hurt Right Away?

Yes. Even minor crashes can cause internal or soft-tissue injuries that take hours or days to appear. Visiting a doctor right away creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the accident. Local facilities such as the Huntsville Hospital Emergency Department provide 24-hour evaluation and imaging if you experience delayed pain or dizziness after a collision.

What should I bring with me for my free case evaluation / consultation?

When you meet with us for a consultation, you want to give us all the information you can so we can make an accurate evaluation of your injury case. By arriving prepared, you can give us a better idea of your case. Consider bringing medical records, receipts, any correspondence with the other party, police reports, insurance policy information, paystubs, and any other legal documents.

Will my personal injury case go to trial?

Making a personal injury claim is the first step toward getting compensation for your losses. Most cases are settled out of court, which means that just because you file a claim, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to go to court. If you cannot agree on a settlement amount out of court, however, you do need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant to take them to court. There will still be the chance to settle before your trial actually begins, but you need to be prepared to go to court whenever you file a lawsuit.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take to Settle?

The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case and the extent of your medical treatment. Many claims resolve within several months, but cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take longer. Your attorney will keep you informed of key developments and settlement discussions as your case progresses.

How Often Will I Get Updates on My Case?

Communication frequency depends on the stage of your case, but your legal team should update you whenever there is movement, such as responses from insurers, medical record requests, or settlement offers. At Tyler Mann Injury Law, clients can always contact their attorney directly for a progress check or new information.

What Should I Avoid Doing While My Personal Injury Case Is Open?

Avoid posting details about your accident or injuries on social media, as insurers may monitor your accounts. Do not discuss settlement amounts with anyone outside your legal team, and never sign documents without your attorney reviewing them first.

If you were injured in a crash or other accident in the Huntsville area, contact our team to discuss your options. Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

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