Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Greenville, Butler County, Southeast Alabama, and the Tri-State Area
The Greenville personal injury lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC are committed to helping our clients move forward after a serious accident. We know that pursuing a claim is about more than recovering compensation. It is also about getting justice and trying to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. That is why we fight tirelessly for our clients. These cases’ outcomes can significantly impact a person’s life, and we leverage our resources and skills to work toward a favorable result.
Our team, which has more than 130 years of combined experience, has helped past clients get the justice they need and deserve. While prior achievements do not guarantee any outcome, our successes are a testament to our commitment to our clients.
Proving Liability in a Personal Injury Case
To recover compensation from the party responsible for your accident, you must prove that they are liable. Generally, this means that you must show that they were negligent.
The theory of negligence consists of four elements:
- Duty of care: The responsible party was expected to act in a way to avoid causing harm to others. For example, a driver is expected to obey traffic laws to prevent crashes.
- Breach of duty: If the responsible party acts below the level a reasonable person would have in a similar situation, they may be said to have breached their duty of care. Returning to the example with the driver, if the individual willfully ran a red light because they were in a hurry, they may be liable for damages.
- Causation: An accident might have occurred, but for another person to be held responsible, their negligence must have been the proximate cause. To illustrate, suppose the driver in the previous example ran a red light. A motorist crossing the intersection on a green light hit the side of the other vehicle. The red-light runner’s actions could be determined to be the cause of the accident.
- Damages: The person involved in the accident must show that they were injured and sustained economic or non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain/suffering. If there were no losses and expenses, the injured party could not collect a financial recovery.
At Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC, our Greenville personal injury lawyers thoroughly investigate cases by reviewing reports and records, speaking with witnesses, examining photos and videos, and looking at other relevant information. If necessary, we reach out to experts who can provide a professional opinion about the incident and its impacts. When you hire our proven law firm, you can be confident that you will work with a team ready to do what it takes for your case.
Personal Injury Matters We Handle
Our personal injury lawyers in Greenville have extensive experience handling cases of all types.
The matters we deliver representation for include, but are not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Construction accidents
- Vehicle recalls
- Insurance bad faith
- Motorcycle accidents
- Nursing home abuse
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Truck accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Wrongful death
We seek just outcomes for our clients by first attempting to settle cases through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If we are unable to resolve them that way, we are prepared to go to court and argue before a judge or jury. Whatever path your matter takes, we can guide you through it.
What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim in Greenville?
If you’re involved in a personal injury claim in Greenville, Alabama, you can generally expect the following legal process.
Consultation with a Greenville Personal Injury Attorney
Start by consulting with a personal injury attorney in Greenville, Alabama. They will assess the details of your case, provide legal advice, and determine the viability of your claim.
Filing a Complaint
If you decide to proceed, your attorney will file a formal complaint against the responsible party or parties. This complaint outlines the legal basis for your claim and the compensation you seek.
Service of Process
The responsible parties are served with the complaint and a summons, notifying them of the legal action against them.
Answer and Discovery
The defendant(s) typically have a certain amount of time to respond to the complaint. Both parties engage in the discovery process, exchanging relevant information and evidence.
Negotiations and Settlement Talks
Before going to trial, there may be negotiations between the parties to reach a settlement. Your Greenville personal injury attorney will advocate on your behalf to secure fair compensation.
Mediation or ADR
Mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods may be used to facilitate settlement discussions outside of court.
Trial (if necessary)
If a settlement is not reached, the case may proceed to trial. The parties present evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments. A judge or jury will then decide the outcome.
Judgment and Appeal
If the court rules in your favor, a judgment is issued, determining the compensation you’re entitled to receive. Either party may choose to appeal the decision, leading to further legal proceedings.
Enforcement of Judgment
If you win the case and are awarded damages, the next step is enforcing the judgment to collect the compensation from the responsible party.
Throughout this process, having a knowledgeable attorney who understands Alabama law and local procedures is crucial. At Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC, our Greenville personal injury lawyers will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and work towards obtaining a favorable outcome for your case. We understand what a difficult time this may be for you and your family. We will help you navigate the process with confidence.
Potential Damages in a Personal Injury Claim
In a personal injury claim, potential damages refer to the various types of compensation that an injured party may seek as a result of the harm they have suffered due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party. The specific damages that may be available can vary based on the circumstances of the case.
Here are some common types of damages in a personal injury claim:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover various tangible losses suffered by the injured party, such as:
- Medical expenses: Such as past and future treatments, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Both past and future
- Property damage: Particularly relevant in car accident cases
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Such as transportation to medical appointments or home and vehicle modifications
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address intangible losses, including pain and suffering resulting from physical injury, emotional distress such as anxiety or depression, and loss of consortium, which compensates a spouse for the diminished companionship, support, and intimacy due to the injury.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded in situations involving egregious or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party. Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to compensate the injured party for their losses, punitive damages serve a punitive function. They are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future, emphasizing the severity of the misconduct.
Wrongful Death Damages
In cases where the injury leads to death, damages may be awarded to surviving family members, including compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Our Greenville personal injury lawyers can provide valuable assistance with your claim in several ways:
Case Evaluation
A personal injury lawyer assesses the details of the case during an initial consultation. They review the circumstances of the injury, gather information about the incident, and evaluate the potential legal claims and liabilities involved.
Legal Advice
Personal injury lawyers provide legal advice to their clients, explaining their rights, potential courses of action, and the likelihood of success in pursuing a claim. They help clients make informed decisions about whether to proceed with legal action.
Investigation
Lawyers conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence supporting the client’s case. This may involve obtaining photographs, witness statements, accident reports, medical records, and any other relevant documentation.
Determining Liability
Personal injury lawyers work to establish liability, identifying the party or parties responsible for the injury. They analyze the evidence and legal principles to build a strong case for their client.
Calculating Damages
Lawyers assess the damages suffered by their clients, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. They use this information to determine the appropriate amount of compensation to seek in a legal claim.
Negotiations
Personal injury lawyers engage in negotiations with insurance companies, opposing attorneys, or other parties involved. Their goal is to reach a fair settlement that adequately compensates the injured party for their losses without the need for a court trial.
Filing Legal Documents
Lawyers handle the preparation and filing of legal documents required for initiating a personal injury lawsuit. This includes complaints, motions, and other court filings.
Representation in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, personal injury lawyers represent their clients in court. They present evidence, examine witnesses, argue legal points, and advocate for their clients’ rights during trial proceedings.
A personal injury lawyer plays a crucial role in guiding clients through the legal process, advocating for their rights, and seeking compensation for the damages and losses they have incurred due to a personal injury.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Alabama?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Alabama is generally two years (see Alabama Code § 6-2-38). This means that people who have sustained a personal injury usually have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
It’s important to note that there may be exceptions or specific circumstances that could alter the time limit. If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligent actions, it is in your best interest to consult with one of our Greenville personal injury lawyers to get the most accurate and up-to-date information based on your specific situation.
Contact our Greenville Personal Injury Lawyers for FREE
Get in touch with an attorney today for FREE. The Greenville personal injury lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC are dedicated to help accident victims move forward after a serious injury. We firmly believe that everyone is entitled to outstanding legal representation, and we are passionate about helping our clients obtain the maximum compensation they need and deserve.
Time may be running out on your case. If you’ve been injured due to the negligent or reckless actions of another, reach out to our office today either online or by calling 844-654-6228 to arrange a FREE case evaluation with our Greenville personal injury lawyers.
We operate on a contingency basis for personal injury cases, meaning you only pay if we achieve a successful outcome.