“I’m sorry” – two words that can cost you everything under Alabama law. In a state where being found just 1% at fault eliminates your right to any compensation, the mistakes drivers make in the moments following a collision often prove more damaging than the crash itself. Admitting Fault at the Scene One of the…
Every year, thousands of Alabama drivers find themselves dealing with the aftermath of traffic crashes—in 2023 alone, state troopers investigated over 31,000 collisions resulting in more than 11,000 injuries. Walking into a law office for the first time after an accident can feel overwhelming, but proper preparation transforms uncertainty into confidence and helps maximize the…
Retirement accounts often represent a person’s largest asset outside their home, yet many IRA owners make beneficiary decisions without fully understanding the consequences. Naming a trust as your IRA beneficiary can provide powerful protections and control mechanisms, but it also introduces complexity and potential tax implications that could significantly impact your heirs. The choice between…
Insurance companies promise protection and peace of mind, yet some consistently leave policyholders fighting for the coverage they’ve paid for. When disaster strikes and claims get denied, delayed, or underpaid, the financial and emotional toll can devastate families. Understanding how insurers have earned reputations for poor practices helps consumers make informed decisions about their coverage.…
Child support arrears in Alabama can accumulate into thousands of dollars, creating confusion about where these overdue payments ultimately go. Parents on both sides of the equation often wonder whether past-due support reaches the intended recipients or gets absorbed by state agencies. The answer depends on multiple factors, including who provided financial assistance during the…
Every week, Alabama workers clock out after putting in extra hours, trusting their employers to compensate them fairly. Yet many never see the overtime pay they’ve rightfully earned. When employers withhold overtime wages, they’re not just shortchanging paychecks—they’re breaking federal law. Understanding Overtime Laws in Alabama Alabama follows federal overtime regulations established by the Fair…
Alabama stands with the majority of states that reject community property laws, instead following equitable distribution principles that can leave divorcing spouses uncertain about their financial futures. This fundamental distinction affects everything from how couples title their homes to whether inheritance remains separate after decades of marriage. Understanding Community Property vs. Equitable Distribution The difference…
In a ruling that pierces the shield of state immunity, Alabama Circuit Court Judge J.R. Gaines has allowed a disturbing lawsuit to proceed against the Alabama Department of Corrections and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Eight families allege that state officials illegally harvested and studied the organs of their deceased incarcerated relatives without consent,…
The City of Irondale and its police department have rejected claims of excessive force in the August 2024 death of Phillip Reeder, 52, directly contradicting the family’s account and a coroner’s report that ruled the death a homicide. The dispute centers on body camera footage that remains unreleased to the public, leaving critical questions about…
In a quiet corner of Brent, Alabama, what appeared to be an ordinary storm shelter concealed horrors that have shaken this Bibb County community to its core. Four men now face charges that “represent one of the most troubling and complex investigations” in the region’s history, according to local prosecutors. The investigation that began on…