Insurance companies generate profits exceeding $30 billion annually by denying, delaying, and underpaying legitimate injury claims across the US.
Meanwhile, injured victims struggle with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain while trying to navigate a system designed to protect corporate profits over people.
Personal injury law exists to level this playing field, providing a legal pathway for those harmed by another's negligence to seek fair compensation.
From devastating car crashes on I-65 to slip-and-fall accidents at local businesses, Alabama residents face countless situations where someone else's carelessness causes serious harm.
Understanding your rights under Alabama personal injury law empowers you to make informed decisions about your recovery and financial future. Whether dealing with insurance adjusters, medical providers, or legal proceedings, knowledge transforms you from a victim into an advocate for your own justice.
Meet our Personal Injury Attorneys
Alyssa Enzor Baxley, experienced trial attorney and active community member.
Adam Maniscalco, experienced trial attorney and Deputy Attorney General.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Personal injury encompasses a broad spectrum of accidents and incidents where negligence causes harm to innocent victims. Each type of case presents unique legal challenges and requires specific expertise to navigate successfully.
The personal injury cases we handle include:
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions to multi-vehicle crashes.
- Trucking Accidents: Commercial vehicle and 18-wheeler collisions.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Crashes involving motorcycles and their unique injuries.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Vehicle-pedestrian collisions and crosswalk incidents.
- Bicycle Accidents: Cycling injuries from vehicle collisions.
- Slip and Fall: Premises liability and unsafe property conditions.
- Dog Bites: Animal attacks and owner liability.
- Wrongful Death: Fatal accidents causing family losses.
- Medical Malpractice: Healthcare provider negligence.
- Nursing Home Abuse: Elder neglect and mistreatment.
- Workplace Accidents: On-the-job injuries and safety violations.
- Construction Accidents: Jobsite injuries and OSHA violations.
- Burn Injuries: Severe burns from various causes.
- Birth Injuries: Medical negligence during delivery.
Our experienced attorneys understand the unique aspects of each case type and tailor strategies to maximize compensation for every client's specific situation.
Understanding Personal Injury Law in Alabama
Alabama personal injury law operates under specific principles that significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. The state's contributory negligence doctrine stands as one of the strictest in the nation, completely barring recovery if you bear any fault for your accident.
This harsh rule means that even 1% fault on your part eliminates your right to compensation. Insurance companies exploit this law aggressively, searching for any evidence to shift blame onto victims. Understanding how to counter these tactics often determines whether you receive fair compensation or nothing at all.
Beyond contributory negligence, Alabama law provides a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, making prompt action essential to preserve your rights.
You Pay Nothing Up Front
One of the biggest concerns accident victims face is affording quality legal representation while dealing with mounting medical bills and lost income. At Baxley Maniscalco, we eliminate this worry completely - you pay absolutely nothing up front, and we only get paid when you win.
Our contingency fee structure means we advance all costs for your case, including medical record retrieval, expert witnesses, and court fees.
If we don't recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours and ensures everyone has access to experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
On average, clients recover approximately $60,000 more with attorney representation than attempting to handle claims alone, far exceeding any legal fees involved.
Common Questions About Personal Injury Claims in Alabama
Navigating personal injury claims raises numerous questions for accident victims.
Understanding these key issues helps you make informed decisions about pursuing compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
Alabama law typically provides two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies strictly, with courts rarely granting exceptions.
Some situations may extend or shorten this deadline, such as claims against government entities or cases involving minors, making immediate legal consultation essential.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Case?
Personal injury damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future care costs.
Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also apply.
How Does Alabama's Contributory Negligence Law Affect My Case?
Alabama's contributory negligence doctrine completely bars recovery if you bear any responsibility for your accident.
Unlike comparative negligence states that reduce compensation proportionally, Alabama's all-or-nothing approach makes skilled legal representation critical for protecting your rights and countering insurance company blame-shifting tactics.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
Immediate post-accident actions significantly impact your claim's success.
Seek medical attention even for seemingly minor injuries, document the scene thoroughly with photographs, gather witness information, avoid admitting fault, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters. These steps preserve crucial evidence and protect your legal rights.
How Are Personal Injury Attorneys Paid?
Personal injury attorneys typically work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win. Fee percentages vary, but payment comes from your settlement or verdict rather than out-of-pocket expenses.
This arrangement ensures access to quality representation regardless of financial circumstances.
The Personal Injury Claims Process
Understanding the personal injury claims process helps set realistic expectations and prepares you for each stage of seeking compensation. While every case differs, certain steps remain consistent across most claims.
The process typically begins with evidence gathering, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene documentation. Your attorney then files a formal claim outlining your injuries, damages, and legal basis for compensation.
Discovery follows, where both sides exchange information through written questions, document requests, and depositions.
Settlement negotiations often occur throughout this process, with many cases resolving without trial. If settlement fails, your case proceeds to trial where a judge or jury determines liability and damages.
Let Justice Roll
Personal injury claims demand immediate attention and experienced legal guidance to navigate Alabama's complex legal landscape successfully. Every day you delay potentially weakens your case and risks missing critical deadlines that could bar your recovery entirely.
At Baxley Maniscalco, we transform the overwhelming complexity of injury claims into a clear path toward fair compensation. With over 20 years of combined trial experience and a proven track record of fighting insurance companies, we know what it takes to win.
You pay nothing up front - we advance all costs and only get paid when you win. Don't let insurance companies dictate your recovery.
Call (256) 770-7232 today for your free consultation and discover how our dedicated team fights harder to get you every dollar you deserve.