Alabama Fatal Car Accident Attorneys
Dothan firm handles cases arising from deadly crashes
Nothing is ever the same after a family member dies in a vehicle collision. However, Alabama law authorizes litigation to punish negligent drivers and deliver payment to a victim’s loved ones. At Carey & Hamner, P.C., we are Dothan car accident attorneys who represent plaintiffs in claims related to fatal crashes. No matter the specific circumstances, we will press to maximize the verdict or settlement that you receive.
Why fatal car accidents happen
A fatal vehicle crash can occur at any time. For the loved ones of the victims, nothing will ever be the same, but finding out exactly how the deadly accident occurred is necessary to take effective legal actions. Our seasoned Alabama attorneys handle all types of claims related to fatal car and truck collisions and know how to litigate cases involving contributing factors such as:
- Distracted driving
- Alcohol or drug impairment
- Speeding
- Weather conditions
- Mechanical failure
- Road hazards
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield
- Refusal to obey traffic laws
We have achieved strong results for clients in catastrophic accident cases and can advise you on what type of payment you might be able to collect through a verdict or settlement.
What happens at the scene of a fatal car accident?
When a fatal accident occurs, authorities conduct an extensive investigation into what happened. Along with the police officers, emergency medical technicians and firefighters who report to the scene, the coroner assesses what happened and verifies the identity of the victim. Police and coroner’s reports form the basis of the review our firm conducts in cases arising from deadly crashes, but we know that the authorities can make key mistakes too. Though a fatal vehicle collision is terribly traumatic, any details a witness can remember about what they saw and heard can be crucial for survivors who seek justice.
How a car accident attorney can help in determining fault
One challenge associated with proving a wrongful death claim is that the person with the most information about what happened is the deceased victim. This is why hiring an experienced Alabama wrongful death lawyer is so important. We go beyond the official accounts and interview witnesses, review physical evidence and bring in consultants when warranted to develop a full perspective on what occurred.
Who can sue for a fatal car accident?
The personal representative of the decedent’s estate can file a lawsuit seeking punitive damages from any individual or business responsible for the fatal accident. Alabama wrongful death law differs from most other states, which allow plaintiffs to obtain compensatory damages in these cases. Wrongful death awards in our state are not based on how much the victim’s family lost but on the type of punishment a defendant deserves for their negligence or intentional misconduct. Due to this distinction, many Alabama auto insurance policies provide coverage for punitive damage awards.
What if the victim was partially at fault?
Wrongful death damages are not awarded in Alabama if the victim bore any fault for the incident that killed them. This is a harsh standard that differs from most other states, which allows for the victim to collect damages even if they were partially responsible. So even if the victim is 1 percent liable and the defendant is 99 percent liable, there can be no financial award at trial. Therefore, it is critical to hire an attorney who can effectively counter any “blame the victim” efforts made by the defendant or their insurance company. We will fight back against these defenses and see that your lawsuit is filed within the state’s two-year statute of limitations.
Contact an Alabama wrongful death lawyer for a free consultation about a fatal crash
Carey & Hamner, P.C. provides comprehensive legal support for plaintiffs in wrongful death litigation stemming from fatal car accidents. Please call 855-435-4797 or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation. Our office is in Dothan.
