Birmingham Reckless Driving Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a reckless driver, Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP can help you get the compensation you deserve. Alabama law defines reckless driving as handling a vehicle with willful disregard for the safety of others. This willful and wanton disregard can include speeding, erratic maneuvering, or other actions that are likely to put others in harm’s way. If you’ve been injured because of the actions of a reckless driver, you face life-threatening injuries, exorbitant medical costs, and time spent away from work. When another person’s actions alter your life significantly, reach out to an injury lawyer to fight on your behalf.
The Birmingham attorneys at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP have been recovering compensation for injury victims for over two decades. We know the profound difference a good legal outcome can have on your life. For this reason, we seek the maximum amount of compensation that your case deserves. Over the years our team’s persistence and dedication have won Alabama injury survivors millions of dollars in compensation.
While working on your case, we partner with you closely to understand your situation, the losses you have experienced, and the compensation you are owed. During the legal process we ensure that your best interests are represented every step of the way. The financial burden caused by an injury should not keep you from obtaining the legal help that you need. That’s why we work on a contingency basis. This means we will cover all the costs of your case upfront, and only take a fraction of your final award at the end of the case. If a reckless driver in Birmingham has injured you or your family, reach out to our injury lawyers at (205) 324-1212 to schedule a free consultation.
Do I Need a Reckless Driving Lawyer?
You always have the option to file a claim independently. However, if you are not familiar with the legal process regarding injury claims, you are far more susceptible to accepting an unsatisfactory settlement for the damages your injury has caused. Often, insurance companies will quickly offer a lump sum settlement. Though it can be tempting to accept quick money, it is important that the amount of this settlement reflects the severity of your situation, and most likely, a first offer will not.
An injury lawyer will look at the facts of your situation and evaluate your losses, both monetary and non-monetary to get a comprehensive idea of what you are owed. When possible, an injury attorney will attempt to negotiate a settlement commensurate with your losses. However, if the insurance agencies are unwilling to offer a fair amount, an attorney can take your claim to court to fight for the full and fair amount of compensation.
When you are hurt, time is of the essence, especially if you are up against serious medical expenses and lost wages. There are several delays that can occur when fighting for compensation after an accident. Your lawyer understands when certain milestones are taking too much time, and they can put pressure on the responsible parties to expedite the process.
Additionally, a seasoned lawyer is an important source of support at an incredibly difficult time. If your injuries have caused you profound physical pain, interfered with your ability to work, and compromised your financial stability, you have enough to deal with. A skilled attorney can relieve you of administrative legal responsibilities while securing a much better legal outcome than you could on your own.
Why Hire Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP to Handle My Case?
Our lawyers are committed to offering effective and compassionate legal guidance to Alabama residents. We know that when you or someone you love has been injured, you need an attorney you trust. For over twenty years we have stood with families during incredibly difficult times to make sure that they recover the resources that need to move on.
Since opening, we have won millions of dollars for injury survivors whose lives have been derailed by another person’s dangerous driving. Reckless driving accidents are particularly tragic because they happen randomly. Victims often look back wondering what they could have done differently, but the truth is, the blame rests squarely on the reckless driver.
We want you to feel comfortable with what is going on by being transparent and answering any questions you have along the way. Many of the families that we work with have never taken legal action before. We understand that the prospect of hiring a lawyer can seem like a big deal, and we are focused on making the process as accessible as possible for you. Your case is serious to you, and it is serious to us. A favorable outcome can not only help you afford the expenses that your injuries have caused, but it can also give you the financial stability you need to move forward.
Reckless Driving Cases We Handle
Based on compiled traffic data, Drive Safe Alabama estimates that there is over a one-in-three possibility that the average Alabama driver will be involved in an injury-causing collision. If you are injured in an Alabama accident, it must be proven that the at-fault party was driving recklessly in order for you to receive compensation
In order to prove and confirm that the responsible party’s recklessness was the cause of your injuries, your lawyer will review all possible records, speak with any witnesses, and when possible, access any available surveillance. The following behaviors may be considered reckless driving:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Erratic lane changing
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Illegal passing
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Failure to signal
Reckless drivers in Alabama, in addition to being held accountable in civil cases, may also face criminal charges for their actions. The punishments for a reckless driving criminal conviction can include jail time, fines, or both, depending on the situation. Reckless driving can lead to collisions with other cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. Injuries reportedly caused by reckless driving accidents include but are not limited to:
- Lacerations
- Sprains
- Soft tissue damage
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Head Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
- Paralysis
- Death
No matter how serious your injuries are, if they were caused by someone else’s carelessness, you have the right to take action. You should not shoulder the burden that your injuries cause – the reckless driver should.
Birmingham Reckless Driving Frequently Asked Questions
Dealing with an injury is overwhelming. Physical, financial, and emotional obstacles after a car accident complicate your life in ways that you can’t control. If you are serious about finding a lawyer to help you, Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP knows that you have questions. We are ready to discuss your situation and address your concerns. Look over some frequently asked questions and get in touch with us at (205) 324-1212 today to discuss your situation in more detail.
When Should I Hire an Injury Lawyer?
Each situation is different, but generally it is best to contact a lawyer as soon as you are able to. Reaching out for legal help sooner than later can help your case because it makes it easier for your lawyer to investigate the situation and collect witness statements. Under Alabama Code § 6-2-38, you have up to two years to take legal action against the reckless driver that caused your injuries. If you do not take action within this time, then you have essentially forgone your right to collect compensation for your injuries.
What Information Will My Lawyer Need From Me?
The burden of proof is on the victim in injury cases. This means that you, with the help of your attorney, must prove that the at-fault party’s actions were reckless. In order to do so, any information that you can provide to your injury lawyer will be incredibly helpful.
The immediate aftermath of a serious accident can be a blur, but if you are able to collect witness information, take pictures of the scene, or obtain a police report, your lawyer can use this to help your case. Additionally, your lawyer will review receipts, insurance statements, hospital bills, and other paperwork in order to evaluate your injury-related expenses.
What Should I Do if I’m Contacted by an Insurance Adjuster?
Do not assume that any insurance agent or adjuster that calls you has your best interest in mind, especially if they are calling on behalf of the at-fault party. Though they may seem perfectly empathetic and understanding, they are often attempting to get you to agree to terms that could potentially diminish the value of your claim. Always speak with your lawyer before speaking with the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster.
Contact a Reckless Driving Lawyer Today
When someone else is responsible for your injuries, you should not be made to foot the bill. Whether an injury has temporarily stalled or completely changed your life, you deserve justice. The Birmingham car accident lawyers at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP have the experience, tenacity, and passion to fight for you. In one quick free consultation, one of our lawyers can give you an idea of how you would benefit from the representation of a skilled lawyer. Call us today at (205) 324-1212.
