In Alabama, all motorists owe a duty of care to those with whom they share the road. Generally speaking, this duty requires that motorists follow all traffic laws as well as posted traffic signs and traffic control devices. At its core, the duty placed on Alabama drivers merely requires they take due care when operating a motor vehicle.When a driver causes a car accident due to some negligent act, anyone injured as a result of the accident is entitled to pursue a claim for damages against the at-fault driver. When most people think of this type of claim, they assume that the at-fault driver was previously unknown to them; however, in many cases, a passenger is injured due to the negligence of the friend or relative driving the car.
Initially, this may seem like an awkward or uncomfortable situation, and indeed, in some cases it can be. However, it is important for accident victims to realize that most Alabama personal injury cases involving car accidents are defended not by the driver themselves but by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
An insurance policy is a type of contract whereby the insurance company, in exchange for a premium, agrees to cover the costs involved if a driver causes an accident. Thus, in most car accidents, the at-fault driver is insured, and that driver’s insurance company will be on the hook for the damages. If the insurance company believes that their driver for some reason was not liable, the insurance company may defend against the accident victim’s claim because – in the eyes of the law – the insurance company is a potentially liable party. In situations in which the at-fault driver did not have insurance, the accident victim can file a claim under their own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist provision.
Two Killed in Alabama Head-On Accident
Earlier this month, a driver and his passenger were both killed in a head-on collision involving a semi-truck carrying lumber. According to a local news report, the accident occurred on southbound Interstate 65, near mile-marker 80. Evidently, a northbound passenger car inexplicably crossed over the center median and entered the lanes of oncoming traffic. Shortly thereafter, the car collided head-on with a southbound semi-truck. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Police are conducting an investigation in hopes of determining the cause of the fatal accident.
Have You Been Injured in an Alabama Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in an Alabama car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Attorney Greg Reeves is a dedicated Alabama personal injury attorney with over 30 years of trial experience. He knows how to work with even the most difficult insurance companies to get his clients the compensation they deserve without the risk of taking their case to trial. However, Attorney Reeves will not hesitate to take a case to trial if an insurance company is not willing to provide full and fair compensation for a client’s injuries. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Reeves, call the Reeves Law Firm at 256-355-3311 to schedule a free consultation today.