Is Alabama a No-Fault Car Insurance State?

There are two main types of car insurance systems in the United States: no-fault systems and fault-based systems. There are key differences between them, so it’s important to understand which system your state follows and what options you may have to seek compensation after a car accident. Keep reading to learn more about Alabama’s liability insurance laws and why fault matters when you’re filing a claim.

What Is the Difference Between Fault and No-Fault States?

Roughly a dozen states have adopted no-fault insurance systems, which are designed to help lower car insurance rates by reducing the number of accident-related claims that end up in court. In a no-fault system, each party’s insurance provider is typically expected to pay for accident-related medical costs regardless of who was at fault.

No-fault systems allow accident victims to recover the money they need to pay for minor injuries quickly without having to prove the other driver was at fault. However, no-fault systems also typically prevent victims from suing negligent drivers unless the severity of their injuries meets certain thresholds. This can make it more difficult to obtain fair compensation for car accident injuries.

The majority of states have fault-based auto insurance systems. In a fault-based system, drivers who are responsible for car accidents are considered financially responsible for the damage they cause. Drivers in at-fault states are typically required to carry liability insurance. Liability insurance providers pay for the costs of any injuries or other damage caused by their policyholders.

Compensation from a third-party liability insurance claim against an at-fault driver is only available up to the limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If an accident victim in a fault-based state cannot obtain fair compensation from a liability insurance claim, they have the right to seek compensation in court by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Is Alabama a No-Fault State?

No. Alabama is a fault-based state. This means you have the right to demand compensation in a third-party insurance claim if you are injured in a car accident caused by an at-fault driver. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to reimbursement for your accident-related medical bills, vehicle repair expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Is the Minimum Amount of Alabama Auto Insurance I Have to Carry?

All registered motorists are required to maintain mandatory minimum liability insurance coverage on their vehicles equal to:

• $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person
• $50,000 for death or bodily injury to more than one person
• $25,000 or damage or destruction of property

This insurance covers damages stemming from accidents caused by their negligence.

What Happens If You Share Fault in a Car Accident?

If the other driver alleges you were partially at fault in a car accident, Alabama’s negligence laws could make it difficult to obtain fair compensation for your losses.

Alabama has a “pure contributory negligence” doctrine in place, which prevents you from recovering any money for your losses if you contributed to the accident in any way. If the other driver or their insurance company can show that you were even one percent responsible for an Alabama car accident, you could be legally barred from financial recovery and forced to pay out-of-pocket for your own losses.

This is why it’s so important to work with a knowledgeable car accident attorney who can protect your rights and demonstrate the other driver’s liability.

Call Our Attorneys for Help Getting the Compensation You Deserve

When you need a car accident lawyer in Alabama, look no further than Stokes Stemle, LLC. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate Alabama’s insurance system and demand the compensation you deserve after an Alabama car crash. Get in touch with us to learn more in a free initial consultation.

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Average Neck and Spine Injury Settlement

Did you sustain a neck, spine, or back injury in a car accident that was caused by another motorist? Are you wondering, “How much is a neck and back injury settlement on average?” If so, the attorneys at Stokes Stemle, LLC have the knowledge and resources to help you pursue the fair compensation you need to get back on your feet. 

Keep reading to learn more about the compensation that may be available to you in an injury claim. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss the circumstances of your own case in a free, no-risk consultation. 

Compensation Available for Neck and Back Injuries After a Car Accident

If you suffered a neck or back injury after a car accident in Alabama, you could be entitled to recover compensation for expenses and other losses related to the accident. Some common types of losses you may be able to recover compensation for include: 

• Medical expenses – You could be entitled to compensation for present and future medical costs related to your injury, including hospital bills, physical therapy expenses, surgery costs, prescription drug expenses, hospital stays, and more. 
• Lost income – Oftentimes, neck and back injuries can keep accident victims from doing their job until they’re able to recover. If you are unable to work due to your injury, you could seek compensation for lost wages. 
• Loss of earning potential – If you’re unable to return to your profession because of a long-term or permanent disability, you could pursue compensation for the loss of your future earning potential. 
• Property damage – If another driver hits you, the odds are that your vehicle sustained some level of damage. If so, you could recover compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged personal property. 
• Loss of companionship – Depending on the circumstances of your case, your spouse might be able to recover compensation for the loss of companionship, comfort, assistance, company, or intimate relations. 
• Pain and suffering – You can also pursue compensation for non-financial losses, like pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is an umbrella term that includes, among other things, physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of enjoyment of life, and other types of suffering caused by the accident. 

If you have questions about the types of compensation you might be eligible to recover, contact our attorneys today to discuss the details of your case. 

Average Settlement for Car Accident Back and Neck Injuries 

Many people wonder How much is a neck and back injury settlement?” Every car accident is unique, so the amount of money victims can recover will depend on the specifics of the accident and the resulting losses. However, in general, the more severe your injuries are, the more compensation you’ll be entitled to claim. 

So, how much settlement for a neck injury is reasonable? That depends on the specifics of your case. For example, if you sustained a minor soft tissue neck injury in the accident, your car accident neck injury settlement amount might be around $10,000. However, if the accident caused a severe spine injury or you became paralyzed, $100,000 or more may be more reasonable. The extent of your losses will inform the amount you are entitled to recover. 

It’s important to remember that the amount you believe you are owed is probably quite different from the amount the at-fault motorist’s insurance company will offer. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize the amount they must pay you, and they will use various tactics to achieve that objective.

That’s why it’s important to consult an experienced car accident attorney who can negotiate on your behalf and potentially improve your chances of securing the settlement you deserve. 

Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Montgomery, AL Today

If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver, contact the Montgomery car accident attorneys at Stokes Stemle, LLC today for a free case review. We’re here to listen to your story and help you determine the path forward that is best for you.

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How In-Car Technology Can Affect Your Personal Injury claim

The use of in-car technology has exploded in recent years, with mixed outcomes for motorist safety. Some tech advances make travel safer. But other features ― like infotainment systems ― could be dangerous distractions on the road. And distractions can easily cause deadly traffic accidents and injuries. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show distractions were responsible for nearly 3,200 fatalities on the road in a recent year.

If you suffered injuries in an Alabama car accident, in-car technology may play an important role in your personal injury claim. An experienced car accident attorney from Stokes Stemle, LLC will investigate your case to determine every factor that may have contributed to the wreck. You can count on us to pursue compensation from every liable party so that you get the money you deserve when you need it most. 

Whether you need help negotiating for the best possible settlement or dealing with pressing concerns like finding a doctor, Stokes Stemle, LLC is here for you. Because at our law firm, we always put you first.

Call or reach out to us online today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable car accident attorney.

What Is In-Car Technology?

In-car technology can take many forms, from camera systems designed to make backing up safer to distance monitors and automated braking technology to protect you on the road. But it can also include Bluetooth-enabled phone systems, in-car entertainment, and integration with smartphone apps. The best technology can save lives. The worst could create deadly distractions at just the wrong time.

Does In-Car Technology Make Driving Safer?

Some in-car technology can help with safe driving. Automatic braking systems, lane guidance, and blind-spot detection can provide drivers with important information to make good decisions on the road. 

But not all in-car technology makes the road a safer place. In particular, infotainment systems can demand driver attention and take their eyes off the road. Large screens with multiple menus can allow drivers to customize their radio selections, control movies playing in the backseat, make phone calls, and listen to podcasts. Drivers who spend more time fiddling with the infotainment system can easily cause a distracted driving accident. 

Who Is Liable for an Accident?

Determining liability for a car accident requires a close investigation of the facts. Because of its benefits and shortcomings, in-car driving technology could affect a personal injury case for the better or worse. If a driver is distracted by in-car technology and causes an accident, they may be liable for any resulting injuries. 

But let’s say your backup camera failed to detect a cyclist in your path due to a manufacturing flaw. In that case, the in-car technology’s defect contributed to the crash. The designers or manufacturers of the product could be held liable. 

Do I Have a Personal Injury or Product Liability Claim?

The type of claim you can file will depend on the nature of the accident and what caused it. If someone injured you because they were distracted, you may have a personal injury claim. But suppose you were injured because of an in-car technology failure. In that case, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim.

How Can an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Help?

After a crash, the prospect of filing an insurance claim can understandably feel overwhelming. 

A top car accident lawyer can help by:

• Answering your questions clearly 
• Explaining your rights under Alabama personal injury law
• Identifying who should be held liable for your injuries
• Advocating for you and your recovery
• Negotiating for the compensation you deserve
• Filing a lawsuit, if that’s what it takes to pursue the best possible outcome for you

Contact a Car Accident Law Firm Today

If you suffered injuries in an Alabama car accident, contact Stokes Stemle, LLC now. We believe in delivering the highest level of service possible to our clients, no matter how big or small the case. Call or contact us today for a free case review.

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Number of Accidents Always Increase When Daylight Saving Time Ends

The end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) is upon us. On November 7, we’ll let our clocks “fall back” an hour, giving us the blessed extra hour of rest we all crave. But beware ― data shows that an increase in car accidents accompanies both the fall and spring time changes.

Causes of Car Accidents During Daylight Saving Time

In general, the autumn switch is the least problematic for drivers. But it does create legitimate risks. It gets dark an hour earlier, limiting visibility during the busy afternoon and evening commute. Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are at an increased risk of being involved in a crash after DST ends. According to a study from Carnegie Mellon University, pedestrians are three times as likely to get hit by a car in the time just after the fall switch. And according to AAA, the most dangerous hour is from 5 to 6 p.m.

Furthermore, studies show the fall time change affects driver behavior, especially on the Sunday night before the shift. Researchers believe people stay up later and may engage in late-night behaviors that increase the threat of car accidents, such as drinking while driving. Staying up late, in turn, results in sleep deprivation that can contribute to drowsy driving accidents the next day. According to an article in the journal Nature and Science of Sleep, around 20 percent of serious injuries from car accidents are linked to driver sleepiness.

How Fatigue Affects Your Driving

Nobody complains about an extra hour of sleep. But even though it’s a favorable gain in the fall, the sudden change still offsets the body’s natural sleep/wake cycle, affecting both the quantity and quality of sleep you get. Poor sleep can affect the body as badly as alcohol can when it comes to driving. A report from the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety found that driving on 4 to 5 hours of sleep is comparable to driving with a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit.

For this reason, many legislatures ― including Alabama’s ― have pushed to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. Alabama adopted permanent DST in 2021, and the bill was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey. But Congress would still have to approve the change before it could take effect.

How to Avoid a Car Accident During Daylight Saving Time

The best way to prevent a car accident during Daylight Saving Time is to do your part to reduce its adverse effects on your body. This means:

• Getting enough sleep: Don’t stay up late on the night of the fall change in anticipation of being able to “make it up” the next day. You can’t bank sleep.
• Going to bed and waking up at the same time: Maintain consistent sleeping habits year-round to combat the feelings of sluggishness that accompany a time change.
• Paying extra attention: It’s going to get darker earlier. You’ll need to be prepared to pay close attention to the road for children, bicyclists, other pedestrians, and wildlife as you adjust to the autumn switch.

Get Help from a Car Accident Attorney in Montgomery, LA

If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident, talk to a Montgomery car accident attorney at Stokes Stemle, LLC today. Call or contact us for a free consultation.

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National Teen Driver Safety Week

Many of us remember the thrills of learning to drive as a teenager, but teen drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents than drivers in other age groups. That’s why road safety advocates created National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from Oct. 17 to 23. The goal of the program is to educate teenage drivers about road safety.

Teen Driving Accident Statistics

Statistics show that car accidents involving teen drivers occur all too frequently in Alabama and across the United States:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens nationwide.
• Data also shows drivers ages 16 to 20 lead all other age groups when it comes to car crashes.
• In addition, federal crash statistics report that 2,042 people died in crashes involving teen drivers in a recent year.
• In those fatal accidents, 45 percent of teenagers were not wearing seat belts.
• Speeding is a top cause of fatal teen driving accidents.
• Males are more likely to be involved in teen accidents than females.
• Talking on the phone increases a teen’s risk of crashing by six times. Texting is worse, increasing the likelihood of a car accident by 23 times.

Alabama’s teen driving accident statistics are disturbing, too.

• The Alabama Department of Transportation reports that there were 28,545 crashes involving teen drivers in a single year, including 97 fatal crashes.
• Accidents involving teenagers for about 9.6 percent of all traffic crashes that same year.

Why Are Teen Driving Accidents So Common?

Several factors make accidents more common among teenagers, such as:

• Inexperience — Teenage drivers haven’t been behind the wheel for very long, making them more prone to mistakes.
• Distracted driving — Teens are more susceptible to distractions such as talking on the phone, texting while driving, adjusting the music, and eating.
• Impaired driving — Many teenagers underestimate the dangers of drinking or using drugs before driving. This can lead teen drivers to get behind the wheel while they’re impaired, greatly increasing the chances of an accident.

How Can Parents Help Prevent Teen Driving Accidents?

Here’s how parents can help their teen driver stay safe on the road:

• Set clear ground rules for allowing your teen driver behind the wheel.
• Determine consequences and stick to them.
• Set a good example for your teen driver.
• Make sure your teenager has enough driving experience before hitting the roads alone.
• Talk to your teen driver about the dangers of distracted driving and impaired driving.
• Spend time in the car with your teen driver even after they’ve gotten their license

Hurt in a Teen Driving Accident in Alabama? Contact Our Montgomery Teen Driving Accident Lawyers Today

The Montgomery teen driving accident lawyers at Stokes Stemle, LLC have many years off experience dealing with teen driving accident cases. Let us help you pursue the compensation you’re owed after a collision. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation.

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Child Passenger Safety Week

The third week of September is Child Passenger Safety Week.  Its purpose is critical: to spread awareness of the importance of children’s safety and provide a necessary reminder about some of the most vulnerable people on the road.

At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we work every day to help both children and adults who have been injured in motor vehicle collisions. We understand the serious long-term consequences of traffic accidents, particularly for those who are still growing — and we’re here to stand up for their rights when they’ve been injured. From finding a doctor to handling the day-to-day stresses of a personal injury claim, we’re ready to help you and your child however we can.

Our car accident lawyers work to make getting legal help as stress-free as possible. Get answers to all of your questions in a free consultation. Call or use our online form to find out what we can do for you.

Alabama Child Passenger Safety Laws

Like all states, Alabama has clear child safety seat laws. TheAlabama Child Restraint Law sets clear guidelines for both children’s seats and seatbelts for older kids. The following are some of the central parts of the law by order of age and weight:

• Infants and toddlers should be put in rear-facing seats until they weigh at least 20 pounds or are one year old.
  
• Children under the age of five and under 40 pounds should ride in forward-facing seats and be secured with harnesses.
  
• Children under the age of six should ride in the back seat but use booster seats that face forward.
  
• Children under 13 but large enough to use seatbelts alone should ride in the back seat but aren’t required to.

These car seat rules also establish a system of compounding fines. And in cases where drivers habitually violate the law, the Department of Public Safety can assess points against the offending driver’s license.

Child Passenger Safety Tips

According to Stanford’s Children Health, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your children on the road. Some car seat rules for child safety include:

• Ensure that a child safety seat is installed correctly. Most people don’t install seats as instructed, and the result can be an increased risk of injury for children.
  
• Use a booster seat when your child is the right size. Booster seats help seatbelts work for small bodies, which can save children’s lives in an accident.
  
• Check that the seat is positioned correctly and in the back seat. In most situations, the rear center seat of the vehicle is considered the safest.

Although these tips are simple, following them can greatly reduce the risk of a child’s injury in an accident.

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today 

If your child has been injured in a car accident in Alabama, contact a Montgomery injury attorney at Stokes Stemle, LLC now. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call and help you understand your legal options. For your free consultation, contact us now.

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I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver. Can I Sue Them?

Even with strong laws and severe punishments in place, some Alabama drivers still get on the road when they’ve had too much to drink. And these intoxicated drivers put you in harm’s way every time they do.

At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we know how quickly your life can change when you’re hit by a drunk driver. That’s why we offer a full-service practice committed to helping you. From finding the medical care you deserve and explaining your legal rights to building a solid drunk driving claim on your behalf, we’re always here when you need us.

If an impaired driver in Montgomery has hurt you, get experience on your side. Contact a skilled car accident lawyer at Stokes Stemle, LLC for a free consultation. Call, text, or reach out online to get started. We’re here 24/7 for you.

When to Sue a Drunk Driver

After an accident with an intoxicated driver, it may be necessary to file a drunk driving lawsuit for the compensation you deserve. Drunk driving injuries are often severe and can prevent you from working and earning the income you rely on for a living.

While insurance companies may try to settle your case for less than it’s worth, a car accident lawyer can review the circumstances of your case, explain the scope of the compensation you may be due, and determine whether a lawsuit is a right option for you.

Civil vs. Criminal Drunk Driving Case

If a drunk driver hits you, two different types of cases may arise from the accident ― a criminal suit brought by the state and a drunk driving personal injury lawsuit brought by you.

Here’s how they differ:

• Criminal suits are brought by the authorities when they believe someone has broken the law. A conviction can result in license suspension, fines, and jail time. Criminal cases typically have to clear a higher standard of proof than civil cases.
• Drunk driver lawsuits are brought by the individuals who impaired drivers harmed. These cases focus on recovering compensation for the injured party. For example, if you suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a drunk driving accident, then you could file a civil claim for the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and cover lost wages.

Evidence in Drunk Driving Accident Claims

When you’re suing a drunk driver for an accident, you and your lawyer will need strong evidence to prove liability. Examples of potential evidence include:

• Blood or breath alcohol test results
• Any convictions from a criminal drunk-driving case
• Accident scene photos and videos
• Video footage from dashcams or surveillance cameras
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Opinions from expert witnesses

Contact our Car Accident Lawyers Today

Deciding whether to sue a drunk driver is not something you have to do alone. Get in touch with Stokes Stemle, LLC now. Our Alabama car accident lawyers can represent you and pursue maximum compensation for your losses through the entire claims process.

When you work with us, you get a full-service law firm committed to assisting with all of your legal and personal needs. You can count on us to be with you from case open to case closed. Call or contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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