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Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about personal injury law and about our practice.

For detailed questions and answers about specific types of claim, see our general information pages for the following practice areas:

  • Accidents – including motor vehicle accidents, dangerous premises accidents, construction accidents, and dog bites.
  • Severe Injury – detailed information on claims arising from specific types of injury, including back, neck, brain, and burn injuries.
  • Defective Products – information about defective product claims.
  • Medical Malpractice – information and frequently asked questions about medical malpractice claims.
  • Job Injuries – detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions about on-the-job injuries.
  • Insurance Liability – detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions about Insurance Liability.
  • Wrongful Death – specific information and answers to frequently asked questions about wrongful death cases.

Frequently Asked Questions:

At Long & Long, we work on a contingency basis. This means that we never charge our clients for our services until they receive their settlement. This makes our services affordable to nearly everyone. You pay us nothing up front. We get paid when you receive your settlement. There is absolutely no cost involved in hiring us to represent you unless we recover compensation for you. Once we recover your settlement, we are paid a percentage of what we recover. Also, we will handle the property damage portion of your case absolutely free. If we do not recover for you, you do not owe us anything. And, our consultations are always free.

In most cases, no. Insurance companies operate by trying to get claimants to accept the least amount they can; and once you’ve accepted payment, that is considered a final settlement in most cases. We know that you need your money as soon as possible. So call us as soon as possible, and arrange for your free consultation with an experienced attorney. In some cases, we can negotiate your full settlement right away. In some other cases, we can negotiate a settlement for part of your claim to help pay some of your expenses while we work on some of the more complicated aspects of your claim. In every case, we will do everything we can to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, and that you get it as quickly as possible.

We understand that you have a lot of choices available to you, and that’s why we work hard to set ourselves apart. At Long & Long, we believe in treating our clients like family. Our lawyers have the knowledge and the expertise needed to get the most out of the system for you. We care about you and we ensure that when you need to talk to your lawyer, you will talk to your lawyer – not a paralegal or an assistant.

Insurance can be confusing. Depending on the complexity of your case, you may have valid claims against several insurance policies-yours, the other driver’s, and perhaps your employer’s and the other driver’s employer’s policies. One of the first things your attorney will do when reviewing your case is to investigate all of the possible avenues for recourse, including applicable insurance policies.

This depends on your case, but your attorney will review two general types of damages: monetary and non-monetary damages. Monetary damages, also called ‘actual damages,’ include things such as medical bills, current and future lost wages, and losses from property damage. Non-monetary damages include damages that can be awarded for less easily quantified losses, such as pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages, which can be awarded as a sort of punishment if one party’s behavior is seen as malicious or especially reckless.

Quite simply, an Alabama personal injury lawyers are your best chance to secure maximum compensation for your injuries. The defendant will likely have attorneys who work for their insurance company, so it’s best for you to have qualified representation on your side to fight back. For more information, see our article Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

Call a qualified Alabama personal injury lawyer, because it’s never a “bad time” to call an attorney. No matter where you are in the claim process, a phone call to an experienced lawyer can put you on the right track to recovery. The sooner you call, the sooner you can receive tailored instructions on what to do next. For most cases, the best thing you can do is see a doctor right away after suffering your injury. Keep documents such as your medical bills and any police or accident reports. Collect any potential evidence, such as eyewitness statements or photographs of the scene of the accident. Get help from a lawyer as soon as you can, especially before accepting an insurance settlement.

Yes. Every state has statutes of limitations or deadlines for filing personal injury claims. The courts strictly enforce these deadlines. Missing the time limit generally means forfeiting any right you may have had to financial compensation. In Alabama, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years from the date of your accident. However, you may have six years if your case involves a contract. For property-damage-only claims, you have two years from the date of the act if your case centers on negligence, or six years if it involves someone who trespassed on your property.

Most likely, no. In fact, most personal injury claims never have to see the inside of a courtroom. Instead, with help from a lawyer, claimants can reach satisfactory settlement agreements with insurance companies during pre-trial mediations. Settlements are faster and less expensive than personal injury trials. Some cases cannot settle for enough without going to court. Talk to an Alabama personal injury lawyer about your legal strategy. A trial may result in higher compensation than an insurance settlement, especially if you have catastrophic injuries or the defendant was grossly negligent.

After an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured person, you may have the right to seek financial recovery from your own insurance company. If you have the correct type of coverage on your policy (such as uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance), your own company may offer a settlement to cover your damages. Otherwise, your only other option for recovery may be with a personal injury claim. It may be possible to file a claim against someone who does have the means to pay a settlement – such as a product manufacturer, company, or employer. A conversation with an attorney can open your eyes to all potential means of recovery.

Feel free to ask any questions that may come to mind during your free consultation with an Alabama personal injury lawyer. The lawyer’s purpose is to answer your questions and give you as much peace of mind as possible during a difficult time. Common questions to ask include:

  • Do I have a personal injury case?
  • How much is my claim worth?
  • Can you take my case?
  • How much do your services cost?
  • How long do you think it will take to resolve my case?
  • How can you help me right now?
  • Are there steps I can take to help my claim?

A good attorney will give you the information you need to move forward with your life – whether through a personal injury claim, insurance settlement agreement, or other means. Remember, your legal consultation should be confidential and come at no obligation to hire the lawyer. If a firm tries to charge you for an initial case evaluation, look elsewhere for answers.

Call The Long Brothers and request a free consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and quell your concerns after suffering a personal injury accident in Alabama. We’re happy to answer your individual questions at no charge. Contact us today. Your lawyer will review your case thoroughly to identify all of your potential losses, and will review these with you in detail. Contact Long & Long online or call (251) 215-4174 to speak with one of our Alabama personal injury lawyers in Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama today!

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