Legal Question in Personal Injury in Alabama

Re: Auto accident with lifetime injuries,big truck at fault

Any recovery will be measured by the damages (injuries, collision costs, etc...) sustained by the three in the car. There is no way to say for certain what the case is worth without getting the details as to expenses, treatments, permanent impairment (if any). Talk with a lawyer in person; you can do so without any obligation; I'll be glad to discuss the issues with you if you don't know an attorney. The insurance company is interested in paying as little as possible (usually as soon after the accident as possible) to get a release signed and end it exposure; the adjuster is not looking out for you.

Re: Auto accident with lifetime injuries,big truck at fault

The damages depend on each persons injuries: how bad they are; how permanent they are; how much it will cost in medicals; how much lost time from work and how much loss of future earnings. It also depends on where the accident occurred, e.g., juries in Greene and Lowndes counties are traditionally known to be generous than those in Marshall or Cherokee. Insurance companies look at potential jury awards in deciding how much to pay.

I would advise no one to settle until the doctor has released them and even then wait about 30 days just to see if the doctor is right...90 days in case of a head injury.

I would also ask the insurance company to make and offer. Take the offer to a lawyer to see what he or she thinks of it. If the lawyer wants the case, make sure the fee is contingency with the lawyer putting up the expenses and put in writing that the expenses are paid and the lawyer gets a fee only on the money over and above the offer you got. You earned that first money. The lawyer can earn the rest. If he or she is not willing to do this, then perhaps the insurance company's settlement offer is reasonable.

If I can help call or write.