Category: Car Accidents

Aug 27, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

In part three of our three-part series on distracted driving, we turn our attention to cognitive distractions. This type of distraction occurs when a driver’s mind wanders to anything other than operating the motor vehicle they are driving. These types of distractions can be difficult for a Tuscaloosa car accident attorney to prove, which is why it is essential to consult with a law firm that has a proven track record of success representing victims injured by distracted drivers. 

Aug 13, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

In this second part of our three-part series, our Tuscaloosa accident attorney discusses manual distractions, which are one of three types of distracted driving. Manual distractions occur when vehicle drivers take their hands off the steering wheel to engage in an activity other than driving the car. At Cross & Smith, LLC, our firm has represented numerous victims across the state of Alabama that have been injured in auto accidents caused by manual distractions. 

Jul 30, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Ask any Tuscaloosa auto accident attorney, and they will tell you, distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents throughout Alabama. There are three different types of distracted driving: visual, manual and cognitive. In Part 1 of this three-part series, we will discuss visual distractions that cause drivers to take their eyes off the road. Even for a moment, looking at anything not related to driving a motor vehicle can lead to a serious accident. 

Jun 30, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Work With a Skilled Tuscaloosa Injury Attorney If you’ve been injured in an accident due to the fault of another, then you may be entitled to sue and recover damages under Alabama law.  In pursuing a lawsuit against the defendant(s), however, you’ll want to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the ins and outs of litigation.

May 28, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Car accident plaintiffs (i.e., the injured parties in a personal injury case) are likely to encounter a number of different defenses, depending on the particular circumstances of the accident at issue.  Among these is that of “sudden emergency,” which works as an absolute defense that gives the defendant an opportunity to avoid liability altogether.  Initially, the sudden emergency defense seems like quite a difficult barrier to overcome — after all, the defense depends on making the defendant appear to be the vulnerable party, which can win over juries.  If the defendant effectively redefines themselves as the victim, this could undermine your ability to secure compensation for the injuries you sustained in the car accident due to their negligent or wrongful actions. But our Tuscaloosa injury attorney is here to help you fight for your rights as the injured party.

May 14, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

In Alabama, and throughout the country at large, those who suffer injuries caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional acts of others — whether in a car accident, construction accident, or some other personal injury scenario — are entitled to sue and recover damages that compensate them for their losses. These damages include compensation for the injured party’s (i.e., the plaintiff’s) various medical expenses. Wondering if this applies to you? Speak to our Tuscaloosa accident attorney today to discuss your specific case.

Apr 30, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Seek Guidance from an Experienced Tuscaloosa Car Accident Attorney If you’ve been injured in a car accident, then the defendant-driver (assuming they do not leave the scene of the accident immediately) may make incriminating statements that could benefit you in your lawsuit.

Apr 16, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Let a Tuscaloosa Car Accident Attorney Help If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, Alabama law may entitle you to sue and recover damages.  Generally speaking, the “standard” car accident lawsuit targets the defendant-driver whose negligent conduct directly caused the accident.  For example, you might sue a speeding driver who lost control over their vehicle and sideswiped your vehicle.

Jan 29, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Work With a Tuscaloosa Auto Accident Attorney Defective tires can lead to serious car accident injuries. For example, a defective tire could explode at an inopportune moment or could be imbalanced (due to an air leak), making you lose control and crash. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident due to a defective tire, then Alabama law may give you a right of action against the manufacturer (and potentially against other parties, too).  However, it can be difficult to understand how defective tire liability works, so let’s take a brief look at some of the basics.

Dec 17, 2020 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Our Tuscaloosa Injury Attorney Will Fight for You The winter holidays are a busy time for Americans, from Christmas shopping to end-of-year social events with family and friends— even with the Covid-19 pandemic discouraging many from socializing in the same way that they would in previous years. Unfortunately, not all news surrounding the holidays is positive.  With the winter holidays (and an increase in road traffic) comes an increase in motor vehicle accidents, in many cases driven by holiday alcohol consumption. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver over the holidays, then you may be entitled to significant damages as compensation.  In fact, bringing a motor vehicle lawsuit against a drunk driver has its own unique opportunities — let’s go ahead and briefly explore them. Establishing Negligence In a “standard” motor vehicle accident dispute, the injured plaintiff has to prove that the defendant-driver acted negligently, recklessly, or intentionally — and that this misconduct caused the plaintiff to suffer injuries.  Establishing fault can be difficult in some cases, depending on the facts. In a drunk driving lawsuit, by contrast, the plaintiff need only show that the defendant’s intoxication caused the plaintiff to suffer injuries.  Negligence is “assumed” thanks to a principle known as negligence per se. In other words, driving while under the influence of alcohol is considered an act that is fundamentally “wrong,” and as such, there is no need to prove that the defendant’s conduct rose to the level of negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.  This can make […]