Tuscaloosa Car Accident and Wreck Attorneys

The attorneys at Cross & Smith have handled hundreds of car accident cases in Tuscaloosa. Dell Cross has practiced law in Tuscaloosa for over 20 years. Dell and Justin Smith have written several materials and spoken at numerous seminars for lawyers in Alabama regarding car accident cases and automobile insurance law and practice.

Car accidents are a frequent occurrence, and it is estimated that twenty five percent (25%) of automobile drivers will be involved in a car wreck over a five year period. In fact, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States. During 2009, there were over 5.5 million car wrecks in the United States resulting in nearly 31,000 deaths and injuring two million passengers, drivers and pedestrians.

Car wrecks occur in Tuscaloosa on a frequent basis as well. In 2009, there were 10 fatal car crashes in Tuscaloosa. These fatal accidents involved 19 vehicles and 25 persons. In one of the cases, the accident was caused by a drunk driver. Pedestrians were killed in three of the accidents. Two of the wrecks happened on Interstate 20-59. Two wrecks occurred on Highway 82 (McFarland Blvd.). Three fatal accidents in 2009 happened at or near Highway 215. There was one fatal wreck on Highway 13 and another on Highway 43. In 2008, there were eight fatal accidents in Tuscaloosa. These accidents involved 13 vehicles and 19 persons. One-half of the fatal accidents in 2008 (four) were caused by drunk drivers. Only one accident resulted in the death of a pedestrian. All of the accidents in Tuscaloosa in 2008 occurred either on state highways or local streets.

A proper investigation of the accident is critical in the handling of car accident cases. Our investigators prepare a comprehensive report of their findings for our files. The investigation routinely includes detailed background information regarding the other drivers, including driving and vehicle history, employment information, inspections, videotapes and photographs of the accident scene and vehicles involved in the accident, witness statements, photographs of client’s injuries and damages, interviews with investigating law enforcement personnel, and any other information that is relevant to the accident or our client’s injuries and damages.

In addition to a proper investigation of the accident, attorneys handling these types of cases must have both knowledge and experience in the area of automobile insurance law. It is imperative that the attorney handling the case understand insurance law and practice. An automobile insurance company will typically provide coverage to one or all of the drivers involved in the accident. There are numerous issues that arise in connection with coverage. The automobile liability insurance policy is the cornerstone of this analysis. It contains the relevant information that will govern coverage for a particular accident. The status of an insured vehicle is often the starting point for coverage. Coverage includes liability, collision, uninsured motorist, and medical payments.

The Tuscaloosa car accident and wreck attorneys at Cross & Smith understand the complexities of each case and have extensive experience handling car accident and car wreck cases in the Tuscaloosa Metropolitan Area.

If you or a family member has been involved in a car accident, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation. Our attorneys will advise you of your rights and evaluate your case.

The Tuscaloosa car accident attorneys at Cross and Smith operate on a contingency fee basis. No recovery. No fee. E-mail us at attorneys@crossandsmith.com or call us toll free at 1-877-791-0618.