Mobile, AL, Car Accident Lawyer
Serving Injured Victims in Mobile, Foley and Across Alabama
A Skilled Mobile Car Accident Lawyer Makes All the Difference
We Have Recovered Millions of Dollars for Clients in Mobile, Foley, and Other Alabama Communities
No one should have to pay the price for a bad driver’s mistakes. That’s how a Mobile, AL, car accident lawyer can help. Our attorneys work to hold negligent drivers responsible for their careless actions. When you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by a negligent driver, we’ll help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
When you turn the key in the ignition and head out for work, shopping, or other activities, you expect to arrive safely at your destination. No one expects to be in a car accident. Yet every year, tens of thousands of people die and millions more are injured throughout the country in car crashes.
If you or a family member has been seriously injured in an Alabama car accident caused by another driver, you probably have many questions about what to do next. Medical bills may be piling up, and you may be unable to return to work. You need the help of an experienced car accident lawyer from Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana. We help clients from our offices in Mobile, Daphne and Foley, AL.
Why Choose Us?
The car accident lawyers at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to aggressively negotiating and litigating personal injury claims. Attorneys Dee Asthana, C. Randall Caldwell, Jr., and Drew Wenzel have decades of experience successfully representing clients to get the largest payouts possible. We have outstanding client victories and proven case results. We handle car accident, truck accident, estate litigation, nursing home abuse, and many other types of claims. When you hire us, you receive our full attention, compassion, and commitment to see the case through to a successful conclusion. We come highly recommended by many satisfied clients. We also offer an attractive attorney referral program.
Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana is your go-to source for honest information, straightforward answers to your questions, and experienced legal representation after a serious car accident injury or wrongful death of a family member.
Here’s why our team is trusted by clients:
- We understand the ins and outs of the insurance claims process.
- We are skilled negotiators and well-practiced, successful trial lawyers.
- We can settle most cases out of court, but we are also aggressive litigators and are more than willing to argue your case in a courtroom if no adequate settlement offer is made.
When you retain Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana to represent you in your car accident case, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a skilled advocate in your corner. Our car accident attorneys have earned the trust of hundreds of people in Alabama through our reputation for excellence and trustworthiness.
Car Accident FAQs
A Mobile car accident attorney answers commonly asked questions.
Our firm has represented hundreds of injury accident victims; over time, we hear a lot of the same questions. We’ve listed frequently asked questions here with answers, and we hope it’s helpful.
Q: How long does a car accident case take?
A: Several factors will influence how long your car accident case will take to resolve. Generally, cases that settle take less time than cases that go to a jury trial. Depending on the complexity of the case, the number of witness interviews, the amount of evidence to gather, and other factors, your case could take a few weeks to several months or more.
Q: How many people die in car accidents each year?
A: More than 38,800 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. in 2020, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Of those, 934 people died in vehicle crashes in Alabama.
Q: What is the average settlement for a car accident case?
A: Because each crash is different, there is no “average” settlement for car accident claims. Generally, the more serious the injury, the higher the payout. Other factors that can impact the size of a settlement include 1) multiple injured parties, 2) the number of defendants, and 3) whether punitive damages are awarded. Damages can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. A Mobile car accident lawyer may give you an estimate of what your case could be worth.
Q: How many parties can I sue in a Mobile car accident claim?
A: Generally, you can name one or several defendants in a car accident lawsuit, depending on the facts in the case. For example, the driver of the other vehicle is an obvious person to sue. But you could also sue the vehicle manufacturer if a mechanical defect caused the accident. In addition, you could sue a government agency if it failed to keep the roadway repaired and free of debris. In a collision with a large truck, you could sue a trucking company that failed to conduct proper truck maintenance. Your Mobile car accident attorney will advise you about who should be named as defendants in your case.
Q: How do you prove negligence?
A: To prove that the other driver or vehicle manufacturer was negligent, your attorney will have to prove four elements: Duty, Breach, Causation, and Damages. These are the four pillars of negligence. To learn more, read about negligence here.
We hope these answers have been helpful. If you have additional questions about your car accident, call us for a free consultation at (251) 444-7000.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, you are facing losses you wouldn’t have if you hadn’t been hit by another driver. When you file a car accident injury claim as a result of the crash, you are essentially asking the negligent driver to pay you back for all that you have lost. These losses are referred to as “damages” in legal terms. Damages can include the costs of:
- Medical care, including doctor visits, hospitalization, ongoing care, therapy, rehabilitation, medications and medical devices and equipment
- Damage to your vehicle and other property resulting from the accident
- Income you’ve lost while you recuperate from your injuries
- Income you may lose in the future if you can’t work or can’t work in the same capacity
- Mental anguish and physical pain and suffering you’re experiencing.
You’ll notice that damages you might get don’t include just the financial consequences of a car accident. An injured person can also demand payment for what are referred to as “non-economic” damages. These are damages that can greatly impact your quality of life. The pain, suffering, depression and anxiety you’ve experienced should never be overlooked when filing a lawsuit against a negligent driver. After all, if you hadn’t had the bad fortune of being on the same roadway as that careless driver, you wouldn’t be undergoing physical and emotional trauma.
At Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, our Mobile, AL, car accident lawyers know how important it is to fight for payment that reflects all the challenges you face. A serious injury can plague a sufferer for years. In some cases, the effects of a car accident can last a lifetime. An injury claim filed by an experienced car accident attorney will take the long-term impact of your crash into account.
Our car accident lawyers in Mobile, AL, at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana make sure our clients are given the respect they deserve. We want to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Settlements and Trials: What to Expect After a Car Accident
Most injury claims related to car accidents are resolved through settlements, though it’s not a given that your case will be settled through negotiation with insurance companies or at-fault drivers. If both sides involved in a claim can come to a compromise that meets the injured party’s needs, then a settlement will be reached and there will be no need for a trial.
However, in some cases, getting adequate compensation requires a trial. When a settlement can’t be reached through negotiations, both sides make their case in front of a judge and jury. The jury will decide whether the negligent driver, called “the defendant,” bears responsibility for the crash and, if so, how much they owe “the plaintiff,” or injured party.
Each case is different, and there’s no way an attorney can tell you how your case will resolve without knowing all the facts of your case. At Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, our car accident lawyers in Mobile, AL, know how important it is to prepare every case as if it were going to trial. That doesn’t mean we expect every case to actually go to trial; rather, it simply means that thorough preparation and aggressive legal representation are the best ways to get satisfactory results for clients.
We want to meet with you and your loved ones to find out more about your case, so we can help you determine the best course of action for your car accident claim. Contact Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana by calling (251) 444-7000 to speak with a car accident lawyer in either our Mobile, Foley or Daphne, AL, office.
Understanding the Personal Injury Claims Process after a Car Accident
When you hire a car accident lawyer in Mobile, AL, you are handing off to your knowledgeable attorney the stressful business of filing a claim. As part of the claim’s process, we will first assess the damage you have suffered because of the accident. Then we will prepare a “demand letter” that includes the compensation you are seeking from the responsible party or their insurance company. In some situations, there may be more than one responsible party. We then get to work on building your case.
Our team will gather evidence, interview witnesses, investigate the circumstances surrounding your crash, file all necessary paperwork, consult expert witnesses and correspond with insurance companies and other attorneys. In many instances, our thorough case-building process has resulted in fair and adequate settlements for our clients. But when a settlement can’t be reached, we will be ready to take the matter to trial to get you the payment you deserve.
Our car accident lawyers in Mobile, AL, are often asked many of the same questions during our free consultations. These questions include…
- How much is my claim worth?
- How long will my car accident case take to resolve?
- Who will I name in a lawsuit?
The answers to these important questions depend on the circumstances of your car accident. Claims can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Some cases are resolved in several weeks, while others take several months or longer. Especially complex cases can take a year or more. The person or persons you name in a lawsuit depend on the specific circumstances of your crash. The person named is most often another driver. But if your crash was caused by a vehicle defect, or even road hazards, the manufacturer of the car part or agency responsible for public roads might be named.
In other words, in order to get specific answers to these questions, an attorney needs to know the details of your case. This is one of the main reasons our car accident lawyers offer free consultations to potential clients. After learning more about your situation, we can offer you an initial case assessment and give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
To schedule your free case evaluation, contact a Mobile, AL, car accident lawyer at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana by calling (251) 444-7000 or filling out our online contact form. You are under no obligation. If you don’t want to move forward with our firm, we won’t pressure you to do so.
You’ve Had a Car Accident. What Should You Do Now?
In the moments after a car accident, victims are often in shock or even unconscious. The steps you take in the first several minutes after a crash can impact your well-being and your legal options going forward. Here are suggested steps to take to protect yourself:
- Call 911 to request a police officer and, if needed, an ambulance.
- Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries you’ve suffered.
- Get the name and insurance information from the other driver(s).
- Say little else to the other driver(s). You don’t need to be rude, but you should remember that every word you say could be used against you when filing a claim.
- Gather contact information of witnesses.
- Take pictures of your injuries and the crash scene, if possible.
- Hire a car accident attorney to represent you.
Even if you only suspect that you might be injured, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The adrenaline that floods your system after a crash could mask symptoms of serious injuries. When in doubt, always seek medical care. This will not only ensure your health is taken care of, but it will also provide medical tests and records proving your injuries should you file a legal claim.
In the days weeks and months following a crash, you should…
- Keep track of all bills or documents you receive related to your crash.
- Cooperate with your own insurance company, but keep in mind that you are under no obligation to accept their offer if it doesn’t meet your needs.
- Refer representatives of all other insurance companies to your Mobile car accident attorney. Insurance representatives may want you to make a statement that they’ll then use to lessen or deny the payment you are owed.
- Follow all doctor’s orders regarding your injury.
We encourage you to contact a vehicle accident lawyer in Mobile, AL, as soon as possible. In the hours, days and weeks following a crash, there are plenty of opportunities to maximize the compensation you will receive. There are also plenty of chances to make mistakes that hurt your chances of getting the payment you rightfully deserve.
What To Do When the Car Insurance Adjuster Calls
You may have heard from the at-fault driver’s insurance company that you don’t need a lawyer, and while this is technically true, it is seldom in your best interests. Research has shown that car accident victims with experienced legal representation obtain significantly higher damage awards than those who attempt to negotiate directly with the insurance company.
Here are some tips to remember when interacting with the adjuster:
- The insurance adjuster will usually ask for a recorded statement and signed medical authorizations and will often ask you to sign a full release in exchange for a small payout. Do not sign or agree to anything without knowing your rights.
- The adjuster understands that you probably have no idea what your case is worth and what constitutes a fair settlement. Despite their representations to the contrary, insurance companies are not in the business of helping accident victims. They are corporations that exist to make profits by maximizing premiums coming in while minimizing the damage awards being paid out. Their adjusters are well-trained to keep payouts as low as possible, something that is easier to accomplish if no lawyer is in the picture.
- To obtain a just settlement that is adequate to cover all of your damages, refer the adjuster to your car accident lawyer and sign nothing until your lawyer instructs you to do so.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Attorneys can choose from several ways to get paid for representing car accident victims. At Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, our Mobile, AL, car accident lawyers work strictly on a contingency fee basis, which means that we get paid only if we win your case. If your case results in no compensation, you don’t owe us anything. If your claim is successful, we will accept a standard attorney fee from the settlement or awarded amount.
In addition to working on a contingency fee, we also offer free case consultations. There’s no cost in exploring your legal options. Contact a Mobile, AL, car accident lawyer at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana today at (251) 444-7000 to get your free case evaluation. We have offices in Mobile and Foley, AL.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Alabama
Depending on whether you’re a driver or passenger, the speed at which you were travelling, and the severity of impact, a car crash can result in multiple types of injuries. We have obtained compensation for our clients for all kinds of harm.
Common car accident injuries include:
- Severe spinal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures
- Damage to joints, ligaments, tendons
- Internal organ injuries
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Scarring
- Psychological trauma including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Complex regional pain syndrome.
Whatever your injuries, a Foley car accident lawyer at our firm will gather evidence and build a strong legal case to demand the maximum compensation possible.
Why Hire a Mobile, AL, Car Accident Lawyer?
Sadly, car accident victims aren’t always given the compensation they deserve. Their claim might be contested by the other driver or an insurance company. In some cases, an injured person is offered far less than they deserve. In other cases, they are, unfortunately, denied payment entirely.
When you hire a car accident attorney, you are hiring a skilled and experienced advocate who knows the law and will deal with insurance companies on your behalf. Our car accident lawyers in Mobile, AL, will work aggressively in pursuing the payment that you deserve. We understand how insurance companies operate, and we are not afraid to take on insurance company lawyers. You can count on our car accident attorneys to never back down.
Car accident law can be very complex. Injury victims who try to handle car accident claims without attorneys usually face uphill battles. Not only will they be forced to learn the complexities of civil litigation and insurance claims, they’ll also potentially leave much-needed money on the table because they won’t know how much they can ask for in compensation.
As seasoned car accident lawyers, we are experienced in estimating what a car crash injury claim could be worth. We will carefully examine all your damages and help you discover how much compensation you may be entitled to. Then we will fight hard for you to get it.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Alabama
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Alabama is two years. ( Ala. Code. Sec. 6-2-38) This means if you want to sue a party that caused you harm in a car accident, you must file your lawsuit promptly. The clock begins on the date of your accident in most cases, unless there are exceptions that apply.
Contact An Experienced Mobile Car Accident Attorney
Working from our offices located at Mobile, Foley, and Daphne, AL, the car accident lawyers at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana have the skill, experience, and commitment to obtain a fair recovery for you. Our personal injury attorneys have a reputation for providing aggressive, results-oriented legal representation. Some firms might prefer to aim for settlements; we always choose the path that results in the best possible outcome for our clients.
Our reputation as fierce legal representatives serves our clients well. Other attorneys and insurance companies know that when we are handling a case, we will be prepared to take it all the way to trial. Put our skilled, experienced car accident lawyers to work on your case.
Client Testimonial
”Can’t say enough about Caldwell, Wenzel & Asthana. They were able to get me a very generous award but this is secondary. They came to me due to my injuries. The staff was always extremely friendly and professional and extremely prompt getting back to me with all my questions. I highly recommend this firm for any possible needs.” – Andrew Normandeau (Google Review)
GETTING HELP
Our Award-Winning Alabama Accident Lawyers have recovered millions on behalf of our clients. At Caldwell, Wenzel & Asthana, we understand what you’re going through after a crash. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s actions, our dedicated legal team is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.
