Tuscaloosa Auto Accident Attorney — Ford Firm (Randal S. Ford)
Auto Accident Attorney in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Hurt in a car crash in Tuscaloosa or anywhere in Alabama? At the Ford Firm, attorney Randal S. Ford has over three decades of trial experience representing injured drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
We fight to recover compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Long-term rehabilitation, surgeries, and permanent disabilities
Our firm moves quickly to preserve accident evidence, handle all insurance communications, and build the strongest possible case for trial.
Types of Auto Accidents We Handle
Not all crashes are the same. Each type of accident involves unique causes, injuries, and insurance issues. The Ford Firm represents clients in:
Rear-End Collisions
Often caused by distracted driving or tailgating, these can lead to whiplash, herniated discs, and chronic pain.
Head-On Collisions
Among the most dangerous accidents, these frequently cause life-altering or fatal injuries due to combined speeds and force.
Side-Impact / T-Bone Crashes
Common at intersections, often resulting from red-light running or failure to yield. Victims often suffer rib fractures, internal bleeding, or spinal injuries.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Highway chain-reaction crashes require detailed accident reconstruction to determine liability among multiple drivers.
Commercial Truck & 18-Wheeler Wrecks
Fatigue, overloaded trailers, and federal safety violations are common causes. Trucking companies often send investigators immediately, making fast legal response critical.
Motorcycle Accidents
Riders face catastrophic injuries from even low-speed crashes. Common scenarios include drivers turning left in front of bikes or merging without checking blind spots.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents
Crosswalk violations, parking lot incidents, and distracted drivers often leave pedestrians with severe fractures or head trauma.
Hit-and-Run Collisions
Victims may rely on uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if the at-fault driver flees or lacks insurance.
Rideshare Crashes (Uber/Lyft)
Determining whether the driver was “on the app” at the time can change the insurance coverage available.
Defective Vehicle Claims
Tire blowouts, brake failures, and faulty airbags may create liability for manufacturers or maintenance providers.
Types of Injuries in Auto Accidents
An auto accident can cause injuries ranging from temporary to permanently disabling. Common injuries include:
- Lacerations and Deep Cuts: Can require stitches, surgery, and often leave permanent scarring.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Ranging from simple fractures to compound breaks requiring hardware and long rehabilitation.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Visible injuries can create lasting psychological and social impacts.
- Amputations: Loss of a limb can completely alter daily life, career options, and independence.
- Nerve Damage: May cause chronic pain, weakness, or paralysis.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: From herniated discs to partial or complete paralysis.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Ranging from concussions to severe brain damage affecting memory, speech, and behavior.
- Internal Organ Damage: Such as liver, spleen, or kidney injuries, which may not show symptoms immediately.
- Psychological Injuries: Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions stemming from trauma.
“Day in the Life” Videos
In many severe injury cases, attorneys present a “Day in the Life” video—a documentary-style film that shows a jury what an ordinary day looks like for the injured person. These videos capture how long it takes to get out of bed, the struggles of bathing or dressing, the need for medical equipment, and the emotional toll of depending on others. They are powerful tools to demonstrate the full human impact of an accident.
Important Alabama Auto Accident Laws
- Two-Year Deadline (Statute of Limitations): Most injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years (Ala. Code § 6-2-38).
- Guest-Passenger Law: Ala. Code § 32-1-2 may bar recovery for non-paying passengers unless the driver acted willfully or wantonly.
- Contributory Negligence Rule: Alabama bars recovery if you are even slightly at fault.
- UM/UIM Coverage: Required unless rejected in writing (Ala. Code § 32-7-23).
- Wrongful Death Claims: Ala. Code § 6-5-410 requires claims to be brought by the estate’s personal representative, with damages limited to punitive in nature.
How Auto Accident Injuries Affect Daily Life
Auto accident injuries do not just involve physical pain—they change every aspect of daily living:
- At Work: An injured person may be unable to lift, bend, or sit for long periods. Memory issues from brain injuries or chronic pain may reduce performance or prevent returning to their career.
- At School: Students may struggle with concentration, mobility around campus, or simply keeping up with classes due to frequent medical appointments.
- At Home: Injuries can prevent victims from cooking, cleaning, driving, or caring for children. Family members often become caregivers, creating financial and emotional strain.
What Determines the Value of Your Case
The value of a car accident claim in Alabama depends on multiple factors, including:
- Medical Costs (Past and Future): Emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and anticipated lifetime care.
- Lost Wages & Future Earning Capacity: Time missed from work, inability to return to the same job, or reduced ability to work full-time.
- Permanency of Injury: Scarring, amputations, spinal cord injuries, or brain injuries typically increase settlement or verdict values.
- Degree of Fault: Alabama’s contributory negligence rule means that even being 1% at fault may bar recovery. Establishing clear liability is critical.
- Pain & Suffering: Both physical pain and emotional distress, including trauma-related anxiety or PTSD.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in hobbies, athletics, or family activities due to injury.
- Punitive Damages: Available in certain cases where the defendant acted recklessly, wantonly, or while intoxicated.
FAQ's
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Alabama?
You generally have two years (Ala. Code § 6-2-38). Cases involving a city or county may require shorter notice deadlines.
Can I sue if I was a passenger in the car?
Alabama’s guest-passenger statute limits claims unless the driver acted willfully or wantonly.
What if the other driver had no insurance?
You may rely on UM/UIM coverage or pursue other liable parties such as employers or manufacturers.
What if I was partly at fault?
Under contributory negligence, even 1% fault can bar recovery. Legal representation is critical.
Will the insurance company pay my medical bills?
Insurers often resist paying full medical costs. We fight to recover both present and future treatment expenses.
How long does a case take?
Some settle within months, while severe injury or wrongful death cases may take over a year due to litigation.
Are wrongful death claims different in Alabama?
Yes, under Ala. Code § 6-5-410, damages are punitive and only the estate’s personal representative can file.
Call the Ford Firm Today
Free Case Review — Call 205.454.7500
We advance all case costs and take auto accident claims on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win.
Ford Firm — Randal S. Ford
705 27th Avenue, Suite A
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
