Personal injury claims in Alabama impose a burden of proof on injured victims. This burden requires victims or their lawyers to show, with a reasonable degree of medical certainty, that defendants caused their injuries. This standard of proof requires the lawyer to demonstrate that defendants are more likely than not responsible for causing the claimed injuries. Typically, a plaintiff’s attorney… READ MORE
One type of civil claim a party can make against another is for alleged breach of fiduciary duty. A breach of fiduciary duty suit is based on the principle that one party (the defendant) acted outside the best interests of another party (the plaintiff), despite having an obligation to do otherwise. Most of these lawsuits take the form of business… READ MORE
Does distracted driving bill go to far? Two separate bills have been filed in the Alabama legislature to ban, not just texting and driving, but to even hold a phone while operating a motor vehicle. Representative Allen Farley from McCalla filed his in the House while Senator James McClendon is sponsoring a similar bill. There are already a number of… READ MORE
If you are in an automobile accident, the first thing you need to do is call the police. The police will immediately come to the scene of the accident and complete an investigation. Make sure you provide the police officer with as many details of the accident as you can recall. After the police officer completes his or her investigation… READ MORE
Lane splitting, or riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction, is illegal in Alabama. The only state in which the law permits motorcyclists to lane split is California. Many motorcyclists believe lane splitting is a safer way to travel, while others disagree. Other motorists have also had mixed feelings on the subject. As of… READ MORE
Dock electrocutions are a serious – if lesser-known – risk of drowning in Alabama. They can cause electric shock drowning, or a death that occurs when swimmers encounter electric currents while swimming. The electric shock itself may be strong enough to kill the swimmer, or it may incapacitate the swimmer enough to cause drowning. It is every dock owner’s responsibility… READ MORE
Every year in the U.S., wrong-way accidents kill 300 to 400 people on average. Wrong-way accidents are particularly devastating collisions. A vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on a road or highway can cause a head-on collision – one of the deadliest types of car accidents. In a head-on collision, the vehicles collide at a speed that combines the speeds… READ MORE
Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in car accidents than passenger vehicle occupants, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Vulnerabilities to serious personal injuries in auto accidents put motorcyclists at great risk every time they travel. In Alabama alone, 114 motorcyclists and moped riders lost their lives in 2016. Although riding a motorcycle can be more dangerous than… READ MORE
Parents trust daycare centers in Alabama with the safety, health, and lives of their children. Unfortunately, not all childcare companies deserve this trust. Leaving your child at daycare should not end with a phone call about an emergency situation. As a parent, the best way to protect your child’s well-being is to check the safety and standards of the daycare… READ MORE
Winter driving in Alabama can change abruptly. The state does not receive predictable snowfall each year, often making it difficult for drivers to prepare for the winter weather. Many drivers may encounter their first snow-driving experiences during one of Alabama’s occasional snowstorms. It is important to review safe-driving tips and best practices before hitting the road in Alabama this season.… READ MORE