📞 Call 205.454.7500 — Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Tuscaloosa or anywhere across Alabama, The Ford Firm is ready to stand up for your rights. Attorney Randal S. Ford has more than 30 years of trial experience representing people hurt in car wrecks, motorcycle accidents, trucking crashes, and pedestrian or bicycle collisions.

Our mission is straightforward: fight for maximum financial recovery. We pursue compensation for things like:

• Emergency room visits and hospital stays
   
• Rehabilitation and follow-up medical care
   
• Lost income and diminished earning potential
   
• Pain, suffering, and mental distress
   
• Long-term disabilities or permanent impairments
   

From day one, our team works to gather evidence, handle the insurance companies, and prepare your case for trial if necessary. Call 205.454.7500 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Auto accidents are not all the same—each type presents unique legal and medical issues. The Ford Firm assists clients in cases involving:

• Rear-End Collisions — Commonly linked to distracted driving or tailgating, these wrecks often cause whiplash, spinal problems, or lingering pain.
   
• Head-On Collisions — Among the most dangerous crashes, frequently leading to catastrophic injuries or loss of life.
   
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Crashes — Frequently occur at intersections when drivers run red lights or fail to yield. Victims often sustain internal injuries, fractures, or spinal cord damage.
   
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents — Chain reactions on highways that require complex accident reconstruction to determine liability.
   
• 18-Wheeler & Commercial Truck Accidents — Often tied to driver fatigue, improper loading, or safety violations. Trucking companies deploy investigators quickly, so early legal help is crucial.
   
• Motorcycle Accidents — With little physical protection, motorcyclists can suffer devastating injuries even in low-speed crashes. Many result from cars failing to yield when turning.
   
• Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents — Careless drivers in crosswalks or neighborhoods often cause severe head, back, or leg trauma.
   
• Hit-and-Run Collisions — When the other driver flees, victims may need to use uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
   
• Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft) — Coverage depends on whether the rideshare driver was actively logged into the app.
   
• Defective Vehicle Claims — Brake failures, faulty airbags, and tire blowouts may lead to liability against a manufacturer or service provider.
   

Crash injuries can range from short-term pain to permanent disability. We often represent clients with:

• Cuts, lacerations, and scarring (sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery)
   
• Broken bones and fractures needing surgical repair or months of therapy
   
• Visible disfigurement and long-term scars that affect quality of life
   
• Amputations that permanently alter mobility and independence
   
• Nerve damage causing chronic pain, weakness, or paralysis
   
• Spinal cord injuries such as herniated discs or full paralysis
   
• Brain trauma ranging from concussions to lifelong cognitive problems
   
• Organ damage that may take time to show symptoms
   
• PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other psychological challenges after a wreck
   

The compensation you may recover depends on several legal and factual issues:

• Medical Treatment Costs (past and expected future care)
   
• Lost Wages & Future Earnings (if you can’t return to your prior work)
   
• Severity of Injuries (more serious and permanent injuries increase case value)
   
• Liability & Fault (Alabama’s contributory negligence law bars recovery if you’re even 1% at fault)
   
• Pain and Suffering (physical and emotional hardships)
   
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life (missing hobbies, activities, or family time)
   
• Punitive Damages (awarded when the at-fault driver acted recklessly, such as drunk driving)
   

The consequences of a wreck don’t stop at the hospital. They impact every part of life:

• At Work — Victims may struggle with lifting, sitting, or concentration, sometimes losing career opportunities.
   
• At School — Students may miss classes or fall behind academically due to recovery time or cognitive issues.
   
• At Home — Cooking, driving, and housework may become difficult, and family members often take on new caregiving responsibilities.
   

Attorneys often use “day-in-the-life” videos to show juries the daily challenges accident victims face, including the use of medical devices, therapy, and basic self-care struggles.

• Two-Year Statute of Limitations — Most lawsuits must be filed within 2 years (Ala. Code § 6-2-38).
   
• Guest-Passenger Rule — Non-paying passengers can only recover damages if the driver acted recklessly (Ala. Code § 32-1-2).
   
• Contributory Negligence — Any degree of fault by the injured person may prevent recovery.
   
• UM/UIM Coverage — Must be offered unless waived in writing (Ala. Code § 32-7-23).
   
• Wrongful Death Actions — Only the estate’s personal representative may file, and damages are strictly punitive (Ala. Code § 6-5-410).
   

Q: How long do I have to sue after a car accident in Alabama?
A: Most claims must be filed within 2 years, but lawsuits against government entities may have shorter deadlines.

Q: Can passengers file a lawsuit?
A: Yes. However, Alabama’s guest-passenger law limits recovery unless the driver was reckless, intoxicated, or acted wantonly.

Q: What happens if the other driver is uninsured?
A: Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply, and in some cases, liability may extend to employers or other third parties.

Q: What if I was partially at fault?
A: Under Alabama’s contributory negligence system, even slight fault can bar recovery. A skilled Tuscaloosa car accident lawyer is essential to fight back.

Q: Will insurance cover my medical bills?
A: Insurers often minimize payouts. Our firm fights for coverage of both current and long-term medical costs.

Q: How long will my case take?
A: Some settle within months, while serious or disputed cases can take a year or longer if trial is required.

Q: How are wrongful death claims handled in Alabama?
A: Wrongful death cases here are unique—damages are only punitive, not compensatory, and must be filed by the personal representative of the estate.

Q: What steps should I take right after a crash in Alabama?
A: Call 911, seek medical help, and document the accident with photos and witness details. Before giving statements to insurers, contact a Tuscaloosa car accident lawyer to protect your claim.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
A: Yes. Even small accidents can cause delayed injuries or costly repairs. Insurance companies often downplay claims, so having a lawyer ensures you’re treated fairly.

Q: Can I recover damages if a drunk driver caused the wreck?
A: Absolutely. Victims of DUI-related accidents may also qualify for punitive damages. Randal S. Ford has decades of experience holding drunk drivers accountable in Tuscaloosa.

Q: How much does it cost to hire The Ford Firm?
A: We charge no upfront fees. Our contingency system means you only pay if we recover compensation.

Q: What if the police report blames me?
A: Police reports can be wrong. Our team investigates independently using witness testimony, black box data, and video evidence to challenge errors.

📞 Call 205.454.7500 — Free Case Review
We advance all case costs, and you owe no attorney fees unless we recover for you. (Court costs may apply.)

The Ford Firm — Randal S. Ford
705 27th Avenue, Suite A
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401