Best Car Accident lawyers in Daphne, AL

2 Car Accident Lawyers in Daphne, AL

experienced lawyers

Lindsey O'Dell Simmons

28190 N. Main Street, Daphne, AL

Car Accident Personal Injury Workers Compensation +2

3.7/5

4.2

5 Reviews

1.0

1 Reviews

09 Dec, 2024 by Julie achimon

Ms. Simmons represented an employee of ours on a fraudulent Worker's Comp claim. The employee was found on the floor at his house in the middle of the night, drunk and high, with a ruptured spleen. He was taken to the hospital where he told the Dr that he didn't know what happened. The employee had previously been very sick, throwing up a lot at work, and was an alcoholic and chronic drug user (all things that can cause an enlarged or ruptured spleen). He had complications with recovery and additional surgeries were required. He was seen at multiple hospitals with no health insurance. We remained in contact with him for about 6 mos, checking on him weekly. He begged us for financial help during that time, telling us that he was trying to get back to work as soon as possible. We try to help those around us in need, and continued to give him hundreds of dollars a week out of our personal pockets to buy groceries, and we paid him unearned vacation time through the business (thousands in total). As his medical bills started to pile up and he couldn't get back to work, he concocted a story about a workplace injury, which was never reported to us. The first we heard about any claim of a supposed workplace injury was when Ms. Simmons filed a lawsuit against us. When we first met this employee years ago, he had a criminal history and we bailed him out of jail on multiple occasions. His good friend, who has been our best employee for over 15 years, asked us to please give him a chance at a job, as we were all trying to get him on the right path. After we caught him lying about his hours worked, we fired him. He filed a fraudulent unemployment claim, lying about why he was out of work. The claim was denied after an investigation. A couple of years later, he came back begging us again for a job. Against our better judgement, we forgave him and offered him a second chance at a job. Here we are now. After his medical bills were piling up and he couldn't get back to work and hospitals started to refuse to see him, he concocted a story about getting hit in the abdomen at work, even though he worked the whole day of the supposed incident normally (and the next day) and didn't report anything to his boss. It's my understanding that if you do have an injury to your spleen, it is an emergency situation that requires an immediate response. He wouldn't have been able to finish working the day normally and not have a problem until a day or 2 later. We advised Ms. Simmons and one of her colleagues about the suspicious facts surrounding this case, but really all that she was concerned about was getting herself a paycheck. We have had a couple of legitimate workplace injuries over the years and we have always helped our employees through those situations, working closely with our Worker's Comp carrier through the proper processes, the first of which is to report the incident to us at the time it happens. Due to Ms. Simmons bullying behavior and the fact that our WC company did not want to have to pay an attorney to defend this case, they agreed to settle for $50,000. Of course, Ms. Simmons got a chunk of that. And now our monthly WC premiums are higher. But guess who didn't get paid anything? That's right- the hospital and the Dr who saved her client's life in the middle of the night and continued to see him for month's afterwards. Her client has already squandered all the money he was given and has started contacting us again, begging us to help him out more. We tried to do some good deeds and get him straightened out, but Ms. Simmons made sure that our good deeds did not go unpunished. My family has had 3 generations of lawyers and judges in Baldwin County, and I am so proud of their reputation. Unfortunately, Ms. Simmons gives the profession a bad name. We plan to file an ethics complaint with the Alabama Bar Association due to her complicit behavior in assisting a person with a history of filing fraudulent claims commit insurance fraud, which is a crime.

07 Dec, 2021 by Stephen

Mrs Simmons is very confident and helpful with every aspect of my case. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney to represent me in my workman’s comp case

01 Dec, 2021 by Theresa meier

Lindsey was always there for me no matter what I needed( even when she was sick) . When she moved south I was worried but she was still there by my side. She treated me like family and I appreciate her and Robin so much!

Elizabeth Anne Citrin

28311 N. Main Street, Daphne, AL

Car Accident Family Law Personal Injury +2

0.0/5

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FAQs

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What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

A car accident lawyer specializes in representing individuals who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. These lawyers help victims secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from a car crash. They also negotiate with insurance companies, investigate the cause of the accident, and, if necessary, represent clients in court to ensure they receive fair compensation.

If you've been injured in a car accident - whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian - a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights, navigate the insurance claims process, and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Consider hiring a car accident lawyer in several situations, especially when the accident results in injuries, property damage, or disputes with the insurance company. Key situations include:

Serious injuries: If you’ve suffered significant injuries, such as broken bones, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, a lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, and pain and suffering.
Disputes with the insurance company: If your insurance claim has been denied or the insurance company offers an unreasonably low settlement, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get fair compensation.
Liability disputes: If the other driver’s insurance company is disputing fault or claiming you were partially at fault, a lawyer can gather evidence to prove the other party’s negligence.
Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a car accident, a lawyer can help the family pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Uninsured or underinsured driver: If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, a lawyer can help you explore other compensation options, such as filing a claim with your own insurance company.
Complex cases: Accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or complicated circumstances require legal expertise to manage complexities and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A car accident lawyer provides various legal services to help injured individuals pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. Their responsibilities often include:

Investigating the accident: Gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, photos, and video footage to determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Filing insurance claims: Assisting clients in filing claims with their insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer to ensure all necessary documentation is submitted correctly.
Negotiating settlements: Working with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Calculating damages: Determining the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Handling medical bills: Coordinating with healthcare providers to ensure your medical bills are paid and helping you avoid financial hardship during the claims process.
Filing lawsuits: If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, the lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Representing you in court: Presenting your case before a judge and jury, providing evidence and witness testimony to prove negligence and your right to compensation.

How Are Car Accident Lawyers Paid?

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle your case. The key aspects include:

Contingency fee: The lawyer’s fee is typically between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or award. You won't pay upfront fees; the lawyer's payment comes from the compensation they recover for you.
No fee if no recovery: If the lawyer doesn’t secure compensation for you, you generally don't owe any legal fees.
Case expenses: You may be responsible for certain costs related to your case, such as filing fees or expert witness fees. These are usually deducted from the settlement after the lawyer's fee is paid.

Discuss the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how much you'll owe if your case is successful.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer is generally based on the contingency fee arrangement. General estimates include:

Contingency fee percentage: Lawyers typically charge between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or award. For example, if you receive a $100,000 settlement and the lawyer's fee is 33%, the lawyer would receive $33,000, and you'd keep the remaining $67,000.
Case expenses: Additional costs such as court filing fees, expert witness costs, and administrative fees can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the case complexity.

Ensure you get a clear explanation of fees and expenses during your consultation.

How to Check the Credibility of a Car Accident Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable lawyer, take the following steps:

Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
Review their experience: Look for specialization in personal injury and car accident cases.
Read client reviews: Consult platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell for testimonials and ratings.
Ask for references: Request contact information of previous clients willing to discuss their experience.
Check professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) indicates a commitment to the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

Police report: A copy of the accident report filed by the police.
Medical records: Documentation of your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses.
Photos and videos: Any visual evidence from the accident scene and of your injuries.
Insurance information: Copies of your insurance policy and any correspondence with insurance companies.
Witness information: Contact details and statements from any witnesses.
List of questions: Prepared questions about your case and the legal process.

Being well-prepared helps the lawyer assess your case accurately and advise you on the best course of action.