Personal Injury AttorneyLaw FirmAuto Accident AttorneyConstruction Accident LawNursing Home LitigationSlip & Fall LawPersonal Injury AttorneysTruck Accident LawyersWrongful Death Attorney
Our experienced lawyers have helped injured people across Alabama for over two decades. We focus on helping accident and injury victims. Our practice is dedicated 100% to our clients, including preparing each client’s case, presenting each client’s unique story in a courtroom, and advocating for each client to obtain the maximum compensation. We've handled cases in courtrooms across the state. At the Blackwell Law Firm, you work directly with the lawyers preparing your case. Our Huntsville accident attorneys handle personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, nursing home abuse, wrongful death claims, defective medical device and drug injuries, construction accidents and workers compensation claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackwell Law Firm
Do I Need an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Sometimes people involved in automobile accidents don’t really need an attorney. The injuries might be minor. The issue may involve only vehicle damage. Many advertising lawyers (usually on television or billboards) claim an attorney is always needed. That is simply not true.
Yet, in cases with more significant injuries, medical care, lost wages, disability or long-term problems, an attorney may help significantly. In those situations, injured people can benefit from hiring a skilled personal injury attorney. Insurance adjusters are experienced at paying as little as possible for valid claims. If you have suffered serious injury, you need to focus on healing. A skilled and experienced trial attorney can focus on developing your case to obtain the maximum recovery possible for your injuries and damages. An experienced attorney can also help by dealing with the insurance company.
You may not know the extent of your injuries immediately after the accident. You may not know whether an attorney is needed. That’s OK. We are happy to discuss the issues with you. Consultations with the Blackwell Law Firm are free. We are happy to provide our opinion as to whether you need an attorney. We often provide advice to people involved in minimal damage accidents. If you are injured and we can help, we would also be happy to discuss our representation of you.
What Should I Look for in an Attorney?
If you suffered a serious injury, hiring the right attorney is a very important decision. Alabama has many excellent personal injury attorneys. They are not on television, billboards or radio begging you to call. Instead, they are working hard to prepare each client’s case. The best attorneys do not beg for clients or make promises for cases. Avoid lawyers who make advertising promises for your case.
You should research your attorney options. Keep in mind you need an attorney experienced in preparing personal injury cases for trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys actually prepare their cases for trial. Insurance companies also know which attorneys quickly settle. It can make a huge difference in your case. Also look for an attorney who is caring, knowledgeable and will personally work on your case. For more information, we have published several articles on this topic at the Blackwell Law Firm blog.
Do I Need to Call Police After a Car Accident?
Yes. Law enforcement should always be contacted. Officers will come to the scene, take information and write a report. These reports can provide valuable information.
You should be honest with law enforcement about the facts. Yet, you should not admit fault.
Should I Seek Medical Treatment Following an Automobile Crash?
Your health should be your primary concern following a serious car crash. Due to the adrenaline and chaos of an accident scene, some injuries may not be immediately noticeable. Many car accident victims hurt worse in the hours and days after an event.
If you are hurting, you should see a doctor. It is essential to your health. Delays in seeking medical care may create long-term or permanent problems with your injuries. Delays in seeking initial medical care also make it much more difficult to prove an injury in the event of a later claim.
Should I Call my Own Insurance Company After the Accident?
Yes. Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Some policies have reporting requirements for certain coverages. Also, you may need to start the process of dealing with damage to your vehicle.
What Should I Say to my Insurance Adjuster After the Accident?
Stick simply to the basics. Tell the adjuster where the accident happened, when it happened and who was involved. Do not admit fault. Do not give a recorded statement. Do not discuss your health prior to the accident.
Do not falsely believe “your” insurance company is on your side. Insurance adjusters are skilled at getting injured people to say things that harm their claim. That is why it is so important to stick just to the basics. If you are hurt, you can always defer other questions to your attorney.
Should I Talk with the Insurance Company for the Other Driver?
You do not need to explain anything to the other person’s insurance company. If you are discussing payment for your car, stick to the basics. If the other company asks about your injuries shortly after the wreck, you can simply tell the adjuster you are hurt and will call back after completing treatment. You should not answer specific questions. You should not provide a recorded statement. You should not sign any authorizations for the other insurance company to obtain your personal records without consulting an attorney. If your injuries are significant, you should seek legal advice.
What Steps Should I Immediately Take After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, you should immediately call the police (or make sure someone at the scene calls them). If able, gather basic information at the scene. This includes photos of the vehicles and scene. It is also important to get the names and numbers of any witnesses, if possible. If you are hurting, seek medical attention. Do not admit fault at the scene.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
Our firm specializes in personal injury claims. We specialize so we can focus all our effort toward preparing and presenting these cases.
In every case, we start with you. We conduct a detailed interview to learn more about you, your possible case, and your injuries. We also conduct a detailed investigation to find any evidence needed to support your claim. If the case is litigated, we work hard to prepare the claim for the best presentation possible. We believe lawyers should prepare their cases as fully as possible.
When deciding whether you have a claim, we investigate the issues concerning the fault of the other party and the extent of your injuries. These issues – liability and damages – are the key to determining whether you have a claim we should pursue for you. Is the other person at fault? Our investigation helps us answer that question. What is the extent of your injuries or damages? To answer this question, we investigate how bad you were hurt and how those injuries have impacted your life. In personal injury cases, you may be entitled to compensation for a number of losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings or earning capacity, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. We look at all the issues to provide you an opinion as to your potential case.
Will the Blackwell Law Firm Take my Case?
Our law practice is devoted exclusively to representing plaintiffs who have been injured or damaged. We specialize so we can devote all our focus on being the best lawyers possible for these claims. We carefully and fully evaluate each possible case. When we begin investigating a case, we look at the entire process to determine if we are a good fit for your claim. We are happy to review your case for free.
Will the Blackwell Law Firm Talk to me About my Case for Free?
Yes. Consultations are always free and confidential. If you want to speak with us about a personal injury issue, give us a call. Our staff will ask you a few basic questions. After answering a few basic questions, one of our attorneys will be happy to discuss your legal issues. During our conversation, we are happy to answer any questions you may have. If we believe you may need representation for a claim, we will then typically meet for an extended interview. These interviews are our opportunity to learn more about you, your case and your injuries. We value them highly. We like to take our time in order to learn as much as possible about the issues. While many other firms rush this process, we do not. We believe it is essential to our long-term success in helping you.
What is Jeffrey G. Blackwell's educational background?
Jeff earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1995, where he received several honors. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of South Alabama, awarded in 1992
Is Jeffrey G. Blackwell involved in the local community?
Yes, Jeff is actively involved in the Huntsville community. He and his family are members of Central Presbyterian Church, where he has served as a Deacon and an Elder. He has also volunteered to coach basketball, assist with the Huntsville High Marching Band, and sponsor activities at local public schools.
What awards and recognitions has Jeffrey G. Blackwell received?
Jeff has received several accolades, including:
Super Lawyers recognition from 2014 to 2021
Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating
Life Membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Avvo rating of 10 out of 10
Inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – Alabama
What if the driver who caused the accident does NOT have insurance?
Unless waived by you, your Alabama automobile policy carries what is called uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). This coverage is very valuable and should never be waived. UIM coverage pays you the damages the other at-fault driver should have paid if he / she had insurance. UIM coverage also pays you if the other at-fault driver does not have sufficient liability coverage for all your damages.
How long will it take to resolve my injury claim?
The answer depends on the extent of your injuries. If your injuries are minimal, you should be able to provide documentation of your damages quickly. If your injuries are more serious, we do not advise a quick settlement. We have seen too many billboard lawyers harm their clients by reaching quick and low settlements before the full extent of the injury, treatment and disability, is complete. At the Blackwell Law Firm, we believe injured people should focus first on medical care and healing.
What types of compensation can I get after a car accident?
If you are seriously hurt, no amount of compensation can fix the harm you have suffered. If another driver is negligent in causing the crash, you can recover what are called compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for your injuries and losses. These damages can include medical expenses, property damages, and compensation for both past and future lost income. Compensatory damages can also include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and disfigurement. In cases where the other driver acted wantonly (recklessly) by consciously or deliberately disregarding safety rules, punitive damages may also be available. These additional damages are intended to deter harmful conduct and to punish a defendant.
If the Blackwell Firm takes my case, what is next?
We believe in preparing our cases fully. After we agree to take your case, we take immediate steps to protect your interests in dealing with the insurance companies or potential defendants. Within the firm, we immediately study your file and prepare a plan to move the claim forward. Our plan often depends upon where you are in the process of your injury. Some people seek our counsel immediately after a significant accident. Some people seek our counsel after trying to deal unsuccessfully with the insurance company. Other people seek our counsel at various stages when help is needed in obtaining appropriate justice or compensation. Regardless of stage, our plan involves preparing the claim fully in an effort to obtain the greatest compensation possible for your injuries. You can read more information about our process on the law firm website.
How does the litigation process work?
We believe in preparation. We work hard to prepare all our cases. The initial stage of a personal injury lawsuit is called “discovery.” During discovery, each side requests information and documents. We aggressively pursue information from the defendant. Depositions may also be taken. We involve our clients in this process. We prepare our clients thoroughly for each step. As the litigation moves forward, we work hard to gather testimony from experts and physicians concerning the case. Successful cases also require a personal injury lawyer skilled in understanding and presenting complex medical evidence concerning injuries.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit at any time?
No. All cases must be filed within certain time limits. These limits are commonly called Statutes of Limitations. The limitations period can differ depending on the type of case. We are happy to discuss with you the applicable statute of limitations for your case.
What types of personal injury cases does Blackwell Law Firm handle?
Blackwell Law Firm handles personal injury cases including car, truck, motorcycle accidents, nursing home abuse, wrongful death claims, defective medical devices and drugs, construction accidents, and workers compensation claims.
How can I contact Blackwell Law Firm for a consultation?
You can contact Blackwell Law Firm by calling +1 256-804-1876, emailing jeff@blackwell-attorneys.com, or visiting their website at https://blackwell-attorneys.com/contact-us/. Consultations are free and confidential.
What should I do immediately after a car accident according to Blackwell Law Firm?
After a car accident, call the police, gather information including photos and witness names, seek medical attention if injured, and do not admit fault at the scene.
Does Blackwell Law Firm offer online appointments?
Yes, Blackwell Law Firm offers online appointments and requires appointments to provide personalized service.
What are the office hours of Blackwell Law Firm?
Blackwell Law Firm is available 24/7 every day of the week, but they require appointments.
Where is Blackwell Law Firm located?
Blackwell Law Firm is located at 120 Holmes Ave NE #401, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA.
What payment methods are accepted by Blackwell Law Firm?
Blackwell Law Firm accepts payment via cash, check, and Mastercard.
What are some nearby places of interest near Blackwell Law Firm?
Nearby places include the Yarbrough Hotel, a historic accommodation; Downtown Huntsville, a community park and public plaza; and the United States Courthouse and Post Office, a local landmark and historic building.
How can nearby places like Downtown Huntsville enhance my visit to Blackwell Law Firm?
After your consultation at Blackwell Law Firm, you can enjoy Downtown Huntsville's park and public plaza to relax or explore local shops and dining options nearby.
Are there nearby legal services near Blackwell Law Firm for additional legal needs?
Yes, nearby legal service providers include Johnston, Moore and Weston and The Law Office of Raven Perry-Beach, offering personal injury and other legal services.