Why You Might Need a Lawyer After Getting Hurt
Getting hurt in an accident can turn your whole life upside down. You might be dealing with:
- Pain and injuries
- Doctor appointments and medical treatments
- Missing school or activities
- Worried parents who might be missing work
- Insurance companies calling your home
- Bills piling up
- Questions about who will pay for everything
This is a lot for anyone to handle, especially when you’re trying to recover from an injury. That’s where personal injury lawyers like Michael Strickland and Ed Kendall come in.
“After an accident, most people have never dealt with the legal system before,” says Michael Strickland, who has been helping accident victims in Alabama for over 30 years. “Our job is to handle the legal parts so you can focus on getting better.”
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Actually Do?
Many people in Montgomery and across Alabama aren’t sure exactly what personal injury lawyers do. Here’s how the experienced team at Strickland & Kendall helps accident victims:
1. Gives Free Advice About Your Rights
At Strickland & Kendall, the first meeting (called a consultation) is always free. During this meeting, you can explain what happened and learn:
- If you have a legal case
- What your rights are
- What your case might be worth
- How long the process might take
- What your options are
“We believe everyone deserves to understand their rights, regardless of their ability to pay,” explains Ed Kendall, who has secured some of the largest settlements in Montgomery history.
2. Investigates What Really Happened
Good lawyers are like detectives. They gather evidence to prove who was at fault for your injury by:
- Visiting the accident scene
- Taking photographs
- Finding and interviewing witnesses
- Getting police reports and accident records
- Reviewing medical records
- Sometimes hiring experts like accident reconstructionists
“The evidence we collect in the first days and weeks after an accident can make or break a case,” Michael Strickland points out. “That’s why it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.”
3. Handles All Communication with Insurance Companies
After an accident, insurance adjusters might call you asking for statements or offering quick settlements. These adjusters work for the insurance company – not for you. Their job is to pay as little as possible.
When you hire Strickland & Kendall, they take over all communication with insurance companies. This means:
- No more stressful phone calls
- No risk of saying something that could hurt your case
- No pressure to accept a low settlement
“Insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests,” says Ed Kendall. “You deserve to have someone just as experienced fighting for you.”
4. Puts a Dollar Value on Your Injuries
How much is a broken leg worth? What about missed school activities or the pain you experienced? These questions are difficult to answer without legal experience.
Experienced attorneys like those at Strickland & Kendall know how to calculate the full value of your claim, including:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost income (for you or your parents)
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disabilities or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
“Many people don’t realize that a quick settlement might not cover future medical needs,” warns Michael Strickland. “We make sure all your future expenses are considered.”
5. Negotiates to Get You the Best Settlement
Most personal injury cases settle without going to court. Your lawyer will:
- Prepare a demand letter outlining your case
- Present evidence of your injuries and expenses
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Advise you on whether settlement offers are fair
- Work to maximize your compensation
At Strickland & Kendall, Michael Strickland and Ed Kendall have negotiated settlements for thousands of clients across Alabama. Their reputation as tough trial lawyers often helps them secure better settlements.
6. Takes Your Case to Court if Necessary
If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. This involves:
- Filing legal documents with the court
- Representing you at hearings
- Questioning witnesses under oath (depositions)
- Presenting evidence to a judge or jury
- Making legal arguments
“Unlike some lawyers who never see the inside of a courtroom, we’ve tried over 100 cases to verdict,” says Ed Kendall. “When insurance companies know we’re ready for trial, they often offer better settlements.”
How Lawyers Get Paid for Personal Injury Cases
Many young people in Montgomery worry about how much a lawyer costs. Here’s good news: At Strickland & Kendall, you don’t pay anything upfront.
Personal injury lawyers work on what’s called a “contingency fee.” This means:
- Your initial consultation is free
- You pay no hourly fees
- The law firm covers all case expenses
- Lawyers only get paid if they win your case
- Their payment comes as a percentage of your settlement
“This system means everyone can afford quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation,” explains Michael Strickland. “And it means we’re motivated to get you the best possible result.”
Real Examples of How Lawyers Help
Here are some examples of how Strickland & Kendall has helped people in situations like yours:
Car Accident in Eastern Boulevard
A 16-year-old student was hit by a distracted driver in Montgomery. While her parents focused on her recovery, Strickland & Kendall handled everything else – finding witnesses, getting traffic camera footage, and negotiating with the insurance company. The result was a settlement that covered all medical bills, therapy, and even tutoring for missed school.
Fall at a Local Store
A 12-year-old boy slipped on a spill at a Montgomery grocery store, breaking his arm. The store claimed they weren’t responsible. Ed Kendall obtained security footage showing the spill had been there for hours without being cleaned up. The case settled for enough to cover all medical expenses plus compensation for pain and missing baseball season.
Dog Bite in a Neighborhood Park
A young girl was bitten by an unleashed dog at a Montgomery park. The dog owner’s insurance company initially offered only $5,000. After Michael Strickland documented the emotional trauma and scarring, the case settled for ten times that amount – enough to cover plastic surgery and counseling.
When Should You Call a Lawyer?
After an accident or injury in Montgomery or anywhere in Alabama, it’s best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. This is because:
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Witness memories fade
- Alabama has strict deadlines for filing claims
- Statements you make early on can affect your case
- Insurance companies start working immediately to minimize payment
“Even if you’re not sure if you have a case, a free consultation gives you peace of mind,” says Michael Strickland. “It’s always better to know your options.”
What Makes Strickland & Kendall Different?
In Montgomery, there are many law firms that handle personal injury cases. What makes Strickland & Kendall special?
- Experience: Since 1994, they have helped thousands of clients and secured millions in settlements and verdicts.
- Personal Attention: Unlike big firms where you never meet your lawyer, at Strickland & Kendall you work directly with Michael Strickland and Ed Kendall.
- Trial Reputation: With over 100 cases tried to verdict, insurance companies know they’re prepared to go to court.
- Local Knowledge: Their deep roots in Montgomery mean they understand local courts, judges, and juries.
- 24/7 Availability: Accidents don’t happen on a schedule, so they’re available whenever you need them.
“At some firms, clients are passed around between paralegals and junior attorneys,” Ed Kendall points out. “At Strickland & Kendall, our attorneys take a hands-on approach, personally overseeing every case.”
Get the Help You Deserve Today
If you or someone in your family has been hurt in an accident in Montgomery or anywhere in Alabama, the experienced team at Strickland & Kendall is ready to help. Call 334-269-3230 for a free consultation or visit their office at 2740 Zelda Road in Montgomery.
Remember, talking to a lawyer doesn’t mean you have to file a lawsuit. Sometimes, just getting professional advice can help you understand your options and make better decisions during a difficult time.
This blog provides general information about personal injury cases in Alabama. Every case is different, and this is not legal advice. For guidance about your specific situation, please contact Strickland & Kendall directly.