Legal Answers

If an adjuster is already steering the conversation toward what you should have done differently, there is a reason for it. Alabama is one of only a handful of states that still follows pure contributory negligence.

If you were rear-ended on I-65 outside Montgomery roughly twenty-two (22) months ago and only recently had a cervical fusion, the most urgent issue is not your recovery from surgery — it is the calendar. Alabama gives most injured people two (2) years from the date of the wreck to file a personal…

Alabamians who are facing legal issues often wonder where they can go to obtain relief. The best way to determine this is to first learn a little bit about how the state's court system is structured.

When the accident occurs through no fault of your own, you rely on the other driver’s insurance company to address your claims. They may offer you a quick settlement but, before you accept, there are many things you should know.

“Whiplash” is basically soft tissue damage to the neck or upper back; while you can get whiplash on a ride, while cycling or even while playing sports, the most common cause is an automobile accident. A car that is going in one direction and comes to a sudden, violent stop causes your body to stay in place, while your head whips forward, painfully overextending the neck.

All Terrain Vehicles, more commonly known as ATVs, can be safe when used responsibly but pose inherent dangers in many circumstances. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states: “ATVs are the fifth deadliest product that we oversee,” resulting 700 deaths and 136,000 emergency room visits each year.

If you’ve slipped and fallen inside a store, business or even someone’s home, that person or organization could be held responsibility for your injuries.

Are there insurance concerns with Uber ride-sharing? Yes, there is currently no Alabama law requiring ride-sharing drivers to carry insurance above and beyond traditional personal car insurance. There are issues to consider as the driver or a passenger in a ride-sharing arrangement.

If you are injured in a car crash, as a result of medical malpractice of from the carelessness of a manufacturer of a product or retailer everyone you know tells you to hire an experienced personal injury attorney.

That quick text may not seem to take much time, but it takes your eyes off the road long enough to cause an accident. From the increased risk of accident to the difficulty that comes from trying to do too many things at once, here are just a few of the reasons texting and driving are dangerous.

Picture the horrific aftermath of a car accident. Which injuries would you expect victims to endure? If you're like most people, you imagine whiplash, skull fractures, or herniated discs. To an extent, those expectations are justified; a report from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia indicates that car crashes are the leading cause of teenage deaths related to traumatic brain injury.

You do not have to hire a car accident attorney after a wreck, but in many cases doing so can help you get the compensation you deserve and eliminate some of the stress associated with a collision.

Driving on the road is something that cannot be avoided in Alabama if you want to be able to get around. However, driving comes with its own hazards that drivers need to be aware of. One of the most common types of crashes is one where one vehicle collides with another. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, 71.8% of all crashes in 2017 fell under this accident category.

It’s often frustrating and happens at the most inconvenient times, but the reality is that nearly everybody receives some form of traffic ticket at a stage in their life.

Finding a lawyer that is the right choice for your specific needs is arguably the most important step before embarking on any legal process. Whether you’re fighting a DUI, starting a new business or addressing a personal injury claim, you need a trustworthy, experienced and passionate attorney to handle your legal matter and obtain the best result possible for you.

There are situations when you know that you certainly need to hire a lawyer, such as a complex divorce or criminal charges. Then, there are times when it can be uncertain as to whether you need to hire a lawyer.

Traffic tickets are one of the most common offenses given by officers. In fact, according to an article from USA Today, over 125,000 people receive a traffic violation in the United States daily. Since traffic offenses happen so often, most people just pay the fine and go on their way.

Are you about to go through a personal injury case and don’t know what to expect? Knowing common personal injury terms is a vital way to help you better understand your case, the process and the outcomes that eventuate.

Car accidents are an unfortunate and often traumatic experience. You may not be thinking clearly after an accident happens due to adrenaline and fear. However, when you get into a car accident there are some very important steps that need to be taken to ensure that each party involved is safe and that your insurance claim is secure.

Driving under the influence is considered a crime in every state due to the dangers it can pose on both the driver and others on the road. Because it is deemed a crime, DUI cases are handled in criminal court. All individuals charged with a DUI have the right to represent themselves, however most defendants hire a lawyer to ensure they get the best outcome possible.

Automotive accident law in Alabama is important to understand, especially when you live in the state, as you could end up in the unfortunate event of a car accident at any point in time. Hiring an attorney to help you handle your case can be extremely beneficial, as often insurance companies try to get out of paying you what you are owed. By hiring a lawyer that specializes in personal injury and

Many people lack knowledge about how an attorney can help you in a case and what benefits they can bring to an unfortunate situation. Similarly, people often lack knowledge about whether it is appropriate to file a claim or lawsuit without a lawyer. People often have viable bases for a lawsuit but as they are unsure if they can file a claim themselves, and are concerned about attorney fees, they d

Deciding whether or not to file a lawsuit can be a difficult decision, especially if you are uneducated on what you should consider. People often have viable bases for a lawsuit but are intimidated by the court system and lack knowledge about how an attorney can help them in a case. This means your unfortunate situation likely will go unaddressed and you may not be compensated adequately.

After a personal injury, it can be hard to take the necessary actions that are going to fulfill your needs, especially if you are uneducated on the basics of personal injury law.

Legal trouble is something that no one wants to go through alone. Whether it is following a personal injury accident, a traffic ticket, or an insurance battle, it is usually in the best interest for clients to utilize an attorney that specializes in their specific situation. It is always best to hire an experienced lawyer to represent you in your case because it will relieve a considerable amount

According to the CDC, approximately 39.5 million people visit a physician each year due to an unintentional injury - about 1 million of these cases coming from slip and fall injuries. If you or a loved one has experienced a slip and fall injury, it is important to first seek medical attention and then diagnose the situation. If you believe that someone else is liable for your injury, there are sev

Everyday that we leave our houses and drive to work, school or the grocery store, we are at a slight risk of being involved in a car accident. Although this isn’t usually at the forefront of our minds, we do see the impact that car accidents can have in our community each year. Every year in America there are approximately six million people that suffer from car accidents.

Law is involved in almost every aspect of society, therefore lawyers are critical to the way we operate as Americans. According to statistica.com, there are approximately 352,000 lawyers currently working in the United States.

Being a victim of a hit-and-run car accident is very frustrating and not something anyone expects when they begin their day.

According to ABPLA, medical malpractice occurs when a hospital, doctor or other health care professional, through a negligent act or omission, causes an injury to a patient. Medical malpractice can happen during the diagnosis, during the treatment, or advice for treatment after an illness.

The death of a loved one is one of the most painful and confusing moments in one’s life. If their passing was due to the negligence of another, it can make this time even more difficult to process. It can be hard to realize in the midst of grief if the loss of your loved one is eligible to receive compensation.

If you have sustained an injury on public or private property as a result of negligence by the owner, then you may be eligible to file a premise liability lawsuit.

If you’ve sustained a work-related injury, your employer may be held responsible. Workplace injuries are common and workers must make sure they’re following guidelines. However, if something goes wrong the employee should know their rights.

Despite what some people might think, much more time, work and effort is put into handling court cases than is portrayed on popular television shows. Not all court cases are glorious battles between lawyers in beautiful, old courthouses with helpless clients watching in awe.

If you are having to make a court appearance for a criminal case in the near future, you may be tempted to appear “pro se” or “on one’s behalf” in order to defend yourself. Although this may seem like a money saving option, in reality it could cost you more time, money, and potentially the whole case if done incorrectly. Generally, it is ill-advised to represent yourself in a court case and here a

When purchasing a product, a consumer has every right to believe the item will perform safely and correctly when used per the manufacturer's instructions. Unfortunately, thousands of people every year find themselves a victim of a defective product. If you have been injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a product liability claim.

When something bad happens, you expect your insurance, the thing you pay hundreds of dollars for each month, to compensate you properly. Whether you get into a car wreck, your house burns down or you slip and fall, insurance companies begin to pinch pennies leaving you to fend for yourself.

Thousands of freelance drivers roam the streets waiting for someone who needs a ride to work or the airport.

A car accident, slip and fall or other unfortunate event, might feel like your world is turning upside down, but here at Barfoot and Schoettker we can help! Following a personal injury incident, you may wonder what the next step should be. A case evaluation with professionals like us will help to make certain you are taken care of and devise a proper plan to help acquire the correct compensation.

You have been served, but it’s not from your waiter. Instead a random person shows up at your doorstep, hands you legal paperwork and says “you’ve been served.” Before you have the chance to comprehend what just happened, that person is gone and you are left with a stack of paperwork full of legal mumbo-jumbo.

Trucking accidents are defined as vehicle collisions involving tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles.

Wrongful death claims occur when someone is killed due to another person's negligence or misconduct. Sadly, negligence is all too common in today's society. More than 190,000 people die each year as a result of someone else's careless acts.

The United States has a three-tiered form of government with each tier having its own set of specific responsibilities, regulations and rules.

Flat tires and blowouts can lead to dangerous road accidents. Frequently inspecting your tires to ensure that they are properly functioning and cared for can help to minimize the chance of tire failure.

Determining if filing a lawsuit is the right next step for you can be difficult. It’s important to know and fully understand what all is involved in filing and following through with a lawsuit, prior to making the decision. Whether you are on the plaintiff or defendant side, the paperwork, time, and research that must be dedicated in order to construct a strong case can be time-consuming and overw

The evolution of seat belt laws in Alabama has been a long and complex journey. The benefits of wearing a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle are never-ending and have been shown to not only lessen the impact of accidents but also save lives.

According to John Hopkins, patient safety experts estimate that the third highest cause of death in the United States is a result of medical error. ABPLA states that medical malpractice occurs when a hospital, doctor or other health care professional, through a negligent act or omission, causes an injury to a patient.

According to PestWorld, one out of five Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has encountered bed bugs at home or in a hotel.

Here at Barfoot and Schoettker we understand how overwhelming car accidents and resulting injuries can be to deal with. We are here to ensure that you receive the proper compensation that you deserve.

Here at Barfoot and Schoettker we want you to receive the compensation that you deserve regardless of the case type. If you have been involved in a dog attack case, here is an overview of how it should be handled.

In the state of Alabama when a person becomes injured due to a drunk driver, they may be able to hold the causing party financially responsible.

We often put our trust in the products we purchase. Thousands each year have that trust broken due to dangerous products that cause harm and result in injury.

Although it is a necessary decision for your loved one’s comfort, giving up your role of responsibility in their daily lives can be very difficult. However, there are many things you can do to ensure that your loved one is safe and well cared for.

Starting the process of litigation by filing a claim can be confusing and overwhelming. If you don’t understand the process, the confusion only increases as the case progresses.

Perhaps you’ve been in a car accident or your family is suffering from a wrongful death. No matter the reason, it so happens that at this point in time, you’re seeking legal counsel.

Broken bones and auto damage are obvious after-effects of a car accident, but most people do not consider the emotional toll a traumatic event like this can cause.

Most people feel comfortable attending their job on a day to day basis and often do not consider the chances of being involved in a work related injury. This is likely because of the safety measures many companies employ and the comfort level employees have at their workplace. Occasionally, employees can be injured on the job regardless of the businesses effort to make the workplace safe.

If you are injured while at work, it can be difficult to determine how to best go about getting the compensation you deserve. Most victims either file for workers compensation or a personal injury lawsuit, however, there are a few distinctions between the two. It is important to understand these differences because they can potentially impact the compensation you receive.

If you have ever experienced a car accident, you understand the feeling of overwhelming panic that comes when you are unsure of what your next steps should be. When this happens, emotions can be at an all-time high.

The years spent in college are often some of the most exciting, busy, and fun times in a person’s young life.

A false allegation is a crime that occurs when someone is accused of a crime that they did not commit. No one ever thinks they will be wrongfully accused of a crime until it actually happens.

Have you or your baby sustained injuries from childbirth? Birth injuries refer to trauma to the mother or the baby before, during, or after childbirth.

When dealing with issues that involve your insurance company, it is important to be informed of your policies and be able to recognize when an insurance company is acting in bad faith.

Cold weather, warm fireplaces, holidays, and so much more are all associated with the winter season. However, despite all of the joy, it is also one of the busiest times of the year for injuries and accidents.

Every year, it is estimated 98,000 people are killed from preventable medical errors. Wrongful death is a type of claim where another person can be held liable for your loved one’s death.

It can be hard figuring out what documents you need to keep track of in order to make a solid case after a car accident. Being in a car accident is a stressful event even if it didn't result in injury.

A demand package is a set of documents that help inform an insurance company of what really occurred during an accident. This package will be filled with evidence that you or your personal injury lawyer can obtain.

If you were involved in a motorcycle crash, you may be dealing with expensive medical bills, missing work, and a long, painful recovery. After being injured in a motorcycle crash, you have the right to sue the person responsible for the collision.

Talking with your lawyer or sitting in court can be confusing when you don’t understand the words being used. Here’s our list of things you may hear and what they mean: