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Sep 30, 2021 - Bus Accidents by Cross & Smith

According to the United States Department of Transportation, riding the bus to school is 70 times safer than traveling by car. Even so, school bus accidents do occur, with 126 occupants killed while riding school transportation from 2010-2019. If you are a parent or guardian whose child has been injured in a school bus accident, you need to know how to protect your child’s right to recover the compensation they are owed. Our Tuscaloosa auto accident attorney explains below. 

Aug 27, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

In part three of our three-part series on distracted driving, we turn our attention to cognitive distractions. This type of distraction occurs when a driver’s mind wanders to anything other than operating the motor vehicle they are driving. These types of distractions can be difficult for a Tuscaloosa car accident attorney to prove, which is why it is essential to consult with a law firm that has a proven track record of success representing victims injured by distracted drivers. 

Aug 13, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

In this second part of our three-part series, our Tuscaloosa accident attorney discusses manual distractions, which are one of three types of distracted driving. Manual distractions occur when vehicle drivers take their hands off the steering wheel to engage in an activity other than driving the car. At Cross & Smith, LLC, our firm has represented numerous victims across the state of Alabama that have been injured in auto accidents caused by manual distractions. 

Jul 30, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Ask any Tuscaloosa auto accident attorney, and they will tell you, distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents throughout Alabama. There are three different types of distracted driving: visual, manual and cognitive. In Part 1 of this three-part series, we will discuss visual distractions that cause drivers to take their eyes off the road. Even for a moment, looking at anything not related to driving a motor vehicle can lead to a serious accident. 

Jul 16, 2021 - Truck Accidents by Cross & Smith

Owning and operating a commercial truck can be an enormous responsibility. There are many issues that must be attended to, including ensuring that the truck is properly maintained. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry and sets the standard for what types of maintenance must be performed on large trucks. Our Tuscaloosa truck accident lawyer understands these requirements and uses that knowledge to represent those who have been injured in trucking accidents caused by maintenance-related issues so they can recover the compensation they deserve. 

Jun 30, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Work With a Skilled Tuscaloosa Injury Attorney If you’ve been injured in an accident due to the fault of another, then you may be entitled to sue and recover damages under Alabama law.  In pursuing a lawsuit against the defendant(s), however, you’ll want to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the ins and outs of litigation.

Jun 16, 2021 - Personal Injury by Cross & Smith

Work With an Experienced Tuscaloosa Injury Attorney If you’ve been injured in an accident due to the fault of another, then you may be entitled to damages under Alabama law.  It’s worth noting, however, that — in some cases — there may be a parallel criminal proceeding alongside your civil lawsuit.  This can be concerning for first-time injury plaintiffs who are not quite sure how the two proceedings are interlinked.

May 28, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Car accident plaintiffs (i.e., the injured parties in a personal injury case) are likely to encounter a number of different defenses, depending on the particular circumstances of the accident at issue.  Among these is that of “sudden emergency,” which works as an absolute defense that gives the defendant an opportunity to avoid liability altogether.  Initially, the sudden emergency defense seems like quite a difficult barrier to overcome — after all, the defense depends on making the defendant appear to be the vulnerable party, which can win over juries.  If the defendant effectively redefines themselves as the victim, this could undermine your ability to secure compensation for the injuries you sustained in the car accident due to their negligent or wrongful actions. But our Tuscaloosa injury attorney is here to help you fight for your rights as the injured party.

May 14, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

In Alabama, and throughout the country at large, those who suffer injuries caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional acts of others — whether in a car accident, construction accident, or some other personal injury scenario — are entitled to sue and recover damages that compensate them for their losses. These damages include compensation for the injured party’s (i.e., the plaintiff’s) various medical expenses. Wondering if this applies to you? Speak to our Tuscaloosa accident attorney today to discuss your specific case.

Apr 30, 2021 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Seek Guidance from an Experienced Tuscaloosa Car Accident Attorney If you’ve been injured in a car accident, then the defendant-driver (assuming they do not leave the scene of the accident immediately) may make incriminating statements that could benefit you in your lawsuit.