Most injury lawyers work on contingency, so people hurt in crashes can often hire one without paying up front. But crashes cause other legal problems too. A lost job, a car repossession, an eviction notice, a fight over medical debt. If money is tight, these are places in Alabama that help for free or at low cost.
Legal aid organizations
- Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to eligible low-income Alabamians. The Birmingham office is at 1820 7th Avenue North, Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35203, phone (205) 328-3540.
- Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham connects eligible people in the Birmingham area with volunteer attorneys. Phone (205) 250-5198.
Court self-help
- Alabama e-forms, from the Administrative Office of Courts, has do-it-yourself court forms you can fill out online.
- The Alabama Supreme Court and State Law Library self-representation guide explains filing, AlaFile e-filing and preparing for a hearing.
- AlaFile lets people representing themselves file and get court notices by email.
- Circuit clerks, including the Jefferson County Birmingham Division clerk, can explain procedures and fees but can’t give legal advice.
If the crash involved a crime
When a crash involves criminal conduct, like a drunk driver, the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission may help innocent victims with certain out-of-pocket losses. The crime generally has to be reported to police within 72 hours and the claim filed within one year, unless good cause is shown in writing. The commission’s office is at 5845 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36117, and its toll-free number is 1-800-541-9388.
Federal and state programs
If a crash leaves you unable to work for a long stretch, the Social Security Administration’s disability page explains federal disability benefits. If you were hurt on the job, the Alabama Department of Labor oversees workers’ compensation in the state.
Eligibility rules and contact details change. Call ahead before you visit any office.