Mobile Personal Injury Resources
The Mobile personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of J. Allan Brown have compiled the following links and resources for the benefit of injury victims and their families who are looking for information and support to deal with their accident or injury. We hope these resources help you find the information you are looking for. If you need legal advice or representation regarding an accident or injury in Mobile involving the negligence or wrongful conduct of another, please contact our office for a free consultation.
General Resources
An Alabama State Bar brochure on Alabama’s Court System can help you know about the different types of courts and different methods for resolving disputes, including mediation and arbitration as well as litigation.
Resources for Serious Injuries
Brain injury victims and their families can find resources and support at sites such as the Brain Trauma Foundation among others.
Automobile Accident Resources
Devoted to raising awareness on issues such as teen driving and road rage, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety offers advice on ways to promote a culture of safety and reduce fatalities on the road.
The National Safety Council works to prevent injuries and death on the road as well as in the home and at the workplace. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety offers the latest information on traffic safety, such as improvements to auto manufacturing, amendments to teen driving laws, and technological innovations such as self-braking cars.
To estimate the value of your vehicle for repair, replacement or other compensation, you may want to consult either the Kelley Blue Book or the NADA Guides published by the National Automobile Dealers Association.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains statistics on vehicle safety and driving safety and publishes materials about distracted driving, drunk driving and other traffic safety matters. www.distraction.gov is another website devoted to talking and texting while driving and other distracted driving issues.
Stay current on the latest road conditions and road work advisories at the Alabama Department of Transportation.
The mission of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is to ensure a fast, safe and efficient national transportation system. USDOT’s Bureau of Transportation Studies provides a wealth of data and statistics on motor vehicle crashes and their causes.
Truck Accident Resources
Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover maximum hours of service for truckers as well as required inspections, maintenance and safety equipment. When drivers and their semis are out of compliance, this may be evidence of negligence in a trucking accident. FMCSA maintains a catalog of trucking company safety records and accident histories through a database called SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records).
Motorcycle Accident Resources
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation provides tips for safe riding on its website and also offers safety courses and curriculum for riders and instructors. Other safety tips and accident advice for motorcyclists are available at Yield to Life. Additionally, the American Motorcycle Association promotes and protects the motorcycle lifestyle and provides relevant resources. A quick summary of Alabama State Motorcycle Laws can be found there.
Medical Malpractice Resources
The American Medical Association (AMA) is the nation’s largest professional association of doctors and other healthcare professionals. AMA members and doctors in general are expected to adhere to the organization’s Code of Medical Ethics in their professional practice.
Together, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama have the power to issue, revoke and reinstate all licenses to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State of Alabama. Visit their website to look up a licensee and view any disciplinary actions or to file a complaint against a physician or physician assistant.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Resources
The mission of Adult Protective Services is to support and enable Alabama county departments to protect elderly and disabled adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Visit their website for adult abuse facts and information on adult foster care and other services.
The Alabama Department of Senior Services serves seniors and individuals with disabilities. Through their website you can find links to your local Area Agency on Aging and the office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Nursing Home Compare is a Medicare website and tool to help you evaluate the quality of nursing homes in Alabama. Select up to three nursing homes at a time and compare them side-by-side for how well they perform in areas such as staffing, inspections, and quality of care.
Defective Consumer Products and Products Liability Resources
The Consumer Products Safety Commission provides safety tips on choking hazards, fire hazards and other dangers, and delivers information on recalls of household goods and appliances. At the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you can stay on top of recalls and warnings about dangerous drugs and defective medical devices. For all the recalls at a centralized location, visit www.Recalls.gov. They maintain information on food, medicine, cosmetics, environmental products, consumer products, motor vehicles, and boats. They even provide a service where you can sign up to receive recall alerts via e-mail.
Construction Site Accidents and Workplace Safety Resources
The Construction Safety Council is a consortium of construction companies emphasizing construction safety and health. The International Code Council works to develop model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe and resilient structures. The Alabama State Licensing Board for General Contractors licenses and regulates more than 10,000 general commercial/industrial contractors in major and specialty classifications throughout the state. Use their website to learn about the laws, rules and regulations for licensed contractors, or to file a complaint. Residential construction complaints should be directed to the Alabama Homebuilders Licensure Board at 800-304-0853 or the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exists to assure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards for workplace safety. Similarly, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) works within the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent workplace illnesses and injuries.
Injuries on Public Property Resources
The Alabama Board of Adjustment is normally the place to go to present a claim for personal injury involving a slip and fall on public property, a public transit vehicle accident, or negligence on the part of a government worker.