Frequently Asked Questions

You may have a case when another person or business owed you a duty of care, failed to meet it, and that failure caused you real harm such as injuries, medical bills, or lost income. Whether a claim is worth pursuing depends on the facts and the available insurance. Dothan Law Group reviews these facts in a free consultation and explains your options.

Bring any accident report or arrest paperwork, photos, medical records and bills, insurance cards and letters from insurers, and names and phone numbers of witnesses or officers. If you know of any court dates or deadlines, bring those too. It is fine to come without everything; we can help gather the rest.

For personal injury cases the firm typically uses a contingency fee, which means attorney fees are paid out of a recovery rather than up front. For criminal defense the firm usually charges a flat fee or an hourly fee, and the initial consultation requires a consultation fee. Personal injury consultations are free. All fee terms are explained and confirmed in writing before work begins.

Dothan Law Group's office is at 344 N Oates Street, Dothan, Alabama 36303. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM by appointment.

In most Alabama personal injury cases, a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Some exceptions apply, and claims against a city can require written notice much sooner, generally within six months. Because missing a deadline can end a claim, it is wise to talk with a lawyer early. This is general information, not legal advice.

Alabama follows contributory negligence, a strict rule under which an injured person who contributed to the accident, even slightly, can be barred from recovering damages. There are limited exceptions, and fault is often disputed. Do not assume you have no claim; have a lawyer look at the specific facts.

Depending on the case, damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases involving especially wrongful conduct, punitive damages may also be available. What applies depends on the facts and the law.

It varies. Timing depends on how long medical treatment lasts, how much investigation is needed, how negotiations go with the insurer, and whether a lawsuit must be filed. Many claims resolve within months, while cases that go into litigation generally take longer.

Check for injuries and call 911. Get medical care, for example at Southeast Health or Flowers Hospital, if you need it. Exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the vehicles and scene, and later request the crash report from the Dothan Police Department or the agency that responded.

It is best to speak with a lawyer first. You can give basic information such as your name and contact details, but a recorded statement can be used to question your account or your injuries later. Your attorney can handle communications with the insurer for you.

Yes, it is a good idea. Some injuries, such as concussions or soft-tissue injuries, may not show symptoms right away. A prompt medical evaluation protects your health and creates a record linking your symptoms to the accident.

Uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your own auto policy can help when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses. These claims are made against your own insurer and usually require prompt notice and cooperation under the policy terms, so review your policy and talk with a lawyer early.

Premises liability claims involve injuries caused by dangerous conditions on someone else's property, such as spills, poor lighting, broken steps, or inadequate security. Whether the owner is responsible depends on the facts, including why you were on the property and whether the owner knew or should have known about the hazard.

Report the incident to the property owner or manager and ask for a copy of the report. Photograph the hazard and the area, keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing, and get names and contact information for witnesses and employees. Seek medical care and keep your records.

Potentially, yes. A dog owner can be liable based on negligence or for violating local animal-control rules such as leash requirements. Facts such as whether the dog had bitten or threatened someone before, and where the bite happened, can make a significant difference.

Most cases settle through negotiation or mediation, but some require filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial. Your attorney should explain the advantages and drawbacks of each path so you can make an informed decision about your case.

Settlement value depends on how clear the other party's fault is, how serious and long-lasting your injuries are, your medical bills and records, lost wages, the available insurance limits, and how a jury might view the case. No two cases are valued the same way.

A denial is not always the final word. Depending on the situation, your lawyer may provide additional evidence, look for other available insurance coverage, or file a lawsuit when appropriate. Keep the denial letter and any related correspondence.

No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to ask for an attorney. Stay calm and polite, clearly say that you want a lawyer, and do not answer questions about the incident until your lawyer is present.

At an arraignment, the court tells you the charge against you and explains your rights, and you enter a plea. The court may also address conditions of release and set future court dates. Having a lawyer at or before this stage helps you understand your options.

Yes, charges can be dismissed for a variety of reasons, including legal defects in the case, insufficient evidence, or successful defense motions such as a motion to suppress improperly obtained evidence. Whether dismissal is possible depends on the facts and the court.

Possible outcomes include dismissal, a diversion program, a reduction of the charges, a plea agreement with probation, or a trial that ends in acquittal or conviction. Any sentence depends on the charge, your prior record, and the facts of the case.

You may. License consequences depend on factors such as your prior history and whether you took or refused a chemical test. Alabama has an administrative license process that is separate from the criminal case, and the window to request a hearing is short, so talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest.

There is no single right answer. Refusing a test and taking one can each affect both the criminal case and your license, and refusal carries its own consequences under Alabama's implied consent law. Speak with a lawyer about your specific situation and its potential consequences.

Sometimes. Whether a DUI can be reduced depends on the facts, the evidence, and local prosecutorial policies. A defense attorney will examine the reason for the traffic stop, how field sobriety tests were given, and how chemical tests were handled for legal or procedural problems.

Possession means having control over a controlled substance. Distribution means transferring it to someone else or intending to do so. Evidence such as the quantity, packaging, scales, or large amounts of cash can affect which charge is filed, and distribution is generally treated much more seriously.

Possibly. Some courts and prosecutors in Alabama offer diversion or deferred programs for eligible defendants, which can lead to a dismissal after successful completion. Availability depends on the charge, your criminal history, and the jurisdiction.

You can calmly say that you do not consent to a search. Do not physically resist or interfere with officers, even if you believe the search is improper. Ask for a lawyer and stay polite; whether a search was lawful can be challenged later in court.

Do not contact the alleged victim, even to apologize or explain, and follow any court orders exactly. Save texts, messages, and other evidence that may be relevant, and speak with a criminal defense lawyer right away.

Follow the order exactly. Do not call, text, message, visit, or contact the protected person through others. Violating a protection order can lead to arrest and additional criminal charges, even if the protected person reaches out to you first.

No. Once charges are filed, only the prosecutor or the court can dismiss the case. The alleged victim's wishes are one factor the prosecutor may consider, but they do not control the outcome.

It depends on the charge and how the case ended. Alabama law allows expungement of some arrests and certain charges, particularly those that were dismissed, not prosecuted, or ended in acquittal, and some other records may qualify. A lawyer can review your record and explain your options.

A conviction can affect job applications, professional licenses, housing applications, and access to education or financial aid. Understanding these consequences before you resolve a case is important, and relief such as expungement may be available in some situations.

Sometimes. Background reports vary, and some may show arrests or charges that were later dismissed. Expungement, when available, can limit what appears on future background checks.

Dothan Law Group serves Dothan, Houston County, and the Wiregrass region of Southeast Alabama, including Dale, Henry, Geneva, and Coffee counties. Matters outside this area may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The firm provides regular updates by phone or email and is available to answer your questions. You should always know your next step and your next important date.