Last updated: October 5, 2026 · Written by John C. Hubbard, Attorney
John C. Hubbard is based in the Vestavia Hills area and has practiced law in Alabama since 2008. The firm represents Vestavia Hills, Cahaba Heights and Liberty Park residents hurt in wrecks and falls, and handles the case in the Jefferson County Circuit Court, or in Shelby County for injuries on the far side of the line. No fee unless money is recovered, and the review is free.
Where Vestavia Hills wrecks happen
U.S. 31 through the city, from the Homewood line past the Vestavia Hills City Center to the I-65 interchange, carries most of the local traffic and most of the rear end and left turn collisions. U.S. 280 through Cahaba Heights, with its closely spaced signals and heavy commuter volume, is the other main source, and the I-459 and I-65 interchanges at the city’s edges produce the high speed wrecks. Columbiana Road, Rocky Ridge Road and Cahaba River Road see the neighborhood collisions. Vestavia Hills Police investigate wrecks on city streets and ALEA handles the interstates; the report number from the scene is the first thing the firm requests.
Which county, which court
Vestavia Hills is almost entirely in Jefferson County, so injury cases are filed in the Jefferson County Circuit Court in downtown Birmingham, or in the district court for smaller claims. The Liberty Park area extends into Shelby County, and a wreck there is filed in Columbiana. When the defendant is an out of state company, it can remove the case to the Northern District of Alabama, and the firm handles it there. Most cases settle before trial, but they settle for more when the other side knows the firm will try them.
Deadlines
Two years from the injury to file suit (Ala. Code § 6-2-38), and two years from the date of death for a wrongful death claim. If the City of Vestavia Hills or one of its employees or vehicles was involved, a sworn claim must be filed with the city clerk within six months (Ala. Code § 11-47-23). The evidence that decides fault, such as dash cam and intersection footage and the other driver’s phone records, is gone long before any of those dates, so the firm sends preservation letters in the first week.
Contributory negligence
Alabama bars recovery entirely if the injured person was at fault in any degree. That is why the other driver’s insurer calls within days asking for a recorded statement, and why the firm asks you not to give one before it has the file. The rule does not apply to wanton conduct, and the defendant bears the burden of proving your fault.
Treatment and liens
Vestavia Hills clients most often treat at Grandview Medical Center, Brookwood Baptist, St. Vincent’s or UAB, and at the urgent care clinics along 31 and 280. Each provider, and your health insurer, Medicare or Medicaid, has a claim on the settlement, and Alabama hospitals hold an automatic lien under Ala. Code § 35-11-370. The firm negotiates those liens after the settlement amount is set, and that work often changes what you take home more than the final round with the adjuster does.
Passengers and family members
Alabama’s guest statute (Ala. Code § 32-1-2) bars a passenger from suing the driver of the car they rode in unless the driver was willful or wanton. It does not bar the claim against the other driver. If a family member was driving, the claim is usually against the other vehicle and, if that driver was uninsured, against your own uninsured motorist coverage, which Alabama lets you stack across up to three vehicles on the same policy.
Start your Vestavia Hills injury case
Answer the questions below and John will review your summary, usually the same business day. It takes about three minutes. Or call 205-378-8121. Se habla español.
Frequently asked questions
Where is a Vestavia Hills injury case filed?
In the Jefferson County Circuit Court in Birmingham for nearly all of the city. Injuries in the Shelby County portion of Liberty Park are filed in Columbiana.
How long do I have?
Two years from the injury, and six months to file a sworn claim with the city clerk if the City of Vestavia Hills is involved.
What does it cost?
Nothing up front. The firm is paid a percentage of the recovery, and there is no attorney’s fee if there is no recovery.
Can I meet with John in person?
Yes. The office is downtown at 351 24th Street North, and the firm also meets clients by phone and video.
This page is general information about Alabama law, not legal advice, and contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. No representation is made that the quality of legal services is greater than that of other lawyers.