Last updated: October 5, 2026 · Written by John C. Hubbard, Attorney
John C. Hubbard, LLC represents people hurt in wrecks and falls in Huntsville and Madison County, and files their cases in the Madison County Circuit Court or, when a defendant removes the case, in the Northern District of Alabama’s Huntsville division. John has practiced in Alabama since 2008 and handles Huntsville cases by phone, video and in person. No fee unless money is recovered.
Where Huntsville injury cases are filed
Injury suits arising in Huntsville are filed in the Madison County Circuit Court at the courthouse on the downtown square, or in the district court for smaller claims. Wrecks in the City of Madison are also Madison County cases unless they fall in the Limestone County portion of the city, which is filed in Athens. Out of state defendants, including trucking carriers and national retailers, frequently remove cases to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, which sits in Huntsville, and the firm handles the case there.
The roads where Huntsville wrecks happen
Memorial Parkway, which is U.S. 231 and 431 through the center of the city, produces more wrecks than any other road in Madison County, particularly at the at grade intersections that have not been converted to overpasses. I-565 from I-65 into downtown carries the commuter and Redstone Arsenal traffic and sees the high speed rear end collisions. University Drive, U.S. 72 east and west, Governors Drive, and the Research Park Boulevard and Bob Wallace corridors account for most of the rest. Huntsville Police investigate wrecks inside the city and ALEA handles I-565 and the state routes outside it. Get the report number at the scene.
Deadlines
Two years from the injury to file suit (Ala. Code § 6-2-38). If a City of Huntsville vehicle or employee is involved, or a city street or sidewalk defect caused the injury, a sworn claim must be filed with the city clerk within six months (Ala. Code § 11-47-23). Claims against Madison County must be presented within twelve months. An injury on Redstone Arsenal caused by a federal employee is a Federal Tort Claims Act case with its own administrative claim requirement and a two year window to present it, and the firm handles those as well.
Alabama’s contributory negligence rule
If the defendant proves you were at fault in any degree, Alabama law bars recovery. That rule is why the adjuster wants a recorded statement in the first week, and why you should not give one before the firm has reviewed the file. The rule does not apply to wanton conduct, such as drunk or reckless driving, and the defendant bears the burden of proving your fault.
Treatment and liens
Most Huntsville clients treat at Huntsville Hospital, Crestwood Medical Center, or Madison Hospital, and at the urgent care clinics along the Parkway and University Drive. Each provider, and your health insurer, Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE, has a right to be repaid from the settlement, and Alabama hospitals hold an automatic lien under Ala. Code § 35-11-370. TRICARE and federal employee health plans have their own recovery rules, which matter in a city with this many military and federal families. The firm negotiates every lien after the settlement amount is set.
Truck wrecks on I-65 and I-565
Commercial truck cases are different from car wrecks: the carrier’s electronic logs, engine data and dash cameras decide the case, and federal rules let the carrier discard much of it within months. The firm’s first step is a preservation demand to the carrier and its insurer. See the firm’s truck wreck page for the federal rules that apply.
Start your Huntsville 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
Do I have to come to Birmingham?
No. The firm handles Huntsville cases by phone and video, meets clients in Huntsville when needed, and appears in the Madison County courthouse for every hearing.
Where is a Huntsville car wreck case filed?
In the Madison County Circuit Court, or in the Northern District of Alabama in Huntsville if an out of state defendant removes it.
How long do I have?
Two years from the injury, six months to file a sworn claim if the City of Huntsville is involved, and two years to present an administrative claim for an injury caused by a federal employee on Redstone Arsenal.
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.
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.