Gadsden Car Accident Lawyer

Traveling our local highways every day – like I-59, I-759, US-411, US-431, or US-278, and of course, our favorite local and back roads – there’s always the risk of a car accident, no matter how safe a driver you might be. Having the right representation after a car crash can make all the difference. The Gadsden attorneys at Mezrano Law Firm understand that you’re not just another client but have been through a physically and emotionally rough experience. We can help.

Common causes of Gadsden car accidents

According to recent statistics, there’s a car accident in Alabama every 200 seconds, and someone is injured in an accident every 11 minutes. With stats like these, you or someone you know has likely been involved in a car crash.

In our experience, we’ve found the majority of Alabama car accidents are caused by:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) – Impaired drivers lack the judgment or control to operate a vehicle safely. Alabama is number five in the nation for drunk driving deaths.
• Distracted driving – More than texting or talking on the phone, distracted driving takes attention off the road. It also includes eating and drinking, playing with vehicle controls, or interacting with passengers.
• Drowsy or fatigued driving – Falling asleep at the wheel is a real danger. Alabama ranks number two in the country for fatal accidents involving drowsy drivers.
• Reckless or careless driving – A sort of catch-all term for driving with gross disregard for the safety of others; this can include driving at excessive speed, swerving from lane to lane, and aggressive road behavior.
• Design defects – Some cars have defective auto parts that prevent them from operating correctly or safely. Things like faulty brakes or steering can lead to tragic accidents.
• Road hazards – Many of our highways and roads here in Gadsden and throughout the state are in poor condition or disrepair. Severe accidents and injuries can occur when local and state government agencies allow the streets to become hazardous.

Most car crashes are preventable, and understanding who (or what) caused your accident is crucial in determining who is liable. It may not always be obvious how the accident occurred or if there were any witnesses. Often, your attorney will launch an investigation to build up your case. This can include tracking down and interviewing witnesses, obtaining police and medical reports, reviewing surveillance videos, and talking to accident reconstruction experts.

Types of car accidents

How your car was hit during your accident could indicate how the accident happened and who may be at fault. Common types of car accidents include:

• Head-on collisions
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Intersection accidents
• Parking lot accidents
• Rear-end accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Side-impact accidents
• Sideswipe accidents
• Uber/Lyft accidents
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents
• Work zone/construction accidents

Injuries from auto accidents

Every accident and person is different, but your injuries could range from moderate to severe, depending on the circumstances. Common injuries from Gadsden car accidents include:

• Back and neck injuries – Rear-end collisions can cause physical trauma from whipping the body back and forth. Injuries like whiplash and other muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries are common.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Head injuries can range from moderate to severe, causing complications that can last far into the future. Brain injuries can initially be challenging to diagnose.
• Spinal injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can cause loss of movement or sensation in the lower extremities.
• Bone breaks and fractures – Car wrecks can put unnatural amounts of force on your body; when that force is too much, your bones can fracture or break. Commonly broken bones include legs, arms, ankles, wrists, and feet.
• Amputations – Serious car accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Amputations are life-changing injuries, typically causing further complications in the future.
• Soft tissue injuries – Any injuries to the “soft” areas of the body are soft tissue injuries. These include muscles, tendons, and ligaments and are injuries like sprains, strains, and bruises.

A car accident can turn your life upside down and leave you wondering what to do next. When you’re injured in an accident that’s not your fault, medical bills and household expenses can keep popping up – but how can you pay them if you’re recovering and unable to work? An experienced attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve so you can begin closing this unfortunate chapter of your life.

Compensation for your Gadsden car accident

We’re committed to protecting your right to compensation after an accident. Medical bills and lost wages are a lot to handle, and you shouldn’t worry about going into debt to pay your bills.

Alabama is a “fault” insurance state. This means the person at fault for the accident is generally responsible for paying the damages. All drivers must have insurance policies that carry $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident, $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability.

Of course, higher liability limits are recommended, as damages can exceed this amount in a severe accident. There are other types of coverage available as well. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), for example, lets you file a claim for damages with your own insurance company if you’re injured in an accident with a driver without insurance (or too little insurance).

If the other vehicle's driver has acted negligently, you may be entitled to compensation for all of your injuries and damages stemming from the accident. This can involve damages to your vehicle and medical bills, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Alabama law allows for additional financial compensation when an accident causes permanent scarring, disfigurement, or mental anguish. Your auto accident attorney can help you determine what compensation might be available to you or your loved one.

Reliable Gadsden car accident attorneys

If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, the Gadsden car accident attorneys at Mezrano Law Firm are here to help. Our experienced legal team provides straightforward, honest representation.