Tuscaloosa Car Accident Lawyer

When you get behind the wheel of your car to go to work, school, run errands or simply go for a drive, you likely don’t immediately think about getting into an accident. It might be at the back of your mind, but it isn’t the main focus of your trip. Yes, you want to arrive at your destination in one piece, but how focused are you on avoiding an accident? The sad fact of the matter these days is that there are thousands of distracted drivers on the roads of Tuscaloosa each day, putting your life and the life of those in your car at risk. The Tuscaloosa car accident attorneys from the Mezrano Law Firm are here to make sure you are properly compensated for the injuries suffered in a car crash caused by another driver, defective car parts, and road defects.

What are Minor Impact Soft Tissues (MIST) injuries?

If you were injured in a car accident you might have heard the term MIST used to describe your injuries. MIST is an acronym that is short for Minor Impact Soft Tissues. These are injuries to any soft tissue in your body and contrary to popular belief, can be caused by minor fender bender accidents. There are four main soft tissue injuries most commonly associated with car accidents and they include strains, sprains, whiplash and contusions.

• Strains: The most common area of the body to suffer a strain from a car accident is the back. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is torn or stretched.
• Sprains: A sprain occurs when a ligament or muscle is stretched or torn. This injury most often happens in the ankle, wrist, arm or knee. This injury often leads to swelling and severe pain to the point where the patient cannot complete simple daily tasks.
• Whiplash: Quite possibly the most common MIST injury caused by a car accident is whiplash. Victims of Tuscaloosa car accidents suffer whiplash when their head and neck are violently shaken back and forth by the impact of the crash. Issues with memory, concentration, dizziness, balance and headaches are all side effects of a whiplash injury.
• Contusions: A contusion occurs when the capillary under the skin ruptures because of some type of force or impact. The area affected will become sore and develop a visible bruise or discoloration. A contusion will eventually heal above the skin, but the muscles or tendons underneath might suffer permanent damage.

Neck injuries suffered in car accidents can be severe. You could wind up in a neck brace for months on end and might even require surgery to repair the damage. You will endure issues with range, turning your head, lifting your head and more. A neck injury can change how you live your life.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are also serious Tuscaloosa car accident injuries that can change your life in an instant. The least severe of all TBI is the concussion, which can be healed with rest and minor treatment. But, if a head-on collision, you can suffer serious TBI that can paralyze you. TBI can also force you to relearn basic life skills, like feeding yourself, bathing, getting dressed and walking.

Common causes of Tuscaloosa car accidents

Tuscaloosa car accidents happen all too often and leave victims dealing with serious injuries that change their lives forever. There is a slew of reasons why car accidents occur, with distracted driving quickly becoming a leading cause. Some other causes of car accidents in the Tuscaloosa area include the following:

• Impaired (drunk and drugged) driving
• Inclement weather
• Inexperienced drivers
• Drowsy drivers
• Aggressive driving

Road defects cause a lot of accidents

Road defects are a big problem in the Tuscaloosa area. A road defect is defined as any issue with a shared road that is not addressed and fixed by the local government, which can be held accountable when it leads to an accident. Some common road defects include the following:

• Poor drainage
• Potholes
• Road indentations
• Overgrown vegetation
• Missing guardrails
• Uneven pavement
• Missing or faded lane markings

You can make a claim against the county if your injuries were caused by a problem with the road itself, or for problems with signage, lighting, or other hazards.

How do I file an insurance claim?

If you were injured in a Tuscaloosa car accident, it’s important to speak with our experienced personal injury attorneys before talking to an insurance company, even if it’s your own insurance company. Insurance companies are in the business of paying out as little as possible to their customers when claims are filed. Agreeing to a payout without first speaking to an attorney could lead you to receive far less than what your injury is worth. Our attorneys can advise you on how to go about filing a claim. For example, do you file a claim against your own insurance company or the insurance carrier of the at-fault driver, or both?

What kinds of damages can I claim?

You can make a claim for two types of compensatory damages. Economic damages are things like your medical bills, your property loss, and your lost wages. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium and companionship, and other less-tangible losses.

Claiming pain and suffering in a Tuscaloosa car accident

Pain and suffering are common after a Tuscaloosa car accident. This is one of the more difficult damages to claim because it often does not have any physical, visible signs. Because of this, it’s important to consult a Tuscaloosa car accidents attorney from the Mezrano Law Firm. Our attorneys know how difficult it is to live with emotional distress, anxiety, sleeplessness and other emotional injuries that stem from a car accident. Make sure you collect all of the supporting evidence listed below when claiming pain and suffering:

• Doctors’ notes
• Medical bills
• Medical records
• Photos of injuries
• Lost wages
• Receipts for prescription medication

In order to receive compensation for pain and suffering, you will need to show the insurance company or the jury that there is a record of your physical injuries that led to pain and suffering. A medical diagnosis from your family physician or other doctor will also help your claim succeed.

Call the Mezrano Law Firm today

If you ever find yourself sitting in the hospital following a car accident you need the right attorneys on your side.