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CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS: YOUR GUIDE TO NAVIGATING THE AFTERMATH

Call an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights and Fight For Your Recovery

The smell of burning rubber isn’t easy to forget. Neither is that feeling of weightless motion, followed by the crunch of metal and glass as your body lurches against your seat belt. Or the sudden stillness that follows, the smell of burning rubber and gasoline in the air, adrenaline pounding in your ears as you struggle to orient yourself and process what just happened. If you've just experienced a car accident, know that you are not alone. 6 million auto accidents take place in the United States each year - causing approximately 3 million injuries and more than 42,000 deaths.

Many of these accidents result from negligence, or the failure to take reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm. Car accidents are all unique in their circumstances, damages, and severity. Maybe it’s the 4th of July, and after an evening of watching fireworks at the lake, someone five beers over the legal limit rear ends you at a stoplight. Maybe a new driver is too busy texting about that concert tomorrow night to check her mirrors before changing lanes and merging her parents’ car directly into yours. Maybe an exhausted worker heading back from his graveyard shift blinks a little too long, runs a stop sign, and t-bones your car. Thousands of “maybes” happen every day, devastating families and derailing lives. Car accidents can have far-reaching, devastating effects on a person's future. The physical impact of a wreck can range from minor bruises and cuts to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even full or partial paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, both of which require time off work and a significant financial commitment. Between lost wages, the cost of auto repair, and the medical bills piling up on the kitchen table, many accident victims feel overwhelmed by worry and financial strain.

Likewise, the emotional impact of a car accident cannot be dismissed. The shock and fear of a crash - especially one causing debilitating injuries - can lead to months or years of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Accident victims frequently struggle with nightmares, flashbacks, and a general sense of fear and vulnerability. The emotional scars left by an accident can last a lifetime, impacting every aspect of a person's life, from their relationships to their work. Even if you’re lucky enough to exit the scene with only an adrenaline rush, auto accidents consume your energy and resources. You now have to find another way to get to work - and spend your valuable time on the phone with insurance companies and auto shops. Worse, if the other driver is illegally uninsured or refuses to admit fault, you may be forced to file a lawsuit to avoid taking on the full financial burden of the accident.

The trauma of your experience may have left you feeling helpless, vulnerable and without recourse - while it's easy to want to bear the burden alone, to try and deal with the aftermath of your accident without any help, you don't have to take this on by yourself. Your physical, emotional, and financial well-being matter to us, and our car accident attorneys are here to ensure you don't take on the burden of another person's negligence. You deserve to have the time, peace of mind, and financial resources you need to recover.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEGAL OPTIONS

Car accidents can happen to anyone, at any time. Whether you're taking a trip, driving a familiar route to work or school, or picking up groceries at Walmart, a sudden crash can turn your life upside down in seconds. This traumatic experience may leave you with devastating injuries and a totaled vehicle. The financial strain of medical bills, repairs, and the wages lost sitting in a hospital room can leave accident survivors feeling overwhelmed and stressed beyond endurance. These burdens can also lead to a loss of credit and business, making it difficult for people to get back on their feet after the accident. In some cases, car accidents can result in permanent disabilities like paralysis or traumatic brain injury, which can entirely erase a person's future earning potential.

While it's important for accident victims to seek support from friends, family, and medical professionals throughout their recovery, the financial, physical and emotional toll of a serious accident can put a strain on even the closest relationships. This is especially true when your recovery process is complicated by the greed or apathy of insurance companies, who often prioritize their own profits over the well-being of accident victims. These companies may deny or undervalue your claim, adding to your stress and frustration and adding obstacles to your path to recovery.

In these situations, accident victims may need to file a lawsuit to recover their expenses. When navigating the legal system for the first time, it's vital to have an attorney on your side who understands the ins and outs of car accident law, who can effectively represent your interests, and who is dedicated to helping you obtain justice. The awards our attorneys win for their clients can pay for a variety of damages, including:

Medical bills - any expenses that resulted from your accident, including medication, hospital stays, surgeries, medical equipment, and nursing care.

Lost Wages - any present or future income you've lost in connection with your accident and subsequent injury.

Property Damages - this covers repairs to a damaged vehicle or the replacement of a totaled one.

Pain and Suffering - this award amount can vary greatly and takes emotional suffering into account alongside physical injuries.

Misc Damages - these may include out-of-pocket expenses, punitive damages, or compensation for the death of a loved one.

COMMON CAUSES OF CAR ACCIDENTS

Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes include:

Distracted Driving - this is one of the prime causes of car accidents. Phone use, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or navigation system, talking to passengers, and a variety of other activities can take a driver's attention away from the road, causing a crash.

Drunk Driving - 32 people are killed every day in crashes involving a driver whose judgment has been impaired by alcohol.

Speeding - driving at high speeds both decreases a driver's control of the vehicle and reduces the time they have to react to hazards, other cars, or sudden changes in road conditions.

Reckless Driving - this includes weaving in and out of lanes, lack of turn signals, tailgating, ignoring traffic signals and signs, and other behaviors that put people's lives at risk.

Weather Conditions - adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, fog, and ice can significantly reduce a driver's visibility and control of the car.

Defective Vehicle Parts - worn out tires, faulty brakes, and other mechanical problems are a major cause of wrecks.

Road Rage - after a real or perceived slight, aggressive driving behaviors - including tailgating, honking, and swerving - can escalate into an accident.

Regardless of the cause of your accident, you should not have to deal with the consequences alone. In times like these, it's important to have an experienced injury attorney on your side to build a strong case on your behalf. While you focus on recovery, your car accident attorney will investigate the circumstances of your accident, contact insurance companies, gather evidence, and work with our other auto accident attorneys to build a compelling argument on your behalf.

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COMMON CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

Car accidents can result in a variety of painful injuries, some of which can be life-threatening. If you've been injured in a car accident, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don't feel pain right away, some injuries may be masked by the adrenaline of the moment, and some may not make themselves known for days, or even weeks. By seeking prompt medical evaluation, you can not only ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, but strengthen your accident claim.

The car accident injuries listed below can have a profound impact on your life. An injury can be a constant reminder of your accident and the trauma that you've experienced, and your physical pain and limitations may prevent you from doing things you once enjoyed. The emotional toll of your injuries can make it difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, past the sadness, anger, and frustration. The road to recovery may be difficult, but with time, perseverance, and support from loved ones, medical providers, and our injury lawyers, it's possible to overcome these challenges and continue your life.

Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

Whiplash injuries occur most frequently in rear end collisions, and are caused by the abrupt forward movement of a struck vehicle. The occupants' heads are suddenly forced to snap back and forth with the vehicle, stretching the muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back muscles beyond their typical range of motion. These injuries lead to significant pain and swelling, and are best managed with icing and over-the-counter pain medication.

Sudden collisions can be destructive to the body's structure. During a crash, occupants' limbs often hit hard surfaces within the car with great force, splintering or fracturing bones. The severity of the fractures can vary depending on the type of collision and the speed of the vehicles involved. The treatment for broken bones typically involves immobilization of the affected area, which may require a cast or surgery in more severe cases.

Auto crashes account for nearly 14% of all traumatic brain injuries in the United States each year. During a crash, the forceful impact of the brain against the skull can disrupt its normal function, leading to immediate loss of consciousness, memory loss, or physical impairment. Serious head injuries - from concussions to traumatic brain injuries - are common in wrecks, and often lead to hearing, vision, and memory problems. Head injuries can vary widely in their severity and modes of treatment - if you suspect you might have a head injury after your accident, seek immediate emergency care.

A sudden violent collision can harm the bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the upper and lower back. Back and neck injuries can present as sharp or burning pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, tingling, and mobility issues. The most common spinal injuries include sprains, herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae - these injuries can cause paralysis or painful degenerative spinal disorders that require long-term treatment. To treat non-vertebral injuries, medical experts usually recommend painkillers, physical therapy, a neck brace, cold packs, and elevation.

Damage to internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, spleen, liver, bladder, kidneys, or intestines, can cause systemic failure in the body or life-threatening internal bleeding. Internal injuries are often deadly if not treated immediately,

During a moment of a violent impact, broken glass, metal, or other sharp objects in the vehicle can lacerate or penetrate the skin, leading to wounds that can vary in severity. The head, face, arms, and legs are most commonly affected by lacerations during a crash. To avoid infection or scarring, it's important to seek prompt medical attention for these injuries. Depending on the severity of the cuts, treatment may range from first aid to a few stitches to emergency care.

When the body is hit with blunt force, damage occurs to underlying tissues and blood vessels, causing dark bruising. Contusions can range from mild to severe, and can occur in any part of the body during a car accident, but most typically the head, arms, and legs. Mild contusions can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, while more serious ones may require imaging tests to assess the damage.

Car crashes can result in psychological traumas as well as physical ones. Psychological trauma can manifest in various ways, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and substance abuse disorders. Invisible psychological injuries can derail a person's life as easily as physical injuries. Treatment for psychological trauma can vary depending on symptoms and severity. Common treatments may include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support groups.

BENEFITS OF HIRING A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

When you've recently been injured in a car accident, you might be at one of the most vulnerable points in your life. You're stressed out, dealing with the pain and limitations of your injuries, and struggling with the mental and financial burdens of your accident. The insurance companies you're forced to call are in the business of making money, not supporting your recovery. They may try to offer you a lowball settlement that doesn't fully cover your damages, or deny your accident claim entirely. At this stage, you need a car accident lawyer who is guaranteed to protect your rights, can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, and will fight for the compensation you deserve.

Having a car accident attorney on your side can greatly increase your chances of success. Your accident lawyer understands the situation you're in and has valuable knowledge of the complex laws and regulations surrounding auto accidents. At Wettermark Keith, our car wreck lawyers are here to help you every step of the way while you recover from your accident. Your attorney can help you with a variety of tasks, including:

Assessing the value of your injury case

Gathering evidence to support your case

Identifying the responsible parties

Negotiating with insurance companies for compensation

Filing a vehicle accident claim

Representing you in court, if necessary

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Our 3-Step Process

Connect With Us:

Call our office at (877) 715-9300 or use our online form to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our legal team.

We Assess Your Case

In our initial review, our experienced team will analyze the details of your case and map out potential strategies. If you've experienced an injury due to negligence, we’ll assign one of our expert personal injury attorneys to handle your case.

We Defend Your Rights

As one of the Southeast’s top personal injury firms, Wettermark Keith is fully committed to advocating for your rightful compensation and recovery. If an injury has disrupted your life, let our dedicated attorneys seek justice on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Immediately after your accident, as the storm begins to calm, the first and most important thing to do is to check yourself and others for any injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, immediately call 911 for emergency medical care. Once you've ensured everyone's safety, exchange contact and insurance information with any other parties involved in the accident. If possible, take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area, including street signs and traffic lights. It's also important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible - even if you don't plan to file a claim. Finally, you should call an injury law firm and get in contact with a qualified car accident lawyer who will ensure your compensation.

While it's possible to handle an accident claim on your own, it's not advisable. After an auto accident, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected and that you obtain compensation. They can investigate the car crash, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and interview accident witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If your case goes to trial, our attorneys will fight for your rights in court.

This depends on the statute of limitations in your state. For example, in Alabama, you have two years from the date of the accident to file, in Tennessee, you have one year, and in Florida, you have four. However, there are some exceptions and special circumstances that can affect the time limit for filing a claim. If you need clarification on the statute of limitation in your state, contact one of our attorneys.

While the value of your case and your amount of compensation is impossible to quantify immediately after the accident, our car accident lawyers will take a variety of factors into consideration, based on their knowledge of the law and the evidence they gather from your employer, insurance company, and medical records. These factors may include current and future medical care, lost income and pain and suffering.

The cost of hiring a car wreck lawyer varies, but many work on a contingency fee basis.

PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS - CALL A WETTERMARK KEITH ACCIDENT LAWYER

Our Wettermark Keith car accident lawyers have years of experience handling cases like yours. Our attorneys know the ins and outs of the legal process, understand the complex laws and regulations surrounding car accidents, and have the skills and resources to fight for your rights. Our auto accident lawyers are results-oriented, compassionate, and dedicated to providing accident clients with expert advocacy.

If you decide to file an accident case, you can begin the process with a free evaluation over the phone. Once we learn the details of your case, we will assign it to an attorney best suited to your particular situation. While you relax, your attorney will investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence to support your case, identify the responsible parties, file your accident claim, negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, and represent your interests all the way to the courtroom, if necessary.

Having a car accident lawyer on your side can give you peace of mind in a difficult time, allowing you to prioritize your physical and psychological recovery. Whether you're dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses, we're here to help you get the justice you deserve.

WHY CHOOSE WETTERMARK KEITH AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYERS?

With offices located throughout Alabama, Tennessee and now Florida, Wettermark Keith has an excellent reputation as one of the most accomplished personal injury firms in the country. Our reach is not only regional, but includes a diverse range of practice areas, such as: personal injury cases, auto wrecks, trucking wrecks, insurance dispute claims (including storm damage claims), nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, on the job injuries (including workers compensation) social security disability, and veterans’ disability claims.

At Wettermark Keith, we believe in taking cases personally. Our purpose is to practice with care and compassion - to tell our client’s stories and make their voices heard. We do this by building strong relationships based on constant communication and an unwavering dedication to truth and trust. Winning cases isn’t our goal - caring for you is. Winning is just how we show it. As we say, it’s more to us, it’s personal.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

We understand that you're going through a difficult time, and we're here to help. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, it's important to take action right away. The statute of limitations for filing an accident claim is limited, depending on your state, so you need to act quickly to ensure that your rights are protected. At Wettermark Keith, we offer a free consultation to any accident victims who want to learn more about their legal options. During this consultation, you can discuss the details of your case with an experienced attorney and get answers to any questions you may have.

Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of auto accident victims against insurance companies, and with their expertise and decades of experience in personal injury, you can feel confident that your case is in good hands. Don't wait – contact Wettermark Keith today at (877) 715-9300 or through our website chat or web form to schedule your free consultation with an attorney and learn more about how our car accident lawyers can help you.

Wettermark Keith was extremely professional and helpful. This personal injury law firm helped my husband over 10 years ago when he fell and broke his foot on vacation. I called them first because I liked their TV commercials. They are very nice people and I would call them again if I needed a lawyer.

- Juanita

Law firm Wettermark Keith has exceeded my expectations! I recommend these lawyers to anyone and everyone I come across. Their commitment to their clients is outstanding. Communication is easy. And I got my settlement very fast. I definitely recommend working with Lee Hawker. He is very gracious and kind. He looked out for me and my family and went above and beyond for us. I’m very grateful!

- Alexa

My personal embattlement with the Social Security Administration went downhill. From a personal recommendation, I reached out to Wettermark Keith law firm. Brian Smith and his team took my case and throughout the whole process, I felt more than just another number. Frequent updates were provided, and emphasis was placed on ensuring all needed documentation was in place. In the end, the accident case resulted in a favorable victory. A big thank you to my lawyer Brian Smith and the team at Wettermark Keith for the hard work throughout the entire personal injury process.

- Dallas

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Mark English at Wettermark Keith law firm after my car accident in December 2021. He was very thorough in everything, did a wonderful job of explaining everything that was happening, and was super easy to get in touch with when I needed him. I never had a question that was left unanswered by this lawyer. He's very kind and patient, and he made the personal injury claims process so easy for me. I absolutely recommend him, it was a pleasure working with him!

- Rose

I am so elated that I utilized Mr. Muhammad Abdullah’s services. In the beginning, he told me the compensation that I would receive for my personal injury claim and I actually received more than that! After my car wreck (in my brand-new vehicle), I was actually surprised that I was in the pain that I was in. Mr. Abdullah made sure I saw the necessary people for therapy and worked hard to get me back into my car after the accident. I felt that he was diligent, listened to my concerns, and quickly got me back in my car and compensated! I will be utilizing Mr. Abdullah again and again, anytime I ever have to hire a lawyer.

- Madinah