Our roads are not as safe as they should be. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, our state has the third-highest motor vehicle fatality rate of any state in the country. Car crashes can lead to serious injuries. Following an accident, it is imperative that victims know what to do to get justice and the full and fair financial compensation that they deserve. Within this article, our Birmingham car accident injury attorneys provide an overview of the most common types of injuries and explain how to protect your rights and interests after a serious crash. 

The Most Common Automobile Accident Injuries in Alabama

Motor vehicle collisions are consistently a leading cause of accidental injuries in our region. The Alabama Department of Transportation estimates that around 55,000 people are hurt in collisions each year. While some injuries are thankfully relatively modest, too many are severe. The most common injuries reported in car crashes in Birmingham include: 

• Whiplash: Whiplash is characterized by neck pain. It generally results from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the motion of a whip. Whiplash is a form of soft tissue damage, and it can be painful and debilitating. 

• Sprains and Strains: Sprains/strains can affect muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons. Sprains involve the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, while strains affect muscles and tendons, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area. 

• Broken Bones: The extreme force of a car crash can cause fractured or broken bones. All broken bone injuries require immediate medical attention. Arms and legs are the most common broken bones in automobile collisions. 

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a form of acquired brain injury that occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. This trauma can result from a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or from a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.

• Amputation: Amputation is a devastating injury. It involves the loss of a limb or the loss of part of a limb. In some cases, amputation is actually required to save the life (or rest of the limb) of the victim. Of course, an amputation will drastically impact the injured victim’s overall quality of life. 

• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries are very serious. Internal bleeding and internal organ damage require immediate medical attention. As these injuries are not always immediately obvious, it is crucial that car accident victims get them checked out. 
• Spinal Cord Damage: Spinal cord damage is always a catastrophic injury. A person who sustains spinal cord damage in a crash may be paralyzed. A spinal cord injury could leave a person with a life-altering impairment. 

How to Protect Your Rights and Interests After a Crash

Dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle collision is never easy. It is normal to feel stressed out, confused, overwhelmed, and entirely unsure of what needs to happen next. Here is a key thing you know: You cannot rely on an insurance company to look out for your interests. It is imperative that you take proactive measures to protect yourself, your safety, and your well-being. Here are six of the most essential things that you should do after an automobile accident in Alabama: 

• Stop Your Vehicle, Exchange Information: In the immediate aftermath of a crash, Alabama law requires you to stop your vehicle and remain at the scene—unless there is a medical emergency. You should exchange pertinent information with the other parties involved, including names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration details, and insurance information. Getting the information is foundational to any legal claim. 

• Report the Crash to Law Enforcement: A car crash that results in any physical injury should be reported to law enforcement, such as the Birmingham Police Department or the Alabama Highway Patrol. A police report provides an official record of the incident. The accident report would typically detail the circumstances of the crash. 

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: All car accident injuries require immediate (professional) medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you still need to seek medical attention after a car crash. There are some relatively common auto accident injuries—such as whiplash or a concussion—that may not present symptoms immediately. Prompt medical evaluation ensures that any injuries are identified and treated early. Getting the right care not only supports your physical recovery but it establishes a record of your claim. 

• Document the Crash and Your Injuries: Alabama is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. How do you hold another party responsible for your accident? You must prove liability. Documentation is key to protecting your rights and interests after a car crash. Take photographs of the scene, secure witness contact information, and keep a detailed record of your medical treatments. 

• Consult With a Lawyer Before an Insurer: Insurance companies are not on your side. They want to pay out as little as they can get away with to resolve an auto accident claim. Before providing detailed statements or accepting settlements from insurance companies, consult with a top-tier Birmingham, AL, car accident lawyer. Your attorney can advise you on the best course of action. 
• File a Personal Injury Claim: The personal injury claims process does not move forward on its own. You need to file a claim to seek the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve. Monetary damages may be recoverable for property damages, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An attorney can help you prepare your claim. 

Set Up a Free Case Review With a Top-Tier Birmingham, AL Car Accident Attorney

At Lewis & Feldman, LLC, our Alabama car accident lawyer is committed to providing top-tier legal representation to victims and families. If you have any questions about protecting your rights or interests after a crash, we are here to help. Give us a call at 205-896-6410 or connect with our personal injury team online to set up your free case review. With an office in Birmingham, we handle auto accident injury cases throughout Alabama.