Gulf Shores Car Accident Lawyer

A serious car accident can easily be one of the most traumatizing experiences you ever go through. Victims often report hearing the sounds of the crash for years after they recover, and many struggle to even get back into a car after a severe collision. Beyond the mental trauma a crash can cause, you’ll likely also struggle with physical injuries, damage to your vehicle, and serious financial setbacks.

That’s why it’s so important to talk to a car accident lawyer in Gulf Shores after a collision. The team at Burns, Cunningham & Mackey can help you fight for the compensation you’re owed. Call us at 800-574-4332 to set up a consultation now.

What Causes Car Accidents in Gulf Shores?

The Alabama Department of Transportation investigates collisions to find out what causes collisions throughout the state. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:

• Misjudging your stopping distance
• Unsafe lane changes
• Improper use of traffic lanes
• Failing to heed signs or traffic signals
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Failing to see an obstacle on the road
• Driving while fatigued
• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Aggressive driving

There are other issues that can cause car accidents, such as poorly maintained roads, unclear signs, and vehicle failures. However, the vast majority of crashes are the result of human error. This is true despite the growing number of safety features built into new vehicles. Knowing this can help you keep yourself and your family safe. While you cannot control how other people drive, you can be aware of common driving mistakes and be cautious of others on the road.

Protecting Yourself After a Collision

What you do after a collision really makes a difference when you start your personal injury claim. The team at Burns, Cunningham & Mackey advises that accident victims take the following steps after a crash:

• Call the police and report the accident. The Gulf Shores Police Department is your point of contact after a collision. When you call, make sure to alert them to any injuries you notice on yourself or your passengers. They’ll be able to send the appropriate emergency personnel.
• Exchange information with the other driver. You and the other driver should exchange contact and insurance information. The other driver may encourage you to settle the claim without involving insurance. This often indicates that they have a history of dangerous driving and they don’t want to report another collision to their insurance company, which is even more reason to go through insurance.
• Photograph any injuries. If you or your passengers have suffered injuries, take photographs to document what they looked like immediately after the crash. They can serve as a starting point as you track the progress of your injuries over time.
• Photograph the crash scene. It is always better to have too many photos instead of too few. Take pictures from different angles, multiple distances, and points of view. Try to get some photos that include both cars’ license plates, local businesses, road signs, and other identifying markers. You may even want to get video footage, as this is generally more difficult to edit and can strengthen your personal injury claim.
• Touch base with eyewitnesses. If there are eyewitnesses at the scene of the crash, talk to them and get their contact information. A neutral third party can be a huge advantage for your personal injury claim.
• Seek medical care. Depending on the severity of your injuries, head to a local urgent care facility or emergency room. Local options include South Baldwin Medical Group Urgent Care, and the freestanding emergency department of the same medical group.
• Talk to a Gulf Shores car accident lawyer. Once you’ve gotten checked out by a doctor and your condition is stable, it’s time to talk to an attorney. Call Burns, Cunningham & Mackey right away.

Compensation Options for Car Accident Victims

Car accident victims may be entitled to a wide range of compensation after a crash, depending on the severity of their injuries and the evidence they have. Compensation is often awarded for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• In severe accidents, future medical expenses and future lost income

Getting the compensation that you deserve may be more challenging than you think, especially in Alabama. Alabama uses the concept of contributory negligence. If your case goes to court and the jury finds that you are at all liable for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. Yes, even if the other driver is 95% at fault for the accident. If you were going a few miles over the speed limit and the jury decides you are 5% at fault, that means you get zero compensation. This is far harsher than the laws used in other states, so it could affect your journey toward a settlement.

How Burns, Cunningham & Mackey Can Help You

At Burns, Cunningham & Mackey, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of serious car crashes. We’ve also seen the wide range of tactics insurance companies use to deny victims the full and fair compensation they rightfully deserve. These tactics have left far too many car accident victims without the money they need to pay medical bills, make up for lost time at work, and repair damaged vehicles.

We know that you deserve better. Our team works to build the strongest case possible for each and every client, gathering every piece of evidence and using it to prove the other party’s liability. While most cases settle out of court, we know that court is always an option—and our case preparation shows this. By building a court-ready case, we push the insurance companies to offer a fair settlement without endless delay tactics. Whether your case is settled outside of court or takes us to the courtroom, we are ready.

Reach Out Today to Start Your Claim

You deserve aggressive, dependable representation after a car crash in Gulf Shores. Let us help you through this difficult time. Set up a consultation with Burns, Cunningham & Mackey by calling us at 800-574-4332 or sending us a message online.