Tag Archive for: car crash

chronic pain after a car crash

Living With Chronic Pain After a Car Accident in Alabama

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Chronic pain is one of the most tragic and life-changing outcomes of an accident. Chronic pain can make everyday tasks like working, enjoying hobbies, or even moving around a struggle. Learning how to manage this pain is important, as is dealing with the emotional and legal challenges that come with it.

Chronic pain can affect your quality of life, making it harder to do things you once took for granted. It’s not just about physical discomfort—it also impacts your mental and emotional well-being. Recognizing this and taking steps to address it can make a big difference. Support from healthcare providers, family, and friends is important while navigating these difficult times. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone; there are resources and strategies available to help you cope and find relief.

Getting full and fair compensation for your injuries can give you the support you need to move forward with chronic pain. Learn more about your legal options with the team at McPhillips Shinbaum. Attorney Aaron Luck is committed to helping car accident victims seek justice—call us at 334-262-1911 to set up a consultation now.

How Car Accidents Can Lead to Chronic Pain

Persistent pain after a car accident can stem from several types of injuries, some of which take months or even years to heal. Knowing the common sources of chronic pain can help individuals recognize when to seek help. These include:

  • Whiplash: A common injury that affects the neck and shoulders, often resulting in long-term stiffness and discomfort.
  • Back Injuries: Damage to the spine or muscles can lead to ongoing pain, making everyday tasks challenging.
  • Fractures and Soft Tissue Damage: These injuries might heal slowly and sometimes leave behind lingering pain.

If you experience symptoms like persistent soreness, tingling, numbness, or a limited range of motion, it may signal the onset of a chronic condition. Seeking medical attention promptly is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another frequent source of chronic pain. These injuries can interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate pain, compounding the physical discomfort with emotional challenges. For victims, the combination of chronic pain and difficulty managing emotions often makes recovery especially tough.

 

Approaches to Managing Long-Term Pain

Managing chronic pain involves a mix of medical treatments and lifestyle changes. Doctors may prescribe pain medications or suggest physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility. In some cases, surgery might be necessary—however, surgery comes with its own risks, so it may not be recommended until less intrusive treatments have been tried.

Alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic care can also help reduce pain. Lifestyle changes are equally important—regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation can make a big difference. Working closely with healthcare professionals is key to creating a pain management plan tailored to your needs. Each person’s experience with pain is unique, so finding what works best for you is essential. You may also want to keep a journal that tracks your pain levels and what you do to manage them. This type of journal can help you uncover trends and discover what works.

 

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Living with chronic pain can lead to significant emotional and psychological stress. It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even depressed as you navigate your daily life. Pain can make it hard to sleep, affecting your mood and energy levels. Social interactions might become less enjoyable, leading to feelings of isolation. Addressing these emotional challenges is essential for your overall well-being.

Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be a valuable tool in managing these emotions. Speaking with a mental health professional can provide strategies to cope with stress and anxiety. It’s also important to communicate your feelings with family and friends, allowing them to offer support. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your physical pain.

It’s also important to note that many chronic pain sufferers report brain fog. This can impact your ability to tolerate pain, think clearly about pain management, and get through daily life. A thorough treatment plan should address this side effect.

 

Choose McPhillips Shinbaum for Your Alabama Car Accident Claim

At McPhillips Shinbaum, we work to help car accident victims get fair and full compensation. Take the first step now by setting up a consultation with attorney Aaron Luck. Get in touch online or call us at 334-262-1911.

Driver Fatigue and Car AccidentsDriver Fatigue and Car Accidents

How Driver Fatigue Contributes to Car Crashes in Alabama

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Car accidents caused by driver fatigue are a serious issue in Alabama, leading to devastating consequences for those involved. Unfortunately, this issue is growing in severity every day, with an ever-increasing number of collisions being traced back to tired drivers.

It’s crucial that you understand your legal options after a fatigued driving crash. That’s where our team comes in. Led by attorney Aaron Luck, we fight aggressively to help our clients recover fair and full compensation. Learn more now by calling us at 334-262-1911 to set up a consultation.

Driver Fatigue and Its Causes

Driver fatigue is a significant hazard that can affect anyone who gets behind the wheel. This weariness stems from several sources, like consistently not getting enough sleep, driving for too many hours without taking breaks, or even medical conditions that haven’t been diagnosed or treated properly. 

Your body requires a certain amount of sleep, and no amount of coffee or loud music can trick it into feeling awake. This need for rest can sneak up on drivers, often without them realizing how much their alertness has dwindled. As you become more tired, your ability to make quick decisions and respond to sudden changes on the road decreases. 

How Driver Fatigue Affects Driving Performance

When you drive while fatigued, your reaction time slows down, making it harder to make quick moves or decisions. This is critical when you need to stop suddenly or dodge an unexpected obstacle on the road. Driver fatigue makes it tough to keep your car straight in its lane. You might find yourself swerving without even realizing it, increasing the risk of hitting another car or running off the road. Missing important signs or signals becomes more likely because your brain isn’t processing information as swiftly or accurately as it should. These aren’t just minor slip-ups. They’re serious hazards that can lead to accidents, putting everyone on the road in danger. Being aware of how tiredness affects your ability to drive safely is crucial.

Legal Consequences of Fatigue-Related Car Accidents in Alabama

In Alabama, facing the aftermath of a car accident caused by driving while tired can be very serious. The law can hold you accountable for any harm or damage that happened because of the crash. This means you might have to deal with some hefty fines, your driver’s license could be suspended, and in some cases, you could even face criminal charges. You must know both what you’re responsible for and your rights under Alabama law.

Are You Owed Compensation After a Crash?

After experiencing a car accident caused by driver fatigue, you might wonder if you’re entitled to compensation. Fair compensation should cover your medical bills, lost income because you couldn’t work, and the pain you’ve gone through. It’s important to explore your legal options to find out if you can get compensation for what happened to you. You’ll need to get in touch with a personal injury expert who understands the intricacies of car accident claims. They can help you figure out your rights and the best path forward.

Proving Driver Fatigue

Showing that driver fatigue was behind a car accident is a tough but vital part of your case. To do this, you’ll need strong proof, like what witnesses observed, what’s in the police report, and what experts on sleep and driving say about the crash. These pieces of evidence can point to signs that the driver was too tired to be driving safely. 

For example, if the driver admitted to yawning a lot, having trouble focusing, or missing exits, these can be clues that sleepiness played a role in the accident. Gathering this kind of evidence might seem daunting, but it’s where having a skilled attorney can really make a difference. They know exactly what to look for and how to put together the strongest case possible on your behalf.

Take the First Step in Your Car Accident Claim Now

The sooner you reach out to the car accident team at McPhillips Shinbaum, the more time we have to investigate your crash and start advocating for you. Schedule a consultation now by calling us at 334-262-1911 or filling out our quick and easy contact form.

Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

Things Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know After a Car Accident

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Being involved in a Montgomery car accident leaves you with trauma, both physical and emotional. In the aftermath, dealing with insurance companies can add another layer of stress to an already difficult situation. It’s important to remember that you have rights and options when it comes to handling the aftermath of a car accident, including understanding what insurance companies may not want you to know.

The team at McPhillips Shinbaum, led by attorney Aaron Luck, can help you fight for justice. Call us at 334-262-1911 to discuss your next steps.

The Initial Settlement Offer Is Rarely the Best Offer

After a car accident, you might quickly hear from the insurance company with an offer to settle your claim. This might feel like a relief at first, but take a moment before you say yes. Why? Because the first offer they make is often not the best one you could get. Insurance companies are in the business of saving money, so their initial offer might be lower than what you’re truly entitled to.

You’ll want to make sure the settlement covers all your needs. This includes medical bills, car repairs, and any wages you lost from missing work. Before you agree to their first offer, it’s smart to talk to a personal injury lawyer. They can help by looking at the details of your case and advising you if the offer is fair or if you should negotiate for more.

Consulting a Lawyer Can Be Beneficial

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle without all the pieces. This is where the expertise of a personal injury lawyer becomes invaluable. Their attorneys specialize in understanding the intricacies of car accident claims and can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. They have the knowledge to negotiate with insurance companies, aiming to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. Don’t be surprised if the insurance company tries to dissuade you from hiring a lawyer; they are acting in their best interests, not yours.

There Are Deadlines for Filing Claims and Lawsuits

Understanding the timeline for filing insurance claims and lawsuits after a car accident is crucial. Each state sets its own laws, so it’s important to know the limits in place before you delay your case too much. 

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is typically two years from the accident date. If your claim negotiations drag on and on without you filing a lawsuit, you could unintentionally let that two-year window close. When that happens, you have essentially no way to fight for compensation. While you technically can file a lawsuit in court, it will likely be dismissed right away because the statute of limits has passed. Do not let them run out the clock or you’ll be left shouldering the expenses of your claim alone.

Not All Damages Are Immediately Apparent

In the chaos that follows a car accident, it’s easy to focus on the visible losses: dents in your car, a broken arm, or a laceration. But there are unseen injuries that can sneak up on you later. Think about how a bruise sometimes shows up days after you bump into something. Injuries like whiplash or concussions might not wave red flags until much later. That’s why seeing a doctor right away and keeping track of how you feel is so important.

These hidden injuries can end up needing more care down the road, and if you haven’t documented them from the start, it might be tough to get help covering the cost. Just like you wouldn’t ignore a slow leak in your tire, don’t overlook the small signs your body might be giving you after an accident.

Some injuries that aren’t immediately visible can cause lasting health issues. For example, internal bleeding is fatal when not immediately treated. Even when it is immediately treated, it can still result in death.

Insurance companies are quick to offer a settlement because not all losses can be seen right away. This allows them to offer compensation only for what is visible, not what could still go wrong.

Fight for Compensation with McPhillips Shinbaum

When you’re ready to move forward with your claim, the team at McPhillips Shinbaum is ready to listen. Call us at 334-262-1911 or contact us online to schedule a consultation now.

Roundabout car accidents

Common Causes of Roundabout Car Accidents

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Roundabouts are generally a safe and efficient way to manage traffic and avoid massive traffic backups. However, they do come with their downsides. Accidents that occur in roundabouts can block off multiple lanes of traffic, causing traffic delays in all directions. It’s important to understand how roundabout collisions happen so you can protect yourself while navigating Montgomery’s roundabouts.

If you’ve been injured in a Montgomery car accident, don’t wait any longer to find out if you’re entitled to compensation. Attorney Aaron Luck at McPhillips Shinbaum is committed to helping victims like you fight for justice. Give us a call at 334-262-1911 to set up a consultation with our personal injury team now.

General Inexperience

Roundabouts aren’t found everywhere in the country. When they start appearing on local roads, those who have never encountered them outside of driver’s education may be unsure about how to navigate them. A number of roundabout collisions are the result of general driver inexperience. If they don’t know who has the right to enter the roundabout first, who is supposed to yield, and how to exit the roundabout properly, accidents are inevitable. Drivers need to review the expectations of roundabouts when they begin to reach their community.

Failure to Yield

Failure to yield is an incredibly common problem in roundabouts. One of the most important rules in a roundabout is to yield to vehicles that are already in the roundabout. In most traffic situations, you yield to vehicles on the right; roundabouts are the only real exception where you yield to vehicles on your left. Drivers who misinterpret these rules, try to sneak in when it’s not their turn, or misjudge the speed and proximity of other vehicles, cause a variety of accidents.

Improper Lane Usage

Some roundabouts only have one lane, and those are generally much easier to navigate. But roundabouts, particularly those in busier areas or at high-volume intersections, have two, three, or even more lanes. Navigating these lanes correctly is crucial when it comes to avoiding accidents. 

Roundabouts have signs indicating what each lane is for; in some cases, you must use the far right lane to exit. In some, multiple lanes are used for exiting. When someone tries to exit from the far left lane, that involves cutting across multiple lanes of traffic and drastically increasing the likelihood of an accident. Drivers should familiarize themselves with the signs at the entrance of the roundabout and avoid last-minute exits.

Speeding and Loss of Control

It is all too easy to speed in a roundabout. People often underestimate how difficult it is to drive in a tight circle, and when they start speeding up, it’s all too easy to lose control. The Internet is full of videos of people who underestimate their speed while entering a roundabout, which sends them flying over the middle of the intersection. When a driver loses control, they may cut across multiple lanes, spin out, or even flip over. Assuming that everyone else is moving through the roundabout appropriately, accidents are bound to happen.

Distractions

Distracted driving is dangerous in every situation, but it is particularly risky in roundabouts. The lanes are narrow, vehicles are constantly entering and exiting, and you must be aware of your surroundings and other drivers’ actions. Stopping to read the signs in the roundabout, change the music station, check your phone, or even talk to your friend in the passenger seat is an unnecessary risk. Not only do you have to pay attention to your efforts to stay in your own lane, but you must be ready to take evasive action if another driver starts to drift into your lane.

Roundabout accidents are common, but you don’t have to figure out your next steps alone. If someone else’s error led to your accident, you could be entitled to compensation.

Injured in a Roundabout Crash? Call McPhillips Shinbaum Now

The team at McPhillips Shinbaum is here to help you pursue full and fair compensation after a Montgomery roundabout accident. Let’s get started with a free consultation; we’ll discuss your next steps, your legal options, and our advice. Call us at 334-262-1911 or get in touch online to set up a consultation with attorney Aaron Luck.

Dangers of Distracted Driving

Tragic Death of Teen Highlights Dangers of Distracted Driving

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A tragic accident earlier this year serves as a reminder of how hard it can be to avoid the distraction of a phone while driving, and the dangers those distractions can pose. In May of this year, a local 17-year-old in a Mazda 6 was leaving a friend’s house at around 2:15 in the afternoon, heading toward Highway 45 in Citronelle. According to Citronelle Police, the teen, whose name was not released due to her age, was briefly distracted by her phone while driving, and unfortunately pulled out onto the highway at the wrong moment. An oncoming tractor-trailer already traveling at highway speeds was unable to avoid the Mazda, and the girl was killed in the crash. The driver of the tractor-trailer did not experience any injuries.

Distracted driving remains a major problem on US roads. Texting while driving is often cited as a major problem, but there are many ways that drivers can become distracted to a dangerous degree. There are three forms of driver distraction: 1) Visual, where the driver takes their eyes off the road; 2) Cognitive, where the driver takes their mind off the road, and; 3) Manual, where the driver takes their hands off the wheel. An activity like eating while driving would likely be both a manual and visual distraction. Looking at a GPS device for directions, a visual distraction. However, texting while driving is a cognitive, visual, and manual distraction. Texting while driving can make a crash up to 23 times more likely to occur. Texting takes the driver’s eyes off the road for a prolonged period of time, as compared to many other activities. Researchers estimate that a driver will spend at least five seconds with her eyes off the road if texting while driving. When traveling at 55 mph, this would mean that the car would travel the length of a football field before the driver looked up. The US Department of Transportation has found that teens make up the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of a fatal crash.

Hopefully, this tragedy can help others to be more aware of the dangers not just of sending a text while driving but reading one as well. As this incident illustrates, distracted driving can be as dangerous to the distracted driver as it is to others on the road. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, contact the skilled attorneys at McPhillips Shinbaum for a free consultation on your car accident and personal injury claims, at 866-224-8664.

Tractor Trailer

Woman Dies in Accident with Tractor Trailer

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A woman has died after colliding with a semi. Lashunda Patrice Wells, 38, of Tuscaloosa, was driving on Interstate 65 near Hayden, Alabama, in Blount County on July 1st. For reasons not yet reported, Wells lost control of her 2005 Nissan Altima. The Altima struck a metal guard rail, bouncing back into traffic. When the car returned to the lanes of traffic, it was struck by a 2005 Peterbilt tractor trailer, as driven by Rick Griesbach, of Westborough, Wisconsin. The Altima then came to rest on the center concrete median. Wells was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Griesbach was uninjured.

Tractor-trailers and semi trucks can be highly lethal presences on roads and highways. While many professional truckers are experienced and skilled at what they do, there is simply more risk of harm involved should anything go wrong on the road either with or near a large truck. Tractor-trailers require almost 150% as long to come to a complete stop when traveling at highway speeds than would a passenger vehicle. Factors such as weather conditions can also come into play, as can any excessive wear-and-tear on the truck’s tires. Where a passenger vehicle may have been able to swerve around a car that quickly merged into traffic, tractor trailers bear a much greater risk of jackknifing or overturning, due to the weight of cargo in the trailer. Thus, attempting to avoid a hazard in the road could result in even more damage than simply colliding with the car or object immediately in front of a tractor trailer.

Accidents with tractor trailers or other large trucks can be highly destructive. Due to the number of components that can fail on a large truck, and the various parties that may be involved in maintaining, operating, and owning a tractor trailer, legal and factual issues involved in an accident with a tractor trailer can be convoluted and hard to keep straight. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a semi truck or tractor trailer, seek experienced legal help to determine if you may be owed compensation for your injuries in the crash. Contact the skilled Montgomery, Alabama personal injury attorneys at McPhillips Shinbaum to discuss your options. Our truck accident attorneys are available to offer a free consultation on a possible claim for individuals based in and around Montgomery, including Coosada, Pike Road, Deatsville, Lapine, and Titus. Call 334-262-1911 today.