To start Passion rocks. Every question I had she was on top of it within a few hours or next day i would get a responce. Tom took the time to talk to us and let us know what he could do for us and he did just that and then some…
Serving North Alabama
Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
Why Hire A Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
Prefer a visual explanation? Watch the hit & run accident lawyer video video.
Why Choose McCutcheon & Hamner
What Sets McCutcheon & Hamner Apart From Other Personal Injury Attorneys
- Free Consultation
- No Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
- Only Pay If You Win
- Personal Injury Specialist
- Work Directly With Your Attorney
- Millions of Dollars Recovered
- Client-Centered Approach
- Small Firm Feel-Big Firm Results
- Personalized Attention & Care
Top Hit Run Accidents Lawyer: How to Navigate Your Legal Rights
Been hit and run? An attorney skilled in hit-run accidents can stand up for you, and help get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Here you will about why you need such a lawyer, what to do right away, and ways to get the most from your recovery.
Key Takeaways
-
Seeing a hit-and-run lawyer right away is key. It helps save proof, meet law deadlines, and get victims the right legal help.
-
If a hit-and-run driver hurt you, you can seek money through uninsured motorist coverage or by starting a personal injury case. You’ll need good legal help to steer through these steps.
-
Hit-and-run drivers face stiff penalties, like hefty fines or even jail time. It’s a stern reminder: folks must answer for careless actions.
The Role of a Hit-and-Run Accidents Lawyer
If you’re hurt in a hit-and-run, getting back on track can be tough. A good lawyer who knows hit-and-run cases can make all the difference. They’ll find the best way to get you what you’re owed from the moment you call them.
Talk to a skilled car accident lawyer soon to meet all legal time limits and keep important evidence safe. Lawyers good at handling hit-and-run accidents know how to gather and study proof. This could be statements from people who saw the accident, pictures, or expert recreations, to make a strong case. They work with the police to find the driver who caused the accident and make them answer for it.
Experienced accident lawyers know how to talk to insurance companies for you. They work hard so you get a fair deal. This includes money for doctor bills, lost pay, and other costs from the accident, and since we are talking about a hit-and-run accident in Alabama you can go after punitive damages as well. These lawyers stand up for you, helping you get the money you deserve and making careless drivers pay for their mistakes.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
After a hit-and-run wreck, doing the right things can protect your health and make your legal case stronger.
Get to a doctor right away, no matter how you feel. Certain injuries like internal bleeding or concussions might not reveal any symptoms immediately. It’s good for you and it gives us a medical record. That can help your case.
Snap photos at the wreck site. Get pictures of your car’s damage and any injuries you got. Look around for security cameras that might have seen the wreck. Write down names and phone numbers of folks who saw what happened. Their stories can back up what you say went down.
If you’ve had a car wreck, reach out to a seasoned lawyer quick. A good lawyer can help you file a hit-and-run claim. They’ll also talk to the police and make sure they do their job right.
Legal Consequences for the At-Fault Driver
Leaving an accident scene in Alabama isn’t taken lightly. If you hurt someone and run, it’s called a Class A misdemeanor. This means you could pay a fine or spend time in jail. If someone dies because of the accident, it’s a Class C felony. This is more serious and could mean more time in prison.
Here in Alabama, if you’re in an accident, you must stay put. Give your name, address, and show your driver’s license. If needed, help out. If you don’t, you might lose your license, pay big fines, or face criminal charges under our state law.
Tough legal penalties work to stop drivers from leaving an accident scene. They help victims get the help and justice they need when dealing with a hit-and-run.
How to Recover Compensation for Your Injuries
Getting paid after a hit-and-run isn’t simple. Having a lawyer on your side ups your chances of getting what’s fair. You might get money for doctor bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering. But it gets tricky when we can’t find who’s at fault, or when Alabama’s shared blame rule comes into play.
If you’re hurt and need to get compensated, there are two main ways. You can use your own uninsured motorist coverage or you can file a personal injury lawsuit. Each way has its own rules. Knowing these rules can make things go smoother for you.
Utilizing Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage acts like a safety guard for folks hit by unknown drivers. This insurance steps in when the driver causing the harm can’t be found. It’s like they were a known driver without insurance. This coverage helps with costs like doctor bills and missed pay, so you don’t bear these expenses alone.
You might have to make a claim with your own insurance company. Car insurance companies usually need proof of the other driver’s part in the wreck. So, collecting evidence at the scene when you’re filing claims is a good idea.
In Alabama, if the driver causing the accident can’t be identified, you can seek help from your own insurance. That’s why having uninsured motorist coverage comes in handy.
Recognized Excellence in Legal Advocacy
From top verdicts to peer nominations, our track record speaks for itself
Thank You For Making Us Your Local Choice
TimesDaily's Readers' Choice 19 Years In A Row
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit can help you get money for your injuries. This way, you can pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs from your accident. You can still sue, even if the hit-and-run driver isn’t charged with a crime.
Going through the legal steps needs a expert car wreck lawyer. They can tackle issues of shared fault and work for fair compensation. Having a lawyer can change your case’s result. They offer the help you need to get justice and recover damages.
Challenges in Identifying the Responsible Party
Finding who’s to blame in hit-and-run cases can be tough. Victims can have a hard time if there aren’t enough folks who saw what happened or if there’s no video. Different stories from those who did see it can make things more confusing and slow down the process.
You’re not alone in this. We can find the driver who fled the scene. We use things like security video, what folks saw, and physical evidence. Sometimes, we bring in a private investigator. They’re good at digging up info and locating the driver.
A lawyer can dig deep, collect the proof, and lend the legal hand you need for your case.
Working with Insurance Companies
Facing up to insurance companies after a hit-and-run can be tough. They’re known to shortchange or flat-out reject claims, more so when we don’t know who’s at fault. Building a claim is hard with arguments about who’s liable and when there’s not enough proof.
A seasoned lawyer like Joel or I can negotiate for a better outcome. We will get you more than you could alone. We gather all the info, break down the insurance claims, and make sure your claim covers doctor bills, damages, missed work, hardships, pain and suffering and sometimes punitive damages.
Common Injuries from Hit-And-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run wrecks can lead to all kinds of harm. You could be dealing with anything from small scrapes to life-threatening wounds. Some typical injuries include:
- Spinal cord harm might cause lifelong disability.
- If your car catches fire after a wreck, you could suffer severe life changing burns.
- Facial wounds from a hit and run could leave a person marred for life and might call for surgical reconstruction.
- Bones can be shattered.
You might find yourself with a whiplash or neck injury due to the sudden jolt of a crash. You might also deal with post-traumatic stress disorder which can affect your mind and everyday life. You could experience emotional trauma and physical injuries. Good medical records can help address both your physical and mental health concerns. They can offer needed proof for legal and medical needs.
Long-Term Effects of Hit-And-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can leave lasting scars. Many folks deal with pain or limits from their injuries, changing their daily lives. Feelings of being left alone and treated unfairly can stick around, adding to their heartache.
About one in ten folks hit in a run-and-run collision could end up with PTSD. They might suffer from things like sudden panic and unwanted memories. This can make it tough to get along with folks or to do regular stuff.
The lasting impacts show why you need full medical care and sound legal help.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
When a car accident turns your life upside down, you need a seasoned lawyer standing with you. Insurance companies may try to get you to settle for less. But with the right lawyer, you’re more likely to get the fair payout you deserve.
Lawyers like Joel and I know how to pinpoint who’s to blame in hit-and-run wrecks. We don’t charge you unless we win. That way, we’re driven to get the best outcome for your case.
Contacting a Hit-and-Run Accidents Lawyer
Reach out to a lawyer if you’re in a hit-and-run accident. Lots of law firms, like ours, don’t charge for a first chat. We’re easy to get a hold of – call, email, or fill out a form online. If you’ve had a run-in with a hit-and-run, give us a call and we’ll help you to understand your rights and how strong a case you have.
At McCutcheon & Hamner, we sit down with you for a free consultation to see if your case holds water. You don’t pay us a dime until we win your case.
Getting a good car accident lawyer on your side right away can help you keep up with all the legal dates. It can also make the tough legal process a bit easier to handle.
Summary
After a hit-and-run accident, things can get tough. But knowing your legal rights and what to do next can really help you out. Going to the doctor right away, collecting proof, and getting in touch with an experienced lawyer – each step helps you fight for what you deserve. We who know the ins-and-outs of hit-and-run cases and we can truly help you get a fair settlement and justice you are seeking.
You’re not alone in this, friend. We’re here to support you. We help you grasp the law and win the money you’re owed. Seek fairness, go after your compensation, and let us help you through this tough time.
Injured In A Hit And Run? We’ll Help You Get Justice
Get Maximum Compensation with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
We Track Down Drivers
I work with police and investigators to find the driver who left the scene.
Leaving doesn’t erase guilt. We don’t stop looking.
We Know Alabama Law
Alabama has strict rules for hit and runs.
I use those laws to hold drivers accountable and protect your rights.
We Act Immediately
Every minute matters in hit and run cases.
I move fast to gather evidence and preserve the truth before it’s lost.
We Use Video Evidence
I search for traffic and security camera footage.
Video can show the car, the crash, and help identify who ran.
We Work With Witnesses
Witnesses often remember key details.
I talk to them quickly before they forget or leave town.
Their stories help prove fault.
We Help With Uninsured Claims
If the driver’s unknown, your uninsured coverage may help.
If the driver’s unknown, your uninsured coverage may help.
We Fight Insurance Delays
Insurance companies slow down hit and run cases.
I push them to act and pay what you’re owed.
We Find Hidden Evidence
Paint, debris, and tire marks tell a story.
I make sure that evidence gets collected and used to prove fault.
We Prove Real Harm
Even if the car’s gone, your injuries remain.
I show how the crash changed your life and demand full value.
We Handle Medical Bills
I work with doctors to delay payment or lower bills until your case is finished.
You shouldn’t stress.
We Keep You Informed
You’ll never wonder what’s happening.
I return calls, explain each step, and give honest advice every time.
No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing unless I recover money for you.
That’s my promise. I take the risk, not you.
We Take Cases To Court
If insurance won’t pay, I file suit.
I’ve taken hit and run cases to court before—and won.
We Fight For Justice
Running from a crash is wrong.
Running from a crash is wrong.
We Count Every Loss
Medical bills, lost work, pain, and fear—these all count.
I fight for every dollar you deserve.
We Help With Repairs
Even if the driver’s gone, I help with car repair claims and insurance coverage issues.
We Know Local Roads
I know the streets where these crashes happen.
That local knowledge helps me explain how the wreck occurred.
Trusted Across Alabama
For over 40 years, I’ve helped families in Huntsville, Athens, and Florence after hit and run crashes.
Let me help you too.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Click On The Body Chart To Find Potential Injuries You May Have Suffered
Head Injuries
- Caused by a sudden jolt or impact to the head.
- Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and memory loss.
- Cause: Brain Contusions (Bruising), Intracranial Hematomas (Blood Clots), Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI), and Coup-Contrecoup Lesions due to the collision force.
- Symptoms: Persistent headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound and seizures or convulsions
- Bruising of the brain tissue due to direct impact.
- Symptoms: Swelling, bleeding, or pressure in the skull.
- Breaks or cracks in the skull caused by blunt force trauma.
- Symptoms: Bleeding, bruising around the eyes (raccoon eyes), or at the ears (Battle’s sign).
- Occurs when the brain’s axons are stretched or torn due to severe shaking or rotational forces.
- Symptoms: Often leads to unconsciousness or coma in severe cases.
- Collection of blood outside the brain’s blood vessels, often caused by a rupture during trauma.
- Types:
- Subdural Hematoma: Blood collects between the brain and its outer covering (dura).
- Epidural Hematoma: Blood pools between the skull and the dura.
- Intracerebral Hematoma: Blood collects within the brain tissue.
- Occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain.
- Symptoms: Severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, and potential long-term neurological damage.
- Includes fractures to the jaw, cheekbones, or orbital bones, which may indirectly affect the head and brain.
- Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, and difficulty in movement or sensation.
- Though primarily a neck injury, severe whiplash can lead to a concussion or other brain injuries from the violent back-and-forth motion of the head.
- Can develop after any head injury due to trauma.
- Symptoms: Persistent headaches, often with sensitivity to light and sound.
It's crucial for anyone involved in a car accident to seek immediate medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor, as some head injuries may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for recovery.
Neck Injuries
- Cause: Sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck during impact.
- Symptoms: Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and limited range of motion.
- Severity: Varies from mild discomfort to long-term chronic pain.
- Cause: Stretching or tearing of neck ligaments, tendons, or muscles due to the collision force.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and reduced flexibility.
- Cause: The force of the accident can cause intervertebral discs in the cervical spine to rupture or bulge.
- Symptoms: Neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that may radiate into the arms.
- Cause: Extreme force leading to a broken neck bone.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, and possible paralysis if the spinal cord is affected.
- Severity: Life-threatening; immediate medical attention is required.
- Cause: Damage to the small joints between vertebrae during impact.
- Symptoms: Pain in the neck, shoulders, and sometimes the back.
- Cause: Direct trauma to the spinal cord within the cervical spine.
- Symptoms: Loss of sensation, paralysis, or reduced motor function.
- Severity: Can range from partial to complete paralysis.
- Cause: Glass shards, debris, or sharp objects during the accident.
- Symptoms: Open wounds, bleeding, and risk of infection.
- Severity: May require surgical intervention.
- Cause: Compression, stretching, or severing of nerves in the neck area.
- Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in the neck and arms.
- Cause: Damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Cause: Damage to blood vessels in the neck, such as the carotid or vertebral arteries.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, and risk of stroke or other complications.
If someone is injured in a car accident, they should seek immediate medical evaluation, as some neck injuries may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time.
Shoulder
- Description: The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Injuries can range from minor strains to complete tears.
- Symptoms: Pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulty lifting the arm.
- Description: The ball of the shoulder joint is forcibly removed from its socket, often due to the impact or bracing during a crash.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, visible deformity, swelling, and inability to move the arm.
- Common Areas:
- Clavicle (Collarbone): Often fractured when the seatbelt restrains the body during a high-impact collision.
- Scapula (Shoulder Blade): Less common but can occur in severe accidents.
- Symptoms: Intense pain, swelling, bruising, and visible deformity.
- Description: Occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder are compressed due to trauma, leading to inflammation.
- Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm, weakness, and reduced mobility.
- Description: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint. Tears can result from the sudden force of an accident.
- Symptoms: Clicking or popping sound, instability, pain during movement, and weakness.
- Description: Damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles around the shoulder.
- Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Description: This condition can develop after a shoulder injury if the joint remains immobile for a prolonged period.
- Symptoms: Stiffness, pain, and limited movement.
- Description: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves near the shoulder that can be stretched or torn during an accident.
- Symptoms: Numbness, weakness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the arm.
Seek medical evaluation promptly after an accident, even if symptoms are mild, as some injuries may worsen over time.
Upper Arm
- Cause: A sudden force, such as bracing against the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt, can overstretch or tear the bicep muscle.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the upper arm.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the bicep tendon due to repetitive or acute stress during impact.
- Tendon Rupture: A severe injury where the tendon detaches from the bone, often due to extreme force.
- Symptoms: Sharp pain, a snapping sensation, difficulty bending the elbow, and a visible deformity (e.g., a “Popeye” muscle bulge).
- Cause: Direct impact to the upper arm from the car interior or airbags.
- Symptoms: Swelling, discoloration, tenderness, and pain in the bicep area.
- A fracture of the humerus (upper arm bone) near the bicep can cause associated muscle or tendon damage.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, inability to move the arm, and possible deformity or swelling.
- The impact of a crash can compress or stretch nerves near the bicep, such as the musculocutaneous nerve.
- Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm.
- Injuries to ligaments, fascia, or other supporting structures in the bicep area may occur due to overstretching or blunt force trauma.
- Symptoms: General pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
- The pressure from a seatbelt during sudden deceleration can compress or bruise the bicep muscle or tendon.
- Symptoms: Pain and bruising along the upper arm.
- Compensatory overuse of the bicep muscle due to other injuries (e.g., shoulder or wrist) can lead to secondary injuries like strain or tendonitis.
If a client has sustained such injuries, it's crucial to recommend seeking medical evaluation immediately. Diagnostic imaging like MRIs or X-rays can confirm the extent of the damage, and appropriate treatment (e.g., physical therapy, rest, or surgery) can be prescribed.
Elbow
- Radial Head Fracture: Often caused by bracing against the steering wheel or dashboard during impact.
- Olecranon Fracture: The bony tip of the elbow can fracture when directly struck or if excessive force is applied.
- Distal Humerus Fracture: The lower part of the upper arm bone may break during severe trauma.
- Elbow Dislocation: The joint can become displaced due to the force of the accident, often resulting in severe pain and limited movement.
- Ligament Sprains or Tears: The ligaments in the elbow may stretch or tear from sudden force or unnatural motion.
- Tendon Tears: Tendons, especially the biceps or triceps tendons, may rupture under extreme stress.
- Elbow Contusion: Bruising caused by a direct impact, leading to swelling and tenderness.
- Ulnar Nerve Compression (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome): Trauma can irritate or compress the ulnar nerve, causing numbness or tingling in the fingers.
- Radial or Median Nerve Injuries: These nerves may also suffer damage from impact or swelling.
- Olecranon Bursitis: Swelling of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) over the elbow joint due to trauma or repetitive pressure.
- Pre-existing conditions like Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) or Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) can worsen due to the stress of the accident.
- Swelling, bruising, or deformity
- Sharp or persistent pain
- Limited range of motion
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers or forearm
- Weakness in the arm or hand
Depending on the severity, treatments may include immobilization, physical therapy, medication, or surgery. If you’re working on content for an injury law firm, you could emphasize the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation and documenting injuries for potential claims.
Forearm
- Radius and Ulna Fractures: These bones make up the forearm, and fractures can occur in one or both bones. High-impact collisions often result in complex fractures.
- Colles’ Fracture: A specific type of fracture of the distal radius, often caused by bracing against the dashboard during a crash.
- Monteggia and Galeazzi Fractures: These involve fractures of the ulna or radius with associated dislocations, common in severe trauma.
- Muscle Strains and Tears: Sudden impact can strain or tear the muscles of the forearm.
- Tendon Injuries: Tendons connecting muscles to bones may be stretched or torn, particularly in high-impact accidents.
- Ligament Sprains: Sudden force can overstretch the ligaments in the wrist and forearm.
- Median Nerve Injuries: Often associated with forearm trauma, particularly fractures or crush injuries, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the hand and forearm.
- Ulnar and Radial Nerve Damage: Damage can result from direct trauma or compression caused by swelling or broken bones.
- This is a medical emergency caused by increased pressure within the muscles of the forearm, leading to reduced blood flow. It can occur after severe trauma, such as a car accident.
- When the forearm is trapped or compressed during the accident, it can result in severe damage to muscles, nerves, and bones.
- Lacerations: Sharp objects or debris from the crash can cause deep cuts, potentially damaging muscles, tendons, or nerves.
- Bruising (Contusions): Blunt force trauma during the collision can result in significant bruising.
- Dislocations of the elbow or wrist can occur when the forearm is subjected to excessive force or hyperextension.
- In severe accidents, the forearm may be partially or completely amputated, either during the collision or as a result of surgical intervention due to extensive trauma.
Treatment for forearm injuries often involves immobilization (casts or splints), surgery (e.g., to set fractures or repair torn tendons), physical therapy, and pain management. Prompt medical attention is critical, especially for injuries like compartment syndrome or nerve damage, which can lead to long-term complications if not treated quickly.
Wrist
- Distal Radius Fracture: The radius, one of the forearm bones, commonly breaks near the wrist during high-impact accidents.
- Scaphoid Fracture: This small bone in the wrist is vulnerable when the hand absorbs force.
- A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are overstretched or torn, often from sudden twisting or impact.
- Tendonitis: Overuse or acute trauma during an accident can inflame wrist tendons.
- Tendon Tears: Sudden force may partially or completely tear tendons in the wrist.
- Swelling or trauma to the wrist during an accident can compress the median nerve, causing pain, numbness, or tingling.
- The wrist’s small bones can dislocate due to the intense forces of a collision.
- Bruising, contusions, or damage to the muscles and tissues around the wrist are common, even without fractures.
- Bruising, contusions, or damage to the muscles and tissues around the wrist are common, even without fractures.
- Repetitive strain or acute trauma may cause inflammation in the tendons along the thumb side of the wrist.
Prompt medical attention is essential to diagnose and treat these injuries properly. Left untreated, they can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, or chronic conditions.
Hand
- Wrist Fractures: The radius and ulna bones in the wrist are frequently broken in car accidents.
- Finger Fractures: Direct impact or crushing injuries can cause fractures in the phalanges (finger bones).
- Metacarpal Fractures: These are fractures in the long bones of the hand connecting the wrist to the fingers.
- Wrist Sprains: Stretching or tearing of the ligaments due to sudden impact or awkward twisting motions.
- Finger Sprains: Caused by jamming the fingers during the accident.
- Damage to the tendons in the hand or wrist can occur due to lacerations, blunt trauma, or overstretching during the crash.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Can develop from swelling or trauma to the wrist, compressing the median nerve.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve injuries caused by direct trauma to the hand.
- Cuts and punctures from broken glass, metal, or other debris can cause severe damage to the skin, tendons, and nerves in the hand.
- The hand may be crushed between the steering wheel, dashboard, or other parts of the vehicle, leading to extensive soft tissue, nerve, and bone damage.
- In severe accidents, fingers or parts of the hand may be amputated due to trauma or require surgical removal.
- Joints in the fingers, wrist, or thumb can be dislocated due to sudden and forceful movements.
- Hands may sustain burns from contact with hot engine parts, spilled fluids, or fires caused by the crash.
- Contusions (bruising) and swelling are common due to impact or airbag deployment.
Seek immediate care to assess the severity of the injury.
Chest & Back
Chest Injuries
- The force from a seatbelt, airbag, or collision can cause ribs to crack or break. These injuries are painful and can sometimes lead to complications like punctured lungs.
- Seatbelts and airbags often protect occupants but can cause significant bruising to the chest area.
- The breastbone can be fractured in high-impact collisions, particularly when a driver hits the steering wheel or is restrained by a seatbelt.
- Trauma to the chest can lead to air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse.
- The heart, lungs, and major blood vessels in the chest are at risk of injury from severe impacts.
- Sprains, strains, or tearing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the chest area can result from sudden force.
Back Injuries
- The force of a collision can cause the soft material between vertebrae to bulge or rupture, compressing nearby nerves and causing pain.
- High-impact accidents can fracture the bones of the spine, leading to severe pain and mobility issues.
- Damage to the spinal cord can range from minor to severe and may result in partial or total paralysis.
- Strains and sprains in the back muscles and ligaments are common due to the rapid and unnatural movement of the body during a crash.
- The vertebrae may be compressed under extreme force, leading to fractures that can cause significant pain and long-term issues.
- Though often associated with the neck, whiplash can also strain the muscles and ligaments in the upper back.
If you or someone you know has suffered a chest or back injury in a car accident, seeking immediate medical attention and consulting with a personal injury attorney can help ensure proper care and compensation for damages.
Abdomen
- Bruising and Contusions: Often caused by seatbelts or airbags.
- Lacerations: From broken glass or debris.
- Liver Damage: The liver is prone to injuries like lacerations or rupture due to its size and position.
- Spleen Injuries: A ruptured spleen can lead to internal bleeding and is considered a medical emergency.
- Kidney Damage: The kidneys are vulnerable to trauma from rear or side impacts.
- Pancreatic Injuries: Less common but severe, often from steering wheel impacts.
- Hematomas: Caused by blunt force trauma to blood vessels or organs.
- Symptoms include pain, swelling, and signs of shock.
- Perforations or Tears: Can result from compression forces or seatbelt injuries, leading to infection or sepsis.
- Ruptures or Tears: Rare but serious, often occurring from blunt force trauma, causing difficulty in breathing.
- While not part of the abdominal cavity, pelvic fractures can cause secondary injuries to abdominal organs or blood vessels.
- A specific type of injury caused by seatbelts, including bruising, abdominal wall tears, and damage to underlying organs or the spine.
Proper medical evaluation after a car accident is crucial, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Many abdominal injuries can worsen over time and may require emergency intervention.
Hip & Pelvis
- Types of fractures:
- Acetabular fractures (fracture of the socket part of the hip joint)
- Femoral head or neck fractures (upper part of the thigh bone)
- Common in high-impact accidents, particularly in older individuals with weaker bones.
- Often requires surgical intervention and prolonged rehabilitation.
- Occurs when the femoral head is forced out of its socket in the pelvis.
- Typically caused by direct impact during a crash.
- This is a medical emergency as it can lead to nerve damage and loss of blood flow to the femoral head.
- Damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) surrounding the hip joint socket.
- Can result from the twisting or abrupt force during the impact of an accident.
- Symptoms include pain, instability, and a clicking sensation in the hip.
- Muscle Strains: Caused by overstretching or tearing of the hip muscles, such as the hip flexors.
- Ligament Sprains: Damage to the ligaments supporting the hip joint due to sudden trauma.
- These injuries can lead to stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs cushioning the hip joint).
- Can be triggered by the impact and pressure experienced during a crash.
- Causes pain and tenderness, especially when moving the hip.
- Structural damage to the bones in the hip joint due to abnormal impact.
- Can occur after a collision and lead to long-term joint problems.
- The impact from an accident can compress or stretch the sciatic nerve near the hip joint.
- Leads to pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down the leg.
- Fractures or damage to the pelvic bones surrounding the hip joint.
- These injuries often occur in severe accidents and may require surgical repair.
Accidents can cause a wide range of hip injuries due to the force and impact experienced during a collision. Seek medical treatment if you show signs of hip pain, swelling, bruising, limited range of motion, numbness, tingling, weakness in the legs, difficulty walking or bearing weight.
Upper Leg
- The femur (thigh bone) is the longest and strongest bone in the body, but it can break under significant force.
- High-speed collisions often cause these fractures, which may require surgery and a long recovery period.
- Muscle Strains or Tears: The impact of a crash can overstretch or tear muscles in the thigh, such as the quadriceps or hamstrings.
- Contusions (Bruises): Blunt force from hitting the dashboard or door can cause painful bruising.
- Thigh Contusions: Hard contact with car interiors can lead to deep tissue bruising.
- Traumatic injuries can damage nerves in the upper leg, such as the femoral or sciatic nerve, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.
- A rare but serious condition where swelling in the thigh’s muscle compartments increases pressure, cutting off blood flow and potentially causing permanent damage if not treated promptly.
- High-impact forces can strain or tear ligaments or tendons attached to the femur, particularly around the knee and hip areas.
- If the leg is trapped or compressed during an accident, it may result in severe damage to the muscle, bones, and blood vessels.
Treatment for these injuries often involves a combination of immobilization, physical therapy, medication, and sometimes surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and medical attention are critical for recovery.
Knee
- Cause: When the knee forcefully strikes the dashboard during a collision, it can injure the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
- Symptoms: Swelling, pain, and instability in the knee.
- Cause: Twisting motions or direct impact during the accident can tear the meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint.
- Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty straightening the knee.
- Cause: Sudden twisting or hyperextension of the knee during impact can result in an ACL tear.
- Symptoms: A “popping” sound at the time of injury, pain, swelling, and instability.
- Patella (Kneecap) Fractures: Direct impact can fracture the kneecap.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, inability to straighten the knee, and visible deformities.
- Cause: Extreme force can dislocate the knee joint, moving the bones out of alignment.
- Symptoms: Visible deformity, intense pain, and restricted movement.
- Cause: Sudden stress or direct trauma can damage the tendons that support the knee.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and difficulty extending the leg.
- Cause: Impact forces can compress the bones of the knee, causing deep bruising.
- Symptoms: Swelling, stiffness, and pain, especially during movement.
- Cause: Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs) in the knee due to trauma or pressure during the accident.
- Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion.
- Cause: Overstretching of the knee ligaments during sudden stops or impacts.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Cause: Damage to the cartilage under the kneecap due to impact or repetitive stress.
- Symptoms: Pain when bending the knee, climbing stairs, or sitting for extended periods.
Knee injuries are a common outcome of car accidents, as the knees are often in a vulnerable position during a collision. Seek medical attenction if you belive you have suffered a knee injury.
Lower Leg
- Tibial Shaft Fractures: The tibia (shinbone) is the larger and stronger bone in the lower leg and is commonly fractured during car accidents due to direct impact or crushing forces.
- Fibular Fractures: The fibula, the thinner bone running alongside the tibia, may fracture either independently or in conjunction with a tibial fracture.
- Compound (Open) Fractures: Occur when the bone pierces the skin, often leading to additional complications like infection.
- Bruising and Contusions: Caused by the leg striking the dashboard or other hard surfaces.
- Muscle Tears: Sudden force can cause tears in the calf muscles or surrounding tissues.
- Lacerations: Sharp debris or impact may cause cuts that can lead to scarring or nerve damage.
- Sprains and Strains: Result from sudden twisting or hyperextension of the ankle or knee.
- Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A severe injury often caused by extreme force during a collision.
- A serious condition where swelling or bleeding in the leg creates pressure, reducing blood flow and potentially causing permanent damage to muscles and nerves.
- Occur when the lower leg is pinned or compressed, potentially damaging muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
- Peroneal Nerve Injury: May cause weakness or numbness in the foot.
- Vascular Injuries: Damage to the blood vessels in the lower leg can lead to circulation issues or even amputation in severe cases.
- While more common in sports, the repetitive stress of bracing for impact in an accident can exacerbate shin splints or cause stress fractures.
If someone is injured in a car accident, they should seek immediate medical evaluation, as some neck injuries may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time.
Ankle
- A break in one or more of the bones forming the ankle joint, including the tibia, fibula, or talus.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, visible deformity in severe cases.
- Stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the ankle, particularly the lateral ligaments.
- Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, pain during movement, instability.
- Partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon due to sudden impact or overextension.
- Symptoms: Sharp pain at the back of the ankle, difficulty walking, or inability to push off the ground.
- The bones in the ankle joint are forced out of their normal alignment, often accompanying fractures.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, deformity, swelling, and inability to move the ankle.
- Occurs when the ankle is subjected to significant compressive force, such as being pinned in the car’s footwell.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, bruising, and potential nerve or blood vessel damage.
- Inflammation of the tendons in the ankle, such as the posterior tibial or peroneal tendons, often due to overstress.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and stiffness around the ankle.
- Damage to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons surrounding the ankle joint without bone involvement.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Rare but serious condition caused by increased pressure within the muscles of the lower leg, leading to reduced blood flow and nerve damage.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, numbness, and tightness in the lower leg or ankle.
- Blunt force trauma causing localized bleeding under the skin or deeper tissues.
- Symptoms: Discoloration, tenderness, and mild swelling.
If someone has injured their ankle in a car accident, they should seek immediate medical evaluation.
Foot
- Calcaneus (heel bone) fractures: These occur due to a high-impact collision, often when the foot is braced against the floorboard.
- Tarsal and metatarsal fractures: These small bones in the midfoot and forefoot can break under extreme force.
- Ankle fractures: These happen when the joint twists or endures direct trauma.
- Ligaments in the foot or ankle can become stretched or torn due to sudden, unnatural movements during the crash.
- These occur when the foot is trapped between parts of the vehicle or under heavy debris, potentially leading to tissue damage or amputation in severe cases.
- The bones in the foot or ankle may shift out of their normal positions, causing extreme pain and mobility issues.
- Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can result in significant pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
- Plantar fascia tears are common and may cause chronic pain if untreated.
- These involve damage to the midfoot joints or ligaments and often occur when the foot is hyperextended or crushed.
- In severe cases, high-impact trauma or crushing can necessitate surgical amputation of part or all of the foot.
- Increased pressure in the foot’s muscles due to swelling or bleeding can cut off circulation, requiring emergency surgery to relieve the pressure.
- Nerves in the foot may be pinched, stretched, or severed, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of function.
These injuries often require immediate medical attention and, in severe cases, long-term rehabilitation or surgery to regain functionality. Addressing foot injuries promptly is critical to preventing complications such as chronic pain or permanent disability.
Prompt medical treatment and proper documentation are crucial for both health and any potential legal claims.
What To Do After An Auto Accident
Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Rights and Ensuring Your Safety
-
Ensure Safety First
- Move to a safe location, away from traffic or hazards.
- Call 911 to report the accident, even if it seems minor, to obtain an official police report.
-
Check for Injuries
- Assess yourself and others for injuries.
- Provide first aid if trained, but avoid moving seriously injured individuals unless there is immediate danger.
-
Exchange Information
- Gather and exchange names, contact details, and insurance information with the other driver(s).
- Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses.
-
Document the Scene
- Take photos or videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and other relevant details.
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional to identify potential hidden injuries.
-
Report the Accident
- Notify your insurance company promptly but avoid providing a recorded statement without consulting an attorney.
-
Keep Detailed Records
- Save all receipts and records of expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, vehicle repairs, and rental car costs.
-
Understand Alabama's Legal System
- Be aware of Alabama’s contributory negligence law, which could impact your ability to recover compensation if you are partially at fault.
-
Consult an Attorney
- Seek legal guidance to protect your rights, navigate the claims process, and ensure fair compensation.
Call Us At: (256) 242-5384
Or Use the Form Below to Send Us an Email
Answers to Common Questions About What to Do, Who’s Liable, and How to Protect Your Rights
Sure, you can take a company to court for a hit-and-run. You just need to know who was driving and show they were careless. It’s all about proving they didn’t follow the road rules.
Right after a hit-and-run, get to a doctor, collect what proof you can, and call a seasoned car wreck lawyer. Your health and legal safety hinge on these steps.
If you’re in Alabama and you flee after causing a car wreck, the law doesn’t take it lightly. Hurting someone can lead to a Class A misdemeanor while causing a death can result in a Class C felony. These charges can mean hefty fines, losing your license, and even jail time. Knowing the weight of these charges is a must.
If the driver at fault can’t be found, your own uninsured motorist coverage can step in. Or, you might think about filing a personal injury lawsuit. This way, you still have ways to seek damages, even without knowing who caused the accident.
Hit-and-run accidents can cause harm like spinal cord damage, burns, face wounds, whiplash, and PTSD. Don’t wait. See a doctor right away for a check-up and treatment.
- Call 911 immediately to report the hit-and-run.
- Provide as much information as possible about the fleeing driver and vehicle.
- Document the scene with photos and speak with any witnesses.
- Contact an attorney to explore options for recovering compensation.
Yes. Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Seeking medical attention promptly can protect your health and strengthen your case.
Yes. Calling the police ensures there is an official accident report, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Driving uninsured or underinsured can result in significant financial and legal consequences. If you’re involved in an accident, consult with an attorney immediately to explore your options and protect yourself.
If the other driver lacks adequate coverage, you can file a claim through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if included in your policy. An attorney can help navigate this process to ensure fair compensation.
While it’s possible to handle minor claims on your own, hiring an experienced attorney can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation, especially for serious injuries or complex cases.
Filing a lawsuit is often necessary to ensure you receive proper compensation for your losses. This is not about being confrontational‚Äîit’s about protecting your financial stability and holding the responsible party accountable.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures you have access to quality legal representation without financial barriers.
As far as your case is concerned absolutely nothing. Remember, you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Your initial consultation with McCutcheon & Hamner is completely free. We’ll discuss your case, answer questions, and explain your legal options at no cost.
To maximize the value of your consultation, bring:
- A copy of the police report
- Photos or videos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Medical records and bills related to the accident
- Insurance information for all parties involved
- Any correspondence with insurance companies
Our team conducts a thorough investigation, including:
- Visiting the scene of the accident
- Reviewing police reports and witness statements
- Analyzing photos, videos, and physical evidence from the accident scene
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary
- Collecting medical records and other documents to build a strong case for you
The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Alabama is typically two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation. It’s best to consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to insure properly documenting the details of your car accident.
Quick Guide
McCutcheon & Hamner's attorneys are among the finest in the United States. Our name alone strikes fear into insurance companies. We love the law, we teach the law, we have written some of Alabama's laws, and we kick ass in court!
Important Facts - Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
- North Alabama's Best Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
- Our firm has recovered over a billion dollars for our clients
- On average, our attorneys recover 6–7 times more than other lawyers
- At our firm, our prices don't increase if your lawsuit goes to trial
- At our law firm, the client ALWAYS makes more than the attorney
- You work directly with a partnered lawyer
- Complimentary Consultations
- No out-of-pocket cost
- Only pay if you win!