Statistics show that a car crash occurred nearly every 3.5 minutes in Alabama in 2021, with a traffic-related injury occurring roughly every 13.5 minutes. With vehicle wrecks being so rampant, it’s important to know where to turn when an accident strikes. Contacting a reputable car accident lawyer in Orange Beach immediately after you are injured in a car wreck is the best way to understand your rights and next steps. At Long & Long, we’ve helped hundreds of injured victims obtain the compensation they were entitled to, and we want to do the same for you.
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Top Causes of Car Accidents in Orange Beach
Distracted driving and reckless driving are the leading causes of car accidents in most cities and towns across the U.S., and Orange Beach is no different. Distracted driving often stems from seemingly innocuous actions, such as:
- Eating while driving
- Listening to music too loudly on the road
- Taking your eyes off the road
- Reading a billboard or other road sign
- Talking to a passenger while driving
Although most of these actions are not illegal in Orange Beach, they can have fatal consequences if they cause an accident.
Conversely, reckless driving usually refers to illegal actions like:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to stop at stop signs and lights
- Weaving in and out of lanes too quickly
- Using one’s cell phone while driving
- Failing to signal before merging
- Failing to wear a seatbelt
Because these actions typically indicate wanton negligence and a deliberate choice to disobey the law, penalties for these infractions can be much more severe.
If a reckless driver strikes your vehicle and causes you to sustain an injury, it is in your best interest to call an Orange Beach car accident lawyer right away.
Orange Beach Auto Accident Laws
Alabama has strict insurance requirements for drivers in all counties. Normally, it requires every driver to have a minimum of:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability limit per person
- $50,000 maximum bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 maximum property damage per accident
Depending on the type of vehicle, some policies are required to have higher limits.
These limits indicate the maximum sums insurance companies could be required to pay to injured persons in the event of a car accident. Neglecting to carry the proper insurance could hinder you from receiving the compensation you are seeking.
If the at-fault driver in an accident is not insured or is underinsured, you should review your insurance policy. Many policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect drivers who are hit by those without sufficient insurance coverage.
Proving Fault in Alabama
In order to win a settlement in a car accident lawsuit, you must be able to prove that the accident was caused by the negligence of the other party or parties involved. Depending on how many parties were involved in the accident, the circumstances that led to it, and the severity of the damage it caused, proving fault may not always be simple. It’s best to consult with a qualified car accident lawyer in Orange Beach before trying to file an injury claim on your own.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After a collision, it’s normal to feel frazzled. Do your best to stay calm and make sure you and anyone else in your vehicle are alright, even if you may be injured. Once you have confirmed this, you can slowly try to exit your vehicle and do the following:
- Check on the other driver(s)
- Call 9-1-1 and give your statement to the police when they arrive
- Take photos of the accident
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) and any witnesses
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Seek medical attention
- Contact an attorney
If your injuries are more severe, you may be unable to complete these steps and should focus on getting medical treatment. It’s important to see a doctor immediately after an accident, whether you think you need to or not. Some injuries take time to show signs, and it’s important to have medical documentation of your physical state right after the accident, as these can help prove your injuries and potential future medical expenses when trying to seek compensation.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
Contacting an attorney after your accident allows you to discuss your situation with someone who knows the local laws and can help you understand your rights. If you have grounds to file a lawsuit, an attorney can help you not only file but also build a case against the negligent party to help you get the maximum compensation possible. They can compile evidence, negotiate settlements, handle litigation if your case goes to trial, and so much more.
Why Choose Long & Long?
At Long & Long, we understand how overwhelming it can be to experience a car accident – and even more so if you are injured. We want to make your road to recovery as smooth as possible and help ease your financial, physical, and emotional burdens as you navigate the aftermath of a wreck.
Our team has years of experience helping our neighbors in Orange Beach obtain compensation for their accident injuries. You can trust our honest and seasoned attorneys. We’ll fight hard for you, and we don’t get paid unless you win.
