Motor Vehicle Injuries

Common Injuries in Auto and Truck Accidents

Birmingham, Alabama, Personal Injury Lawyers

Every year, more than 40,000 people in Alabama suffer injuries in motor vehicle accidents. These injuries range from lacerations and fractures requiring medical attention to life-threatening and life-altering injuries.

In a claim for damages against the negligent party, it is critical that you receive full compensation not only for medical bills incurred, but for all ongoing medical needs relating to the injury. If you were seriously injured, you should contact an attorney rather than handling the claim yourself. In most cases, you will still come out ahead even after paying attorneys' fees.

At Gulas & Stuckey, you are represented by professional, experienced attorneys who will help you throughout your recovery. In private practice since 1990, we are familiar with the costs of treatment for a wide range of injuries. We will not settle for less than the full compensation you need. Our veteran trial lawyers will vigorously pursue all avenues of insurance coverage and take a strong stand in negotiating with insurance companies that want to deny or limit your claim. By showing that we are fully prepared for trial if necessary, we are able to obtain more favorable settlements.

Common Injuries
At impact, much of the energy of an auto accident is absorbed by the human occupants. Despite improvements in the structure and safety systems of vehicles, even a low-speed crash can result in a variety of injuries:

• Broken arm, leg, ribs, hip, collarbone, hand, or foot
• Damage to knees, shoulders, wrists, and other joints
• Soft tissue injuries in the neck and back (whiplash)
• Facial injuries (lacerations, broken nose, or facial bones)
• Vision or hearing loss, concussion, memory loss (mild brain injury)
• Air bag burn or chest injury

These common injuries may heal completely, or result in scars, disfigurement, loss of range of motion or function, and/or chronic pain. You are entitled to compensation for all long-term effects of an accident. Before submitting an insurance claim (or signing an insurance settlement offer), it is important to reach maximum medical recovery as determined by your doctor. Renegotiating a settlement or filing a lawsuit after signing a claim presents legal difficulties.

Permanent and Catastrophic Injury
Some victims can never fully recover from the accident. Highs-speed collisions, collisions with trucks, and even rear-end intersection collisions can cause irreversible damage, with partial recovery only after years of surgery and physical therapy:

• Paralysis / spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury (skull fracture or closed head injury)
• Loss of limb / amputation
• Broken back or neck (fractured vertebrae or ruptured discs)
• Permanent eye injury
• Internal organ damage

Compensation for a catastrophic head injury, spinal cord damage, or other permanent disability is determined through close consultation between your lawyer and physicians. Gulas & Stuckey, P.C. develops a comprehensive life care plan involving economists, medical specialists, physical therapists, psychologists, nurses and home care providers. We ensure that all future needs are addressed:

• Future surgery
• Medical equipment and medications
• Home health aides
• Remodeling to accommodate the disability
• Lost earning potential

A claim for damages for a catastrophic or permanent injury also includes non-economic damages: pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium with loved ones.

Gulas & Stuckey, P.C. aims to improve your quality of life as much as possible, and to ensure that your needs are met for years or a lifetime. We can negotiate a structured settlement or lump sum compensation, or take your case to court if the insurance company balks at paying full damages.

Contact our Birmingham, Alabama, attorneys today to discuss your spinal cord injury, brain injury, or any serious injury. We offer a free consultation, and can visit you at home or hospital when your injuries prevent you from traveling.