Lifestyle

Galen M. Hair is Helping Make Homeowners and Communities Whole

Published

5 years ago

June 15, 2021

Galen M. Hair has always been a person of action. But don’t take his word for it; talk to the hundreds of families he’s helped navigate the confusing world of insurance as a property casualty attorney and owner at Insurance Claim HQ. By working directly with them in the wake of natural disasters in the Southeastern U.S., Galen holds insurance companies accountable for making good on their policyholders’ claims.

Experience Inspires Professional Expertise

Advocating for clients and modeling for them how to advocate for themselves is a hallmark of Galen’s approach to practicing law. This National Trial Lawyers Top 100 attorney doesn’t just make suggestions or offer platitudes. He knows what it’s like to dig deep and draw on reserves just to keep going. Despite working since age 13, Galen and his family couldn’t afford college. Not resigned to let circumstances hold him back, he capitalized on his gift for vocal talent and decided to major in opera to finance his studies through scholarships. Galen’s initial plan was to study music in preparation for a career in the arts but then as his studies drew to a close, he decided to enroll in Tulane University’s law school.

After being moved by the heartache and loss experienced by New Orleans residents in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Galen joined fellow students in providing on-the-ground assistance through the Student Hurricane Network (SHN). He wanted to be a positive force for change for his fellow Americans, and in the process, Galen was changed, too. He gained a real-world understanding of the insurance industry as it functions for policyholders facing deep-pocketed insurance companies that appeared to be focused on profits over people.

Success and Awards

With a few years of property damage experience after the BP oil spill in the Gulf, Galen and a colleague started their own firm in 2011. That firm grew quickly and soon, cases took up most of his time, leaving little opportunity for the advocacy in his heart. The firm earned Inc 500 and Goldman Sachs 10000 business awards, and Galen has been named to Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list every year since 2016. But Galen knew something was missing.

In August 2020, Galen launched a new firm with fellow attorney Alexander Shunnarah. And while many new businesses took a hit in 2020, Insurance Claim HQ experienced a near-immediate rush as an active hurricane season pummeled the Gulf States. Galen took a direct role in assisting clients in Louisiana and Texas by viewing their homes and assessing the issues they were having with their insurance companies.

Today, his firm represents more than 800 households and 6 churches and is actively participating in the rebuilding of southwest Louisiana. They’re committed to driving systemic change that empowers homeowners and reflects Galen’s commitment to the area after witnessing firsthand the devastation of storm after storm in New Orleans’ neighborhoods.

Big Firm Results, Small Firm Relationships

While there are certainly similar firms carrying out post-disaster work, what sets Galen’s apart is a commitment to on-the-ground services, directing resources to front-line teams. Galen actively supports families and business owners to help them recover property losses. After a disaster, he’ll be found on the front lines, giving out water to those in need. With a proven, collaborative spirit, he works well with others on the same team, including contractors, to provide comprehensive and compassionate assistance to his clients.

How You Can Take Action Right Now

Galen’s firm provides a holistic service to help homeowners in rebuilding their houses and businesses in a personal way, and shares this advice for insurance policyholders facing their own challenges after a disaster: He stresses how important it is to record everything. Avoid relying on verbal communication alone, he recommends; document conversations, who you spoke to, and what they said. Get your own professionals involved for an independent assessment of your damages and what it will take to make you whole.

His final takeaway for homeowners is a reminder that insurance companies are not looking out for you–their business model is to pay out as little as possible to retain profits. If you’ve paid your premiums and now your insurance company is going back on their promises to make you whole after an affecting event, you don’t have to fight them alone.

Do You Need Help Holding Your Insurance Company Accountable?

Put your trust in a partner: Insurance Claim HQ. Galen is not just a man of word but of action. He and his team are working in your best interest. And if there was ever any doubt, you only need to know where Galen was when Hurricane Zeta hit in 2020, just as he launched his company: out among those he feels compelled to assist, taking action. “Picking up the pieces is something that shouldn’t have to be done alone,” he says. Right after Zeta passed through, Galen threw a tarp on his now missing front slope of his roof and loaded his team right back up to go help existing clients remove trees from their homes. Later that night, his wife called to ask if he had a plan for the hole in his house.

But that’s Galen’s way. Helping others before helping himself.

Galen M. Hair, Owner of Insurance Claim HQ, is a property insurance attorney. His firm operates in more than seven states including Alabama, Louisiana, Texas and Georgia among others. Galen and his team have helped over 800 families rebuild their homes and businesses. He has been rated a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and voted one of National Trial Lawyers Top 100. To learn more about how Galen and his partner, Alexander Shunnarah, can help protect property from disaster, please visit: https://insuranceclaimhq.com

Lifestyle

Alabama Car Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights After a Crash

Published

15 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Michelle Langton

Car accidents can cause serious injuries, extensive property damage, and long-term financial strain. In the aftermath of a collision, victims often face mounting medical bills, missed time from work, and ongoing physical pain. Navigating insurance claims and legal processes on your own can be overwhelming, especially while trying to recover. Hiring an Alabama car accident lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer acts as your advocate, handling complex legal matters while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life after a crash.

Why You Need an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even when the accident was clearly not your fault. Adjusters may pressure victims into giving recorded statements, accepting quick settlements, or downplaying injuries. An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer understands the tactics insurers use and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

With in-depth knowledge of Alabama traffic laws, liability rules, and personal injury regulations, your lawyer can manage the legal complexities of your case. This includes identifying responsible parties, calculating damages accurately, and ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. Having an Alabama car accident lawyer on your side helps level the playing field and prevents costly mistakes.

Understanding Alabama’s Fault and Negligence Laws

Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which can have a major impact on car accident claims. Under this law, if an injured person is found to be even 1% at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation entirely. Insurance companies frequently use this rule to deny or dispute claims.

An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer knows how to counter these arguments by gathering strong evidence, challenging unfair fault determinations, and presenting a clear narrative of liability. Understanding how Alabama courts interpret contributory negligence is essential, and your lawyer will build a strategy designed to protect your right to compensation.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Common injuries include:

Whiplash and neck injuries
Back and spinal injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Soft tissue injuries

An Alabama car accident lawyer ensures that all injuries are properly documented, including emergency treatment, follow-up care, rehabilitation, and long-term medical needs. Accurate documentation is crucial for demonstrating the true impact of the accident and pursuing maximum compensation.

How an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hiring a skilled Alabama car accident lawyer provides support at every stage of the legal process:

Case Evaluation – Reviewing police reports, witness statements, medical records, and vehicle damage to assess the strength and value of your case.

Evidence Collection – Gathering photographs, accident scene documentation, surveillance footage, and repair estimates to build a compelling claim.

Negotiation With Insurance Companies – Advocating for fair compensation and preventing insurers from undervaluing, delaying, or denying your claim.

Litigation – Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached, ensuring that your case is presented effectively before a judge or jury.

Having an Alabama car accident lawyer manage these steps allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney handles the legal and procedural challenges.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Car Accident

An Alabama car accident lawyer will evaluate all damages related to your crash to ensure nothing is overlooked. Compensation may include:

Medical expenses, both current and future
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Costs of ongoing treatment or rehabilitation

In more serious cases, compensation may also address permanent disability or diminished quality of life. By working with an Alabama car accident lawyer, you gain an advocate who understands how to calculate both economic and non-economic damages accurately, ensuring any settlement or verdict reflects the full impact of the accident.

Benefits of Hiring an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

Working with an Alabama car accident lawyer provides several key benefits:

Maximized Compensation – Ensuring all damages are properly calculated and pursued
Expert Legal Guidance – Navigating Alabama laws, statutes of limitations, and insurance requirements
Peace of Mind – Reducing stress by allowing your lawyer to handle communications and negotiations
Stronger Case – Strategic legal representation and thorough evidence collection improve outcomes

Many Alabama car accident lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless compensation is recovered.

When to Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

It’s important to contact an Alabama car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Early legal consultation helps preserve critical evidence, accurately document injuries, and ensure compliance with filing deadlines. Prompt action can significantly impact the success of your case and the amount of compensation you receive.

Tips for Working With Your Lawyer

To make the most of your relationship with an Alabama car accident lawyer, consider these tips:

Keep detailed records of medical treatments, bills, and insurance communications
Take photographs of injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene
Be honest and thorough when describing how the accident occurred
Follow medical advice and maintain documentation of your recovery

These steps allow your Alabama car accident lawyer to build a strong, well-supported case on your behalf.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents can have serious and lasting consequences, both physically and financially. Consulting an Alabama car accident lawyer is essential to protect your rights, navigate the legal system, and pursue the compensation you deserve. From investigating the crash and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary, an Alabama car accident lawyer provides the experience, advocacy, and support needed to move forward after a serious accident.