After a motor vehicle crash, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of what to do or where to turn. At Moore Law Firm, our auto accident lawyers help personal injury victims in the Mobile, AL, area understand their rights and options. These auto accident FAQs can give you an idea of what to do after a car accident and what to expect if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
What Should I Do After an Auto Accident?
It’s important to know what to do after a car accident to help protect your rights. Check yourself and others for injuries, get to safety, and call 911. Wait for police and paramedics to arrive. Obtain insurance and contact information from any drivers involved in the accident.
Take photos of damage to vehicles, the scene, and your injuries. Use your phone to write down or record everything you remember about how the accident happened, and gather contact information from any witnesses. Ask for a copy of the police report before you leave the scene. It may contain valuable information that could be used to support a car accident claim.
After any collision, it’s vital to seek medical attention right away. At Moore Law Firm, our auto accident attorneys have represented many clients whose injuries didn’t manifest until days or weeks after a car wreck. Going to the ER or seeing your doctor can help to ensure you get the care you need. Medical records provide documentation and evidence of your injuries, which is vital in any personal injury claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Unless it’s a very minor fender bender without any injuries, having an auto accident attorney evaluate your case is sensible. Our personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose if you contact us. Our car accident lawyers take cases on contingency, which means you won’t incur any up-front costs or owe attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you.
When Should I Call an Auto Accident Attorney?
As soon as possible. Many insurance companies try to pay minimal settlement amounts or deny valid auto accident claims. Don’t give a statement to an insurance adjuster, sign anything, or accept a settlement offer without first seeking the counsel of an attorney. An auto accident lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you on your options for recovering compensation. If you’re seriously injured and unable to get in touch, have a loved one contact our office.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury?
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Alabama is typically two years from the date of the injury. Although there are exceptions, it’s best to file a claim as soon as possible after an auto accident. Memories fade, valuable evidence can be lost, and delayed medical diagnosis and treatment can weaken your claim. Contacting a car accident lawyer as soon as possible helps to ensure your rights are protected and gives you plenty of time to file a personal injury claim.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance Company?
Alabama law doesn’t specify a time frame for reporting a car accident to your insurance company, however, most insurers require you to report a crash promptly. Make sure to review your policy and follow any specific reporting requirements. Failure to report an accident promptly could potentially result in delays in processing your claim.
Unfortunately, even your own insurer may not be looking out for your best interests. It’s a good idea to contact an auto accident lawyer before you give a statement to any insurance company, including your own. If you do report the accident before speaking to a personal injury attorney, answer their questions honestly but do not admit fault, release your medical records, or offer any additional information that isn’t requested.
How Is Fault Determined in An Auto Accident in Alabama?
Determining fault after an auto accident can be challenging, especially when multiple vehicles and commercial trucks are involved in a collision. Our car accident lawyers thoroughly investigate the crash and gather information and evidence to determine who may be liable. Police reports, cell phone records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction can be valuable tools in determining who is at fault for an accident.
It’s also important to note that Alabama is a contributory negligence state, which means that if your actions contributed at all to the accident, you may not be entitled to recover damages. Having a personal injury lawyer advocate on your behalf can protect your rights and help you avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize your chances of a successful claim.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive if I’ve Been Injured by a Negligent Driver?
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, and are fairly straightforward to calculate. It’s more challenging to place a monetary value on non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, loss of companionship or consortium, and other non-economic damages.
Each case is unique, and how much your claim is worth will depend on the severity of your injuries, how they have affected your life, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Our auto accident attorneys understand how to accurately calculate damages and fight to help you recover the maximum compensation you need to safeguard your health and family’s financial stability.
How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?
The timeline for resolving a car accident claim varies significantly depending on the specifics of the case. The extent of your injuries, the complexity of the case, disputes over liability, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate can all impact the length of time it takes to settle a claim. Cases that go to trial usually take much longer than those involving insurance settlements. However, in some cases, it is well worth going to court to hold responsible parties accountable and get the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Mobile, AL
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash in the Mobile, AL, area, our car accident attorneys at Moore Law Firm can help. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and provide straightforward legal advice you can trust. Call us at 251-445-7602, contact us, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to get in touch with an auto accident lawyer.
