What to Do After an Auto Accident in Alabama

Whether you’re involved in a minor fender bender or injured in a serious crash, being involved in a car accident is an unexpected and stressful situation. At Moore Law Firm, our car accident attorneys have served more than 15,000 personal injury victims in Mobile, AL, and the surrounding area. We help clients understand why taking these steps after an auto accident is vital to protecting their rights and interests.

Immediately After the Auto Accident

Your first concern should always be your safety and the safety of others. Check yourself for injuries, and if possible, see if anyone else is hurt. Call 911 and leave your vehicle where it is until the police arrive. You should only move your vehicle if it’s significantly impeding traffic. If it is not, turn on your hazard lights and wait somewhere safe.

Gather Information

Always exchange insurance and contact information with any other drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident. Write down the makes, models, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved in the crash. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Don’t argue, apologize, or admit fault to anyone, including police. Any statement of guilt can be used against you in a car accident lawsuit.

Make sure to get the names and badge numbers of law enforcement officers and a copy of the police report. Even minor car accidents require a report for insurance claims, including property damage and personal injury claims. A police report provides valuable evidence that can help illustrate how an accident happened and help courts establish who was at fault. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers have mobile apps and accident checklists that make documenting the accident easier.

Document the Scene After a Car Accident

Take photos of vehicle damage, your injuries, and the scene, including nearby traffic signs, signals, and skid marks on the road. Write down or record everything you remember about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind, including the time, location, weather, and road and traffic conditions. Take pictures and note anything else you think is relevant as well. The more information and evidence you can collect, the better.

Seek Medical Attention

The most important thing to do after an auto accident is to promptly seek medical attention. Going to the emergency room or seeing a doctor right away helps to ensure you receive the care you need. Symptoms of certain injuries may not be apparent right away – X-rays and other diagnostic tests can detect conditions such as internal bleeding, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and other injuries. Medical records provide valuable documentation of the accident and your injuries. If you decide to file a personal injury claim, your auto accident lawyer will need your medical records to demonstrate the severity of your injuries and how they have affected your life.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible

After an auto accident, speaking to a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling car accident cases is crucial. Insurance companies are not on your side – their goal is to settle for the lowest amount possible or deny claims altogether. If an insurance adjuster contacts you, do not give a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement without talking to a car accident lawyer first.

If you’re gravely injured, having a loved one contact an attorney for you can help protect your interests. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, answer any questions, and help you understand your options for recovering compensation for damages. If you do have a viable claim, they can guide you through the process every step of the way and fight to help you get the maximum compensation you need to protect your health and financial security.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident

When you’re injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to act as soon as you can. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Alabama is two years, but if you believe you have a case, it’s best to contact an attorney right away. Valuable evidence can be lost and memories fade over time. An auto accident lawyer may be able to help you recover damages such as:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future wage loss
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship or consortium

If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim.

The car accident attorneys at Moore Law Firm offer free, no-obligation case evaluations, and don’t charge attorneys’ fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery and moving on with your life.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Mobile, Alabama

At Moore Law Firm, we understand that being hurt or losing a loved one in a car accident can be life-altering. For more than 39 years, our auto accident attorneys have been dedicated to serving personal injury victims in Mobile, AL, and the surrounding area. If you’re unsure of what to do after an auto accident in Alabama, contact us, call 251-445-7602, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to get in touch.