What Should I Do if I’m in a Car Wreck in Alabama?
Steps to take to maximize compensation
After a car accident, it’s normal to be lost, confused and unsure as far as what to do next. That’s where we come in. We’ve been helping accident victims throughout Alabama, and we’re here to guide you through the process from start to finish. If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck, here’s what to do.
Make sure you have an Alabama police officer respond to your accident and investigate your crash. Insurance companies carefully scrutinize Alabama Uniform Traffic Accident Reports when determining how much money to pay accident victims. Having an accurate accident report in many cases can eliminate doubts insurance companies might have and make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case.
Even if you feel fine after your car accident, you should seek medical treatment. Go see your doctor or let an EMT examine you at the scene. Don’t try to diagnose yourself. Leave your health to the experts. By seeking medical treatment, you are looking out for your health and also sending a message to the insurance companies that you take your injury seriously.
If someone saw your accident, make sure you talk to that person (or if you’re seriously injured, ask someone you trust to do it). Insurance companies highly value witness testimony. If possible, record that person’s comments to make sure there’s no discrepancy later about what the witness said or saw. Also, make sure to write down the full name, address and phone number of the witness – in case the police, the insurance company or your attorney needs to talk to that person later.
You’ve heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. Photographs of the scene can be powerful evidence when dealing with insurance companies. If you’re healthy enough, take photographs of the vehicles involved in the crash before they are moved. Make sure to take photos of damaged areas on those vehicles. Also photograph the scene around the accident – any street signs, traffic signals, road conditions and more. If you have any visible injuries, take pictures of those as well.
Evidence builds strong legal cases. The more evidence you have, the better your ability to negotiate after your accident. What’s evidence in a car wreck? Photographs, witness testimony, your memories of the accident, police reports and more. Draw a diagram of the accident. Write down exactly what happened in your own words as soon as possible. Include as much information as possible, including weather conditions, lighting conditions and more. Every detail matters.
Alabama police officers investigating car accidents fill out an Alabama Uniform Traffic Accident Report for every single accident. Obtain a copy of your report and make sure all of the facts listed in the report are accurate. If you disagree with any of the information in your report, contact our firm immediately. We can help you set the record straight.
Call your insurance company and tell them you have been involved in a car accident. You may need to provide basic facts, such as contact info for others involved in the accident and the date, time and place of the accident. Don’t discuss fault or give your opinion about the accident, because you may say something that could hurt your chances of getting fairly compensated. If you’re not sure whether you should speak to your insurance company, contact us immediately. We can help you deal with them and stand up for your rights.
Having an experienced Alabama car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference after an accident. At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC of Mobile, Alabama, we know what information to look for, what questions to ask and how to put all of that information together into a strong legal case. Don’t hesitate to contact us. We can handle all the red tape so you can focus on what really matters – your health.
Click here to download a printable version.