Car accidents are a common occurrence in the United States, being responsible for over two million injuries in 2020 alone. Car accidents leave long-lasting wounds, from physical to emotional, psychological, and financial wounds. Hence, you are owed compensation. The process of filing a claim can differ from state to state. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in Alabama:
1.Assess the Situation
The moments after you get into a road accident are very traumatic, and your first instinct must be to get yourself to safety. Assess if you have any injuries and seek immediate medical attention. The extent and details of your injuries must be recorded. Once you do that, move to safety.
Next, you must inform the relevant authorities of the accident by dialing 911 and requesting medical assistance and police presence. If you’re on the highway and want to reach the Alabama Highway Patrol, dial *HP (*47).
Once the police are there, exchange contact information, insurance details, vehicle registration information, and other relevant information. Remember to document the scene. The chances of your successful claim depend on how much evidence you have, so take videos and photos of the scene. Ensure they clearly show road conditions, vehicle damage, traffic signs, and visible injuries. You must also gather all the necessary documents.
This includes finding an Alabama crash report, which you can get from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). This document consists of the police-reported details of the incident, statements from witnesses, and the officer’s assessment of the situation. You will also need your insurance details and medical records.
2. Contact an Attorney
You may be tempted to handle the process yourself, but you can increase your chances by hiring a personal injury attorney. Personal injury law is complex, and without legal expertise, you will find it challenging to navigate the process. Further, an experienced attorney can better assess the extent of damages and maximize the compensation you can get for your injuries.
Most personal injury claims are solved through negotiations. An experienced attorney can negotiate better with insurance companies and ensure they don’t minimize payouts. If the process goes to trial, a seasoned attorney can guide you through the courtroom.
3.Filing the Claim
Once you have assessed your damages and contacted an attorney, you will notify your insurance company of the accident. Do this immediately and provide them with as many accurate incident details as possible. The insurance company will then investigate your claim, evaluate your damages, and consider whose liability the accident was.
Once they have evaluated the damages, they will negotiate with your attorney to reach a settlement agreement. This will involve significant back-and-forth communication and may take some time to conclude because your evaluation of the damages could differ from your company’s. While most cases are settled through negotiation, an agreeable solution is not reached in some cases. In such cases, you can pursue litigation through the court system.
Endnote
Personal injury claims depend highly on the document evidence you have, so document everything in the aftermath of the accident once you ensure your safety. Document the accident site, damage to the car, and any injuries you sustain. Then, hire an attorney and send your company a notice. They will eventually negotiate with you on an agreeable sum of compensation. Through this compensation, you can pay off any medical bills and reverse the damage to your vehicle.
