Trauma, worry, and confusion are common in the hours and days following a serious vehicle accident in Huntsville. You can be at a loss as to what you ought to do. Whom do you need to contact? If the insurance company of the negligent motorist presents you with paperwork to sign, should you do so before consulting with an attorney? If you’ve been in a vehicle accident, the decisions you make in the aftermath might have a significant impact on your ability to collect damages from the negligent party.
Every auto accident is unique. However, regardless of the specifics of your auto accident, you should always follow these measures. It is a good idea to keep a checklist of “things to do after a car accident” in your vehicle for easy reference.
As soon as possible following a crash, make sure you do the following:
- If someone is hurt, call the police and an ambulance straight away.
- If doing so would not further endanger you or your passengers, get out of harm’s way.
- Identify and collect the insurance information and contact details of all drivers involved in the accident.
- Collect the information of any eyewitnesses who claim to have seen the collision or provided assistance thereafter.
- Collect the law enforcement officer’s name, agency, and badge number.
- If you have a smartphone and it is safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene. Document the scene as quickly as possible, preferably before any cleanup has begun. It is recommended that you photograph the accident site, the vehicles involved (both inside and out), the road and any skid marks or debris, and any adjacent road signs, road markings, and/or traffic signals. Taking additional pictures is always a good idea.
- Remember everything that happened before, during, and after the crash by writing it down. Put these notes somewhere secure.
- Do not apologize or confess blame to the other party; doing so might be used to invalidate your insurance claim or legal case.
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What you should do hours after a car crash and in the days that follow:
- If you didn’t need immediate medical attention, still schedule an appointment with a doctor.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Discuss the incident with an adjuster. If your insurance adjuster suggests a settlement, you should read the release carefully before accepting any money. Consult an attorney if you have questions about the waiver of your rights.
- Discuss the matter with the other driver’s insurance company and/or legal representative. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without first contacting an attorney. Your own words can be used against you to cast doubt on your claim.
- Talk to a lawyer about your options after a car accident and whether or not the law allows you to sue for damages.
Should you seek medical attention even if you do not think you are hurt?
Many people who have been in vehicle accidents in Huntsville wonder if they really need to get medical attention following the incident. You should be checked out by a doctor or the emergency department personnel at the hospital even if you don’t feel any discomfort. Pain may not initially be felt after an accident due to the rush of adrenaline, but you may wake up the next day feeling quite painful. Maybe you had a concussion or other internal injuries that haven’t showed up yet. However, if you don’t get checked out, your injuries might get much worse. It might be more challenging to get the compensation you need to fully recover from the injury you suffered.
Do you need the services of a Huntsville car accident lawyer?
After an automobile accident, it is beneficial to seek the advice of an experienced attorney. A lawyer can do the following for you on your behalf:
- Handle queries and requests from the insurance firms;
- Help you in identifying witnesses and helping you preserve critical evidence;
- Create an estimate of the total cost of your losses as a result of the accident, including your expenditures for medical care, your lost income, and any other associated costs;
- Negotiate with the insurance company of the motorist who was at fault on your behalf;
- Create a formal complaint to be filed against the driver who was at fault as well as their insurance provider;
- Respond to the motions and replies that are being presented by the other parties engaged in your case; and
- Legal advocacy on your behalf in a court of law.
In the aftermath of the vehicle accident that you were involved in, there are reputable lawyers in Huntsville, Alabama, who are available to provide assistance to you and your family. You can schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. During this consultation, you will learn how they can assist you in recouping compensation for your losses as well as the expenses you incurred as a result of those losses.
Personal injury accidents and Alabama's statute of limitations
The statute of limitations in Alabama for personal injury claims, including those arising from bicycle accidents is two years, as stated in Section 6-2-38 of the Alabama Code. You have two years from the date of the accident to launch a lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for the incident.
It’s possible that your right to sue the insurance provider for damages will be forever waived if you wait too long to file action. You may rely on reputable Alabama car accident lawyers to assist you to file the case and turn in all required papers on time. They can help you stay on top of the details and make sure you’re following Alabama law.
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