The aftermath of an accident is a hectic scene. There’s lots of activity, and emotions are running high. It’s easy to lose focus, but you must keep your composure. What you do at the scene of the accident can help or hurt your personal injury case.
This article answers many important questions about what to do after a car accident. This information will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
After an accident, you must do three things. First, if possible, move your car to a safe location. Second, check everyone in the vehicle for injuries. Finally, call 911 to request police and medical assistance.
What Information Should I Collect at the Accident Scene?
It’s crucial to get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license info, license plate, car make and model, and insurance details. You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
In addition to collecting driver and witness information, you should take as many pictures (and videos) as possible. Be sure to get pictures of
- Injuries,
- The position of the vehicles,
- Damage to all vehicles involved,
- The interior of your car,
- Non-vehicle property damage (lampposts, fences, etc.),
- The sky (to document the weather conditions),
- The road (to document any skidmarks, damage, or debris),
- Traffic signs or signals (especially if broken or missing), and
- Any surrounding homes or businesses.
Take as many pictures as possible. It’s a good idea to take multiple pictures of the same scene from various angles. Get close-up and wide shots. Knowing about the scene of an accident can help your Alabama personal injury attorney build your injury case.
Are There Things I Shouldn’t Say After an Accident?
Yes. Alabama law makes it very difficult for at-fault drivers to recover damages. So, while you should exchange information with the other driver, do NOT say anything about fault. This includes statements like “I’m sorry,” or “You came out of nowhere.” Believe it or not, these simple statements can be used to prove that you caused the accident. To be on the safe side, say as little as possible at the scene. Give your contact information but nothing more.
How Soon After an Accident Should I Notify My Insurance Company?
Most insurance policies require drivers to tell them about accidents within 24-48 hours. Failure to do so could violate your policy and give the insurer a reason to deny your claim. So, contact your insurer as soon as possible after the accident.
What Should I Say to My Insurance Company?
After an accident, the insurance company is not on your side. Insurance adjusters will look for any possible reason to deny your claim. So, when talking to an insurance company, it’s best to stick to basic information about the accident. Give them general information about when it happened, where it occurred, the cars involved, and the like. Under NO circumstances should you give any insurance company a written or recorded statement before discussing it with a Birmingham injury lawyer.
How Soon After the Accident Should I Seek Medical Attention?
Immediately! Do not wait. First, even if you feel “fine” after the accident, you could still have a serious injury. Swelling and bruising can hide injuries, and the post-accident adrenaline rush can mask your pain. Only a doctor can tell you how much damage the accident truly caused.
Second, serious injuries need medical treatment. So, if you wait to see a doctor, the other driver will argue that your injuries weren’t that serious. The longer you wait, the stronger their argument gets. They’ll make the same argument if you make a habit of missing office visits, so be sure to attend every single doctor’s appointment once you start treatment.
Can I File an Injury Claim if My Injuries Appear Long After the Accident?
Yes! Some injuries, like broken bones, appear right after an accident. Others won’t surface for days, weeks, or even months after the crash. These late injuries are quite common in car accident cases. See a doctor immediately if you think a new injury might be related to the accident. You should also tell your Alabama injury lawyer about the new injury as soon as possible.
Should I Contact an Injury Attorney After My Accident?
Absolutely. A Birmingham accident lawyer can help you in many ways. A lawyer can:
- Handle insurance company questions,
- Help you make arrangements for paying your medical bills,
- Investigate your accident,
- Get important information from the other side,
- Estimate the true value of your case,
- Negotiate a fair settlement,
- Take the case to trial,
- And much, much more.
If you are looking for legal help after a car crash, consider Collins Law, LLC. We specialize in helping people injured in car accidents, trucking accidents, and other vehicle collisions. We’ll work hard to get you the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Call 205-588-1411 or use our website’s online scheduling tool to schedule a free consultation.