What To Do If You Have Been In An Accident in Alabama

Oct 31, 2023 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Being injured in an accident can cause you to suffer physical, mental, and financial stress. When the negligence, recklessness, or wanton behavior of another entity or person has caused your accident, you do have the ability to pursue compensation for your injuries and other harms you have suffered. At Cross & Smith, LLC, a Tuscaloosa personal injury lawyer can help you recover what you are owed. Following are some of the steps we suggest you take to best support your ability to recover.

Immediately After The Accident

As soon as the accident occurs, there are certain protocols you should follow. First of all, when necessary and possible, move to a safe place and call 911. If you are not injured but others are, help them to get to a safe place and render aid until emergency services personnel arrive. 

When you are safely able to do so, take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including any vehicles or equipment that were involved. It is also a good idea to collect the names and contact information of witnesses to what happened. Also, take a look around. Are there any cameras or videos on nearby buildings or in parking lots that captured what happened? If so, make sure that responding law enforcement is made aware of it. Once responding officers have completed an accident report, be certain to retain a copy of it. You should also cooperate with the responding officers and provide them with your driver’s license and vehicle registration number (in the case of a motor vehicle accident). They may also request the name and address of each of your passengers. Answer all questions that you are asked, but do not volunteer extra information. Be polite and courteous. 

Even if you may not have any injuries that are immediately visible, allow emergency personnel to check you and follow through with any recommendations for your care. It is crucial to any case that you may have that you adhere to medical advice and attend all scheduled medical appointments. Keep copies of all medical results and documentation.

No matter the circumstances, do not admit fault after the accident occurs. When you speak with a Tuscaloosa personal injury lawyer, they will help determine who is at fault. Until that time, do not apologize or admit to any wrongdoing. 

Following The Accident

In the days following the accident, you will need to continue to follow up with any medical care that you need. Be certain and heed the advice of your doctor, as a failure to do so may reflect badly on your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. Should a representative from the insurance company reach out to you, do not give a recorded statement. If you have already retained a Tuscaloosa personal injury lawyer, you should refer any party that contacts you to your attorney. Not only does this save you time and energy, but it helps ensure you do not say or do anything that could harm your case. Hand in hand with this line of thinking, do not sign any documents provided to you by opposing parties, their counsel, or the insurance company without having it reviewed by your attorney. 

Evidence and documentation are key to supporting your case. Be certain to retain copies of all emails, letters, and any other correspondence you receive. Take notes whenever you speak with anyone about your case. 

One important thing to remember is to stay off social media. Insurance companies have been known to look at the social media pages of people who are seeking recovery from an injury. They do so in an attempt to find any information that may contradict the injured parties’ claims about their injuries. 

Types of Accident Cases Handled By Cross & Smith, LLC

Our firm is able to assist in a wide range of accident cases, including the following:

• Personal Injury
• Car Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Defective Product Accidents

Should you have any questions regarding our ability to assist you in recovering for your accident, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Speak With a Tuscaloosa Personal Injury Lawyer   

It is in your best interested to speak with a Tuscaloosa personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your injury occurs. There are many reasons why a lawyer may be able to better obtain maximum results for the injuries you sustained. First of all, a lawyer will have the education and, many times, the experience to be able to recognize issues and pitfalls that you are not aware of. They are able to use this knowledge to help you pursue every avenue available to you. For example, if you are barred from filing a lawsuit against your employer and are limited to workers’ compensation benefits, your attorney may be able to file a lawsuit against a responsible third party. 

A Tuscaloosa personal injury lawyer will also be able to handle all communication with the insurance companies, responsible parties, and their attorneys. This is particularly beneficial as opposing parties constantly seek reasons to deny your claim or pay as little as possible. An attorney will know exactly what information should and should not be conveyed to best promote your ability to recover.  

An attorney will also know all the different types of damages to which you are entitled, such economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in some cases, punitive damages. A Tuscaloosa personal injury lawyer will be able to research your case and compile the evidence needed to best support your ability to recover. They will also know the statute of limitations that applies in your case. 

Contact a Tuscaloosa Personal Injury Lawyer at Cross & Smith, LLC

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the negligence of another in Alabama, you need to contact our firm and speak with a Tuscaloosa personal injury lawyer. We will help you fight to recover the compensation you are owed.