Were you involved in a motor vehicle crash in Mobile or elsewhere in Alabama? You have the right to bring a claim to seek compensation for your damages. There are many common mistakes that people make in the immediate aftermath of a crash that undermine their rights and their interests. Knowing what to do can put you in the best position to get justice. Here, our Mobile car accident attorney highlights the four key things that you need to avoid after a crash in Alabama.
Mistake #1: Not Reporting Your Accident to the Police
Involved in a crash in Alabama? Your accident should generally be reported to law enforcement. Not reporting an accident to the police could be a big mistake. It is something not to do after a car crash in Alabama. Alabama law requires drivers to notify the police of most crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Without an official police report, it becomes harder to prove what happened or who was at fault. Even if the other driver asks to “handle it privately,” you should resist the temptation. Make sure that your crash is properly reported.
Mistake #2: Failing to Seek Medical Attention
A car accident injury should always be evaluated and treated by a doctor. Failing to get proper medical care after an accident is another one of the most common mistakes to avoid. Some car accident injuries are not immediately obvious. Failing to see a doctor promptly after your crash could give insurers an excuse to claim you were not seriously hurt or that your injuries were unrelated. Medical records provide essential evidence linking your injuries to the collision. Even if you feel fine, you need to get checked out by a professional. If you do not have medical records to support your injuries, you will not be able to bring a claim.
Mistake #3: Admitting or Accepting Any Fault
In Alabama, the pure contributory negligence rule is extremely strict: if you are found even one percent at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation (John Cowley & Bros., Inc. v. Brown). Admitting fault at the scene (or even apologizing) can be used against you. Statements to police, insurers, or other parties should be factual and limited to what you know. Given our state’s harsh system, it is best to stay quiet. Never admit or accept any blame without talking to a lawyer.
Mistake #4: Speak to an Insurance Adjuster Before a Lawyer
Insurance companies are not on your side. They want to pay out less to resolve car accident injury claims. Insurance adjusters are trained to make a statement in the immediate aftermath of a crash in order to encourage people to talk about the incident as much as possible. They are looking for anything that they can find to use against you. An experienced attorney can handle communications on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and your claim is presented in the strongest possible light. Do not go it alone: You need a top-rated Mobile, AL car accident attorney.
Contact Our Mobile Car Crash Lawyer Today
At Roger Varner Injury Law, our Mobile, AL car accident attorney has the experience that you can rely on when it matters most. If you have any questions about how to navigate the claims process, we are here as a legal resource. Give us a call at (833) 482-7637 or contact us online for a free case review. From our Mobile law office, we handle motor vehicle crash claims across Southern Alabama.