6 Steps to Take After Car Accident

Being in a car accident is an overwhelming experience. One moment, you’re driving down the road just like you’ve done thousands of times before. Then, all of a sudden, everything gets turned upside down. You’re in pain, you need medical treatment, and you’re not sure what to do next. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps to take after a car accident. Doing so can bring clarity to the confusion and lay the foundation for a successful personal injury claim.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Alabama?

Do you know what to do immediately after a car accident? Taking a few simple steps can protect your right to compensation.

Your case begins at the same time the accident does. To protect yourself and your rights, you should do the following immediately after a car accident:

• Contact emergency responders by calling 911 or the local police department’s non-emergency number.
• Take photos of the accident scene, any injuries you’ve suffered, and anything else that might be relevant.
• Get the names and contact info of other involved drivers and anyone who saw what happened.
• Do not apologize for what happened or say anything that could be construed as an admission of fault.
• Get medical attention as soon as you leave the scene.

In the coming days, you may need to do the following:

• Report the accident to your insurer in accordance with your policy terms.
• Attend any follow-up medical appointments your doctor schedules.
• Start gathering evidence to support your case.
• Be careful what you say to insurance adjusters and stay off social media for the time being.

Finally, contact a car accident lawyer for help pursuing your claim.

Is There a Deadline for Filing Injury Claims for Car Accidents in Alabama?

How long after a car accident do you have to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties? Alabama does not give you unlimited time in which to take legal action. Under the state’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, you have two years from the date of the car accident to file suit.

While certain circumstances can change this deadline, assume that it applies to you and that you should get in touch with a personal injury lawyer right away.

Evidence You Need to Collect After a Car Crash Claim

It’s your attorney’s job to build the strongest case possible on your behalf. That said, you can help your case by providing them with as much evidence as you can about the accident. The following are some potentially useful pieces of evidence you can gather yourself and bring to your attorney:

• The police accident report that the responding officer took at the scene
• A written account of what happened made while your memory is still fresh
• Copies of your medical records and treatment notes
• Any communication you’ve had with your employer about any time you’ve missed at work
• Pay stubs and tax returns to establish lost income
• Contact info for the other drivers and any eyewitnesses

Bring as much of this as you can to your initial consultation.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorney in Alabama for a Free Consultation

Have you taken the important steps after a car accident in Alabama? If so, the next step is to contact Stokes Stemle, LLC, for help. Reach out to us today, and let’s discuss your case during a free, no-obligation, fully confidential consultation.