Dothan Car Accident Guide: What Every Driver Needs to Know

Car accidents can be frightening and overwhelming, but it’s essential to act swiftly after you’ve been injured in one if you want to protect both your safety and your rights. Injuries are not always apparent, evidence can disappear quickly, and Alabama law limits the time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Understanding what to do if you get in a car accident caused by someone else and taking those steps can make all the difference when seeking compensation for your injuries. Whether you’re in a serious collision on U.S. Highway 231 or a fender bender on your own block, it’s critical to follow the steps offered in this guide so you can protect your rights.

Immediate Steps After a Car Accident

A crash can happen in the blink of an eye, and they’re always unexpected, but it’s crucial to be ready in the event one does happen. Here’s what to do if you get in a car accident in Dothan:

Report the Accident to the Police

Under Alabama law, any motor vehicle accident resulting in injury, death, or over $250 in property damage must be reported to the police. The responding officer will prepare a report that includes key details about the accident, such as the date and time, street names, vehicles involved, statements from the involved parties and witnesses, an accident diagram, reported injuries, and an initial assessment of fault.

Collect Contact Information

Gather the contact and insurance information of all involved parties, as well as the contact information of any witnesses. This information can play a tremendous role in your case, particularly if witnesses can confirm your version of events.

Document the Scene

Photos and videos of the accident scene can provide visual evidence of how the accident occurred, who might be responsible, and the extent of the damage and injuries it caused. Capture all vehicle damage, skid marks, accident debris, traffic signals and signs, weather and light conditions, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

Never Admit Fault

It can be instinctive to apologize or explain yourself in the heat of the moment following an accident. However, you rarely have all the information needed to know who is truly responsible for the accident at this time. An apology or admission of fault can be used against you even if another driver or entity is really to blame. Avoid making these statements altogether.

Be Careful When Speaking with Insurance

Insurance companies may reach out to offer quick, unfavorable settlements or request information that you do not have any obligation to give them, so they can turn it around on you in an attempt to weaken your claim. Do not accept any quick settlements, avoid all recorded statements, and speak with a Dothan car accident attorney before speaking with any insurer.

Hire a Lawyer

In the early stages of pursuing a car accident claim, there are many easy ways to make critical errors that can weaken your case. Contacting a Dothan car accident attorney as soon as possible can help you avoid these errors and build a strong case.

Seeking Medical Attention

You may feel fine after the accident, but not all injuries immediately reveal themselves, and adrenaline can mask a variety of symptoms. In fact, some injuries may not become evident for days, weeks, or even months after the accident. That’s why you should do the following, no matter how you feel:

• Visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible
• Follow their prescribed treatment plans closely
• Keep meticulous records of your treatments, visits, and medical expenses

Seeking medical treatment not only helps ensure your safety but also creates official documentation of your injuries and shows that you took the accident seriously.

Reporting the Accident and Filing an Insurance Claim

You’re legally obligated to report a car accident, and you should do it as soon as possible. Contact the Dothan Police Department right away to advise them of the crash, and then obtain a copy of the responding officer’s report as soon as it’s available.

Most auto insurance policies require you to notify your insurer of the accident. You shouldn’t hesitate to do this, but be extremely careful with the information you offer. Provide only the basic details and necessary documentation, and avoid making any recorded statements until you’ve consulted with an experienced car accident lawyer.

How to Talk to Your Insurance Company

Your policy may require that you notify your insurance company of the accident. Be cautious in your communication with them. When speaking with your insurance company, it’s important to be honest and provide only factual information. Speculating about fault or offering information you can’t confirm can only work against you.

How Long Will Insurance Pay For a Rental Car After an Accident?

It’s common for your vehicle to require repair or replacement after an accident, which means either your insurance coverage or the other driver’s insurer will need to provide a rental car. So, how long will insurance pay for a rental car after an accident?

It depends on your rental car reimbursement coverage, but typically, that period is about 30 days or until your vehicle is repaired. Insurance companies will call the duration of your rental coverage a “reasonable period,” but the circumstances of the accident will generally determine what is and is not “reasonable” for your rental reimbursement coverage.

What if The Other Driver’s Insurance Company Calls Me?

The same rules apply when speaking to the other driver’s insurance company. They may ask you questions you have no obligation to answer, and any answers you offer may be used against you when seeking compensation. Do not offer any recorded statements until you’ve spoken with a Dothan car accident attorney. Do not accept any quick settlements from them without talking to your attorney. Any early settlement offer they make will be unlikely to cover all your accident-related losses.

Understanding Alabama Car Accident Laws

Understanding your rights after a car accident begins with understanding Alabama’s legal framework regarding these incidents. The following aspects of the Alabama legal system can answer questions like “What if I was partially to blame for the accident?” or “How long after a car accident can you claim injury?” Here’s what you need to know about Alabama car accident law:

• Fault-Based System – Alabama operates under a fault-based system, which means that the person responsible for the accident is liable for the injured party’s property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
• Contributory Negligence – In our state, if the injured party contributed to the accident, they may be barred from seeking compensation. However, never assume that you were at fault. Speak with a lawyer who can review the circumstances of your case and advise you.
• Mandated Liability Coverage – Everyone who purchases auto insurance in Alabama must be offered uninsured motorist coverage, but purchasing this policy is not required. However, if you purchased this coverage and the at-fault driver was uninsured, your auto insurance policy may provide compensation.
• Statute of Limitations – Typically, the answer to the question “How long after a car accident can you claim injury?” depends. Check your policy to see how long you have to file a claim with your own insurer. Your lawyer will make a demand of the at-fault party’s insurer soon after the crash. In Alabama, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If the claim is against a government entity, that window may be as small as six months.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Hiring the right Dothan car accident attorney to represent you can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. Your lawyer can help by:

• Gathering Evidence – Some evidence is simple enough to collect, but other types require deep legal knowledge and experience — and possibly a subpoena. Your lawyer can obtain surveillance footage, GPS or smartphone data, and expert testimony that would be difficult to gather independently.
• Negotiating Settlements – Insurance companies will employ various tactics to weaken your claim. However, they’re far more likely to play fair when they know you’ve got experienced legal representation.
• Representing You in Court – Sometimes, insurance companies will simply refuse a fair settlement. When that’s the case, you’ll want a seasoned trial attorney to represent you when your claim goes to court.   

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

It can be easy to say or do the wrong thing when navigating the car accident claim process. If you don’t want to find yourself asking, “Why is my car accident settlement taking so long?” then keep these essential things in mind:

• Never Admit Fault – Liability is a complicated matter that requires significant investigation to prove. Never make any statements that might be construed as admitting fault when communicating with the other party, their legal representation, or their insurers.
• Never Accept Quick Settlements – Insurance companies will throw quick settlements at you to minimize your payout. These settlements are rarely favorable. Never accept them before speaking with an attorney.
• Keep Careful Records – The evidence you gather is the foundation of your claim. Don’t assume something isn’t important. Keep all documents related to your case organized and accessible.

Contact Our Dothan Car Accident Attorneys for Help

There’s a lot to know about car accident claims in Alabama. The team at Stokes Stemle, LLC, has the knowledge and experience needed to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. We offer personalized service tailored to your needs, and we’re dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of all our injured Dothan clients. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.