6 Steps You Need to Take After a Personal Injury in Alabama

When you get hurt in an accident that isn’t your fault, it can turn your life upside-down instantly. As medical bills keep mounting, you know you deserve compensation, but you may not know exactly how to get it.

Whether you’ve recently been injured or not, it’s essential to know what steps you should take after a personal injury accident. We’ve put together this guide with every step you need to take after an accident to better your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries. By following these steps, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance at receiving the maximum fair compensation after your accident.

What to Do After Being Injured in an Accident

When you get hurt in an accident, it’s important to stay calm. Staying calm isn’t always easy when you are scared, angry, and in pain, but it’s essential. If you lose your cool, you may make mistakes that can be costly. After the initial shock of the accident, take a few seconds to calm down, and then do the following:

1. Get medical attention.
2. Document the scene of the accident.
3. Cooperate with first responders.
4. File a police report.
5. Contact your insurance company.
6. Call a personal injury lawyer.

Get Medical Attention

Before doing anything else, call first responders and make sure you get checked out by medical professionals. Adrenaline can hide the pain from injuries following an accident. So you could have an injury without realizing it, even if you don’t feel hurt at the time. Paramedics can identify injuries that might not flare up until you have had time to calm down. This initial exam at the accident scene can also serve as vital evidence later in your case.

Document the Scene

It’s crucial to write down what happened as soon as possible. You may think you’ll remember every detail, but those memories will fade. So take the time to document every detail of the accident. If possible, take photos from every angle and exchange information with other parties, including insurance information. Try to avoid getting angry, and never accuse or apologize for anything.

Cooperate With First Responders

EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and police may have questions for those present, and you must try to cooperate to the best of your ability. Providing thorough information at the scene will help with gathering information later on.

File a Police Report

You can’t use a police report as evidence in Alabama, but it’s still essential to your case. First, it gives you a chance to state what happened in your own words right after the accident happened. Second, as you navigate your case, you’ll likely repeat the story many times over the next few months, and the report can help you remember the details.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company, a required step for most insurers. When speaking to your insurance provider, stick entirely to what happened. Never try to place blame or spin your story. You will have the opportunity to tell your side of the story later.

Get In Touch With a Personal Injury Attorney

Finally, after you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless behavior, it’s in your best interest to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Having someone who knows how to navigate these situations can help reduce your stress as you recover and work to get life back on track.

Attorneys Earle and Bennett Long believe in “family caring for family.” So when you walk through the doors at Long & Long, you’re part of our family. The Long Brothers can help you file your personal injury claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Get your free case review today by filling out the online form or calling us at 251-432-2277.