Get Your Free Case Review 24/7
1. Move to Safety
Don’t leave the scene.
If you can do so safely, get yourself out of the travel lanes. Alabama law allows drivers involved in a crash to move their vehicles off the roadway to a nearby safe spot; you must then remain as close to the scene as safely possible. If anyone appears injured, do not move the vehicles unless directed by law enforcement.
2. Call 911
Report the crash right away—especially if there’s injury or death.
Alabama requires drivers to give immediate notice to local police or to the county sheriff/State Troopers (if outside a municipality) when a crash results in injury or death. Authorities will file a police report to document the scene.
3. Document the Scene
Take photos and videos of the accident.
If it’s safe:
- Photograph vehicle positions, damage, skid marks/debris, traffic conditions, and your visible injuries.
- Note any inclement weather, poor lighting or other hazards. These records can help your attorney when trying to prove liability in your case.
4. Collect Contact Information From Others at the Scene
Alabama law requires involved drivers to exchange name, address, vehicle registration number, and—upon request—show a driver’s license, and to render reasonable assistance to injured persons (including arranging transport for treatment when needed). Collect that same information from the other driver(s) and any witnesses.
5. Get Prompt Medical Attention
Keep your gear on until you are seen by a medical professional.
If EMS arrives on the scene, agree to their evaluation and follow up with a doctor. Some serious injuries (brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, etc.) aren’t always obvious at first, and timely treatment both protects your health and documents your injuries for any legal claim.
It’s imperative to follow the doctor’s prescribed treatment plan. Not doing so could undermine the legitimacy of your injuries, which the defense could use to try to diminish your claim.
Save discharge papers, prescriptions, imaging, therapy notes, receipts, mileage to appointments, and any other proof of medical expenses. These can be used by your attorney to calculate the estimated value of your case.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Most auto/motorcycle policies require prompt notice and cooperation. While Alabama statutes don’t set a specific deadline to notify your insurer, late notice can jeopardize coverage under your policy’s contract terms.
7. Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Getting a qualified attorney to investigate your case as soon as possible will enable them to identify vital evidence before it’s gone. A lawyer can also handle insurance negotiations and court proceedings if your case goes to trial.
At Long & Long Injury Attorneys, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll review your case for free and inform you of your legal options; if you have a valid case, we’ll get to work for you right away. We know what evidence to look for and how to avoid common pitfalls that could stall or minimize your claim. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will stand up to the insurance company to get you a fair settlement, and fight to bring the responsible party to justice. If you were injured in Mobile, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, Daphne, Fairhope, Robertsdale, Loxley, Spanish Fort, Bay Minette, Malbis, or the surrounding area, simply contact us and we’ll take it from there.