The first moments after a car crash are a whirlwind and a blur. It may feel like the absolute hardest thing to do is to simply calm down and think clearly. Even so, you need to do exactly that, so you can be sure that you take the right steps to handle the situation without jeopardizing your right to the compensation you’re surely going to need later on.
Continue reading to discover exactly what to do after a car accident, and learn how an experienced and reputable Mobile, Alabama car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
1. Get Everyone Out of Danger
Is your car still drivable after the accident? If so, move it to the side of the road. If it’s not, do what you can to get everyone out of danger. If people can be moved, then get them off the road. If they’re injured and can’t be moved, take whatever steps you can to alert other cars of the danger. If you have reflectors or road flares, this is the time to use them.
2. Call for Help
Call 911 immediately after an accident. This will give you access to two very important resources: paramedics or EMTs who can look everyone over to be sure nobody is seriously hurt, and police who will enable you to file a police report. Get medical attention even if you don’t feel hurt. Some injuries can take days or weeks to present symptoms. File a police report so you can refer to it later when you need to remember what happened.
3. Talk to Witnesses and the Other Driver(s)
Next, exchange information with the other driver or drivers, including contact and insurance information. Then speak with any witnesses you can, and see if they are willing to share contact information. If you can collect witnesses, it can be crucial in pursuing your case later.
4. Take Photos and Diagrams
The next step is to document the scene and accident in as detailed a fashion as you can. Snap photos with your phone, take down notes regarding what happened and even draw diagrams. This is another area where your police report will come in handy. You’ll have to re-tell your story several times and the more documentation you have, the more accurate it’ll be.
5. Don’t Sign Your Rights Away
When the insurance adjuster of the party responsible for the accident comes to talk to you, no matter how nice they seem, remember they’re not your friend. Their job is to get away with paying as little as possible. They’ll make you a lowball offer and they may even try to bully you into it if you refuse. That’s one reason why you need a qualified car wreck lawyer; you’re always within your rights to simply tell them to talk to your car accident attorney.
6. Get Professional Legal Help With Your Case
Just as important as anything else is to call an experienced and dedicated Mobile, Alabama car accident lawyer like the legal experts at Long & Long, Attorneys at Law. We are a compassionate, caring law office that treats all of our clients just like family. Let us help you seek every penny you deserve for your physical injuries, your pain, and your suffering. Call us at (251) 432-2277 or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
