Even the most cautious Alabama drivers can be surprised to find themselves in a fender bender—or something much more serious. In fact, there were 159,102 crashes in Alabama in 2019, and 77.3% of those crashes involved multiple vehicles. If you or someone you love has been in a car crash in Alabama or Mobile that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering if you need to report your crash to the authorities—and the answer is “yes.”
However, the police aren’t the only ones you need to call after a Mobile car crash. The period of time after an accident is most likely muddled with shock, confusion, adrenaline, and trying to figure out what you need to do next. What information do you need to collect? Who do you need to notify? Are there any laws in Mobile, Alabama that you need to know about when you’ve been in an accident? For answers to these questions, keep reading.
If you or someone you love has been in a car crash in Alabama or Mobile that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering if you need to report your crash to the authorities—and the answer is “yes.”
Take These Steps After a Crash in Mobile, Alabama
Calling the police is one of the first things you should do after a crash. However, alerting the authorities isn’t the only step you should take to protect your health and your claim.
If you or someone you love has been in a Mobile car accident, pause for a moment, take a deep breath to calm your mind, then follow these steps:
- Check for injuries and call 911. Adrenaline can mask pain, so look yourself over and check any passengers for visible injuries. In Mobile and the rest of Alabama, you must call 911 for accidents where there is an injury or death, or if there is at least $250 in property damage. When you call, be prepared to tell the operator your location and everything you know about the injuries so that first responders can provide help as quickly as possible.
- Get to safety. If you can, move your vehicle out of the roadway and turn on your hazard lights. However, if it’s not safe to exit or move the vehicle, it may be safest to remain in your car.
- Document everything. If it’s safe and you’re able, take photos or videos of scene of the accident. Be sure to get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. It can be very helpful to snap a photo of their driver’s license and license plate, since you may need the license number for accident reporting. The more information you get the better, since it may not be possible to track down these details later. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information.
- Get medical treatment. You may have injuries that you do not feel or see, so it is important to seek medical treatment even if you think you feel fine. Some injuries may take a couple days to become apparent, so see a doctor as soon as you can, even if it’s not immediately after a crash. Getting medical care could be critical to your healing, and it will be important documentation in the event of a personal injury claim.
Why Do I Need to Call the Police After a Mobile Car Accident?
Like physical injuries, car damage may not be obvious in the heat of the moment. You may believe the damage is less than $250, but there are very few car parts that can be replaced for that amount! If you later find out the damage is higher than $250, but you did not report the accident, your car insurance may not cover the repair.
More importantly, if there are any injuries to you or anyone else involved in the motor vehicle accident, there can be dire consequences for failing to report the crash. If you or another motorist requires medical treatment and later decides to file a lawsuit for damages, but there is no police report, then it will be your word against theirs during a personal injury claim.
Plus, an official police report will provide evidence of who was at fault and the police officer’s best estimate of what happened. Since they are experienced investigators, an accident report is a respected document that can be crucial to your case.
RELATED: I Just Had A Car Crash, What Do I Do Now?
Should I Call a Mobile Car Accident Attorney?
For many people, the answer is “yes.”
Many of the people we speak with who have been in a Mobile automobile accident just want to put the pain of the crash behind them. They file an insurance claim, hoping that will get them the financial compensation they need to recover and move on. For too many, it’s simply not enough.
Why? The insurance company doesn’t have their best financial interests in mind. An insurance adjuster will try to get you and other people who have been in a crash to settle for as little as possible, since this saves the insurance company money. Many people are only offered a fraction of what their settlement should be.
Speaking with an experienced Mobile car accident lawyer about your crash will help you understand your options and what to do next. Your attorney can also help you put together a case that demands accountability and fair compensation. They’ll build your case by using their experience and aggressive tactics to gather critical information and evidence.
Speaking with an experienced Mobile car accident lawyer about your crash will help you understand your options and what to do next.
If you don’t call an experienced lawyer, you may miss out on valuable compensation for legal claims. Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys offers a free consultation to make sure you are represented by someone who is on your side.
Need Help After a Mobile Car Accident? Contact Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys Today
Car accidents are stressful and disorienting, especially if you or someone you love is injured. Our experienced legal team will guide you on your best options and the next steps in your case.
For a free case evaluation and legal advice, please call 251-888-8888 or complete this brief form today. Our Mobile law firm is conveniently located on Dauphin Island Parkway near I-10, and we’re ready to hear your story and win on your behalf.
References
Alabama Department of Transportation. (2020). Crash Facts 2019. Retrieved from https://www.caps.ua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CrashFacts_2019.pdf
US Department of Transportation. (2019, July). Quick Facts 2017. Retrieved from https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812747
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
Andy is the owner and CEO of Citrin Law Firm, P.C. He founded the firm in 1995 with the goal of helping injured people put their lives back together. His passion for protecting injured people has only grown since he opened the doors of Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, and he has a history of winning numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients.