A car accident occurs in Alabama every three minutes, so, unfortunately, chances are you’ll be involved in some sort of crash in your lifetime (and maybe already have). If so, knowing what to do ahead of time can save time, money, and stress down the road.
In this blog, we outline what Alabama car crash victims need to know after an accident and provide next steps if you find yourself in this scary situation.
Alabama Rear-End Collisions Can Have Devastating Effects
While rear-end collisions might seem run-of-the-mill, they often cause serious injuries and significant damage. According to the Washington Post, there are 1.7 million rear-end crashes in the U.S. every year. Roughly 1,700 people die and 500,000 are injured in these collisions.
Seemingly minor injuries after a rear-end collision are common. However, neck injuries like hyperextension, hyperflexion, and strains — all other words for “whiplash” — can have an incredible impact on a victim’s life. Other common injuries include concussions, sprains, and emotional distress.
Don’t let the seemingly uncomplicated nature of these injuries keep you from seeking help. Without proper treatment and care, a routine injury could lead to something more complicated — prolonging your healing and causing you more pain and suffering over time.
RELATED ARTICLE: Head Injuries: What Every Accident Victim Needs to Know
Take These Steps After a Rear-End Collision in Alabama
Getting rear-ended might seem minor because it’s so common, but the moments immediately after a crash are scary and can be filled with uncertainty, panic, and pain. Protect yourself after a rear-end collision by knowing what to do and who to contact.
Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
The most important thing after a crash is to ensure everyone involved is safe. Even if you don’t think you’ve sustained major injuries, it’s still best to get checked out. A doctor will catch latent injuries that can cause trouble if left untreated. Concussions, internal bleeding, and bruised bones can be painful and problematic if left untreated.
Call the Police and Get an Accident Report
A police report is a tremendous piece of evidence in a rear-end case. It’s in your best interest to call the police after a crash, especially when you’re the victim of someone else’s negligence because the report will list the liable driver. When the other driver is at fault, the report can help you and your lawyer fight for the compensation you deserve if you decide to pursue legal action.
Gather Information and Evidence
If you can, take down the negligent driver’s:
-
- Name
- Phone number
- Address
- License plate number
- Insurance information
This information will be useful when you file your insurance claim.
If possible, you should also use your cell phone to take photos of the crash scene, every vehicle involved, and the road. While your lawyer can help you collect and preserve evidence, these images are irreplaceable.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Rear-End Collision in Alabama
After a rear-end collision, the negligent driver might not have sufficient insurance to cover the costs of your injuries and damages. They might also claim that they were not at fault or liable for the crash.
If you’re being denied the compensation you deserve after a crash, you should consider contacting an Alabama personal injury attorney. These professionals can help you evaluate your options, compile and preserve evidence, and fight to get you the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
A lawyer can help you recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Repairing your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Missed work
- Lost wages
- And more
Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys: Taking Your Accident Seriously for Over 30 Years
At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we’ve been fighting for personal injury victims Alabama and the Gulf Coast for over 30 years. We understand the impact even the most seemingly routine crashes can have on victims and have dedicated our careers to making sure no one goes without the compensation they deserve to live full and happy lives.
If you’re suffering because of someone else’s negligence, please contact us today so we can conduct a free case evaluation and provide sound legal advice about what to do next.
Please call 251-888-8888 or complete this brief form to request your free consultation.
References
Halsey, A. (2015, June 2015). There are about 1.7 million rear-end collisions on U.S. roads each year. Here’s how to stop them. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2015/06/08/there-are-about-1-7-million-rear-end-collisions-on-u-s-roads-each-year-heres-how-to-stop-them/?noredirect=on
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.