Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident in Alabama?
If you have been involved in a minor car accident, you might be wondering whether you even need to get an attorney. The answer often depends on the specifics of your case. The factors that can influence your decision include the severity of your injuries, the extent of the damage, and whether or not the other driver’s insurance company has accepted responsibility.
Steps To Take Immediately Following a Minor Auto Accident
If you are involved in a minor auto accident in Alabama, here are the steps you need to take immediately following any kind of accidents:
Check for Injuries
First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If possible, check on the occupants of the other vehicle to determine whether they have sustained any injuries. If anyone needs medical assistance, dial 911 to get help there right away.
Notify the Police
You will usually want to notify the police of your accident. A police report is often needed later, especially if an insurance claim will be necessary. Additionally, you must file an SR-13 Crash Report within 30 days if there were any injuries, deaths, or property damage over $250 (AL Code § 32-7-5).
Gather Evidence
Go ahead and gather some evidence of the crash, such as pictures of the scene and vehicles. If there were any witnesses, obtain their contact information in case it is needed later.
Never Admit Fault
Although you should exchange information with the other driver, such as your name, phone number, and insurance information, you should NEVER admit fault for the accident. Similarly, never apologize to the other driver, as this could be taken as an admission of fault.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Go ahead and notify your insurance company of the accident. Even if you were not at fault, your insurance company may need to get involved. This is especially true when the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Talk To an Accident Attorney
Seek the help of a trusted auto accident attorney. An experienced attorney can help walk you through the process of filing a personal injury claim.
Common Injuries Resulting From Minor Car Accidents
The car accident statistics in Alabama show that tens of thousands of motorists are injured in accidents every year. Even minor accidents can result in serious injuries. Never assume that you could not sustain an injury just because there does not appear to be significant damage to the vehicle.
Some common injuries sustained as a result of minor vehicle crashes include the following:
- Whiplash
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
You may not even feel the full effects of an injury until a day or two after the accident. This is why it is always important to seek medical treatment after a car accident, especially one in which you believe you may be hurt.
How an Attorney Can Help You After a Minor Car Accident
Insurance companies will sometimes try everything they can to avoid paying a claim. They are watching out for their bottom line — even if that means not fairly compensating you. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you are owed.
First, your attorney can help hold the responsible party accountable. If the other driver’s insurance company is not accepting responsibility, your attorney can gather the necessary evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault. This may be done by gathering police reports, witness testimony, video surveillance, or other evidence.
Next, your attorney can help with the valuation of your case. Even if the insurance company offers to pay your claim, they might make you a lowball offer. An experienced attorney can examine the facts of the case, along with the extent of your injuries, and help you get full and fair compensation.
Finally, your attorney can help prevent you from doing anything that might damage your case. You should avoid signing any paperwork without first consulting an attorney, and you should not make any statements to the insurance company or adjuster without the advice of an attorney. Having the help of an accident attorney will likely lead to a much higher recovery, as studies have shown that accident victims who retain an attorney typically receive a payout nearly four times higher than those who do not hire a lawyer.
Contact the Alabama Car Accident Attorneys at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers. Call us at (205) 206-5088
If you have been involved in a car accident in Alabama, it is usually a good idea to consult an attorney as soon as you can. Even if the accident was minor, an attorney can help protect your legal rights and get you the compensation you are owed.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas.
We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 206-5088
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 209
Hunstville, AL, 35801
(256) 666-4660
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 513-2110