The actions you take in the aftermath of a car accident have the potential to shape your recovery, from how fully you can heal to how much compensation you could secure and how efficiently you can put the nightmare behind you and focus on the future.
Were you recently hurt in a motor vehicle collision? One key step to take after a car accident in Huntsville is to secure skilled legal support. Contact the team at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., now for a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your legal options for an injury claim.
What Should I Do After I Get in a Car Accident?
Your first priority after a car accident should always be your safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 right away to report the crash and request medical help if anyone is hurt. Stay at the scene until police arrive. Cooperate fully with the responding police officer, but do not admit fault or speculate about what happened. Seek a copy of the police report.
After you have spoken with the police and exchanged information with the other driver, shift your focus to protecting your health, finances, and legal rights in the days and weeks that follow:
- Seek prompt medical treatment. Even if you feel fine at first, still see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Some potentially severe injuries, like concussions, internal injuries, or soft-tissue damage, may not cause pain or even show symptoms immediately after the crash. Getting a prompt diagnosis through timely medical attention helps prevent complications and creates an official medical record that links your injuries to the accident. That could be a critical piece of evidence if you file a claim later.
- Document the accident scene and your injuries. If you can, take photographs or videos immediately after the crash. Capture vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries to help demonstrate the severity of the collision and support your version of events.
- Contact a car accident attorney. Our Huntsville car accident attorneys can evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and manage every element of your claim, from communicating with insurance companies to gathering the key evidence necessary to build a strong case for compensation.
- Notify your insurance company. Most insurers require you to promptly report any accidents to pursue an insurance claim. Give them the basic facts about where and when the crash occurred and who was involved, but do not provide a recorded statement or accept an early settlement offer before speaking with a lawyer from Morris, King & Hodge, P.C.
- Keep detailed records. Save all medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, pay stubs showing lost income, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. Keep a journal describing your physical and emotional pain levels and how your injuries affect your daily life. Such records can help your attorney calculate the full value of your losses.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Attend all follow-up appointments and complete any recommended therapies or procedures. Gaps in treatment can weaken your claim and give insurers an opening to argue that your injuries are not serious or unrelated to the crash.
- Be cautious on social media. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys for the other driver’s insurance company may monitor your online activity. Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery. Even a seemingly harmless photo could be taken out of context and used against you to devalue your claim.
- Repair or replace your vehicle carefully. Get multiple estimates from reputable shops before authorizing any repairs to your car. Save all documentation related to the damage assessment, towing, and rental car costs so your lawyer can include them in your compensation claim.
How Long After a Car Accident Can I Make a Claim in Huntsville, AL?
Under Alabama law, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Only very narrow exceptions may apply. Missing the deadline could permanently bar you from recovering compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.
While two years might sound like plenty of time, acting quickly gives our experienced car accident attorneys the best chance to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and preserve records before they disappear – all of which can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
When to Worry After a Car Accident
After a car accident, it is natural to wonder when your injuries or symptoms might signal something more serious than what is immediately apparent.
If you experience severe or worsening pain (especially abdominal pain), dizziness, headaches, confusion, numbness, or difficulty moving after a car wreck, do not panic, but do get to a doctor right away. These symptoms could indicate internal injuries, blood clots, concussions, spinal trauma, or other serious injuries that require immediate medical care. If you are struggling with your emotions or sleep, you may be experiencing post-traumatic stress.
Even if your symptoms seem relatively minor or even manageable, keep in mind that they can worsen over time without treatment. Get a prompt medical evaluation to protect your health and document any hidden injuries.
How Can an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Seek Justice for You?
After a car accident, you deserve the time and space necessary to focus on your physical healing process. Our skilled car accident attorneys can make it possible by managing the details of your claim for you while you heal.
It is not just a matter of completing paperwork. Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., can work to uncover the full picture of what happened and pursue the compensation you deserve. To this end, an experienced lawyer from our firm can:
- Investigate the cause of the crash
- Gather and review all evidence related to the accident, including information in the accident report
- Identify all liable parties and potential sources of compensation
- Consult with experts in fields like accident reconstruction, medicine, and finances
- Calculate your losses, both current and future
- File necessary legal documents and meet all deadlines
- Communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Negotiate in pursuit of a fair settlement
- Prepare your case for trial if settlement negotiations break down
- Advocate for you in court to pursue full compensation
Contact the Trusted Car Accident Attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C.
The Huntsville car accident attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have over 50 years of experience with Alabama’s car accident laws and have recovered over $168 million for the deserving accident victims who have turned to us for help in their hour of need.
Let us put our experience and resources to work for you and your car accident claim now.
Contact us to get started with a free case review.
