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334-333-3333In Alabama, rear-end collisions are a common type of accident. Nearly 16,115 collisions in 2020 were due to tailgating, which often results in rear-end accidents. Being involved in a rear-end collision can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, particularly if you are unsure of what steps to take next.
Knowing what to do after a rear-end collision in Alabama can help protect your rights. The Alabama motor vehicle accident attorneys at The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers will help you build your case and receive compensation for damages you sustained in a rear-end collision.
Rear-end accidents occur when one vehicle collides into the rear of another, often due to distracted or negligent driving. The consequences of rear-end crashes can be severe, resulting in property damage, injuries, and even fatalities.
Specific injuries resulting from rear-end collisions include whiplash, back and neck injuries, and head trauma. Property damage can range from minor scratches and dents to more serious damage to a vehicle’s frame.
As a rear-end accident victim, you can seek compensation for your damages by filing a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company. Your attorney can help you file for compensation for losses such as missed wages, medical bills, property damage, and emotional distress to cover your damages.
After an auto accident, you can take several steps to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and efficiently file a compensation claim. Immediately following a crash, check for injuries, then take the following actions:
When you call emergency services, provide your name, location, and a brief accident description. Tell them about any injuries or if you suspect someone is trapped in a vehicle. Emergency services will dispatch the appropriate personnel, including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, to the accident scene.
If it is safe, move your vehicle off the road so it doesn’t cause another accident or impede traffic. If your car is drivable, move it to the side of the road or onto the shoulder. If moving your vehicle is unsafe, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the accident.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident. Get their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Your attorney will use this information to file a claim with the negligent party’s insurer. If the other driver leaves the scene, try to record their license plate number and make and model of their car.
Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, any skid marks on the road, and traffic signs or signals in the area. Snap clear images from different angles and distances to provide a full picture of the accident. Also, capture hazardous weather conditions, traffic cameras, and your injuries to share with your attorney.
Witnesses can provide important information about the accident that may help determine who was at fault or what happened leading up to the collision. Ask witnesses if they saw the accident occur and if they can provide any details about the incident. Write down or record their statements and ask for their contact information so your lawyer can contact them later.
In Alabama, you must report any accident that results in injury or death to the police as soon as possible. Contact local authorities immediately after the collision. They will file a crash report containing information such as the date and time of the incident, visible vehicle damage, and citations issued. Your attorney can obtain this report to support your compensation claim.
Contact your insurance company and provide accurate information about the accident, including location, time, date, vehicles, and people involved. Make sure to give your insurance information and the information of the other driver involved in the accident.
Seeking medical attention after a collision is crucial for your health and insurance claim. Appropriate care and diagnosis can help identify injuries like TBIs or whiplash that may not be immediately apparent. It also provides evidence to support your claim and increase the likelihood of receiving compensation.
Insurance claims for rear-end collisions can be complicated, particularly if fault is disputed. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the driver of the rear vehicle or the driver of the front vehicle may be responsible.
In Alabama, the legal system for car accidents is based on contributory negligence, a strict standard that can make it difficult for plaintiffs to recover damages. Contributory negligence means the law bars you from recovering damages if you are even 1% at fault for the accident.
Working with an experienced attorney who can help you prove your case and show that the other driver is 100% responsible for your damages is vital.
If you were involved in a rear-end collision in Alabama and need legal assistance, The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of Alabama’s legal system. We can help protect your rights and seek maximum compensation for damages or injuries.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review to discuss your claim and next steps.
