DIAL '3' FOR ME
334-333-3333You can lose a lot when you get into an accident on Alabama’s roads. Your car can be badly damaged, and you could suffer serious injuries which are costly to treat. When you have to take time off from work, your income will take a hit. Under the state’s laws, the person who was responsible for your injuries is required to compensate you. However, you can jeopardize your case based on what you do after the accident. If you don’t want to compromise your legal rights, there are some common mistakes you need to avoid.
As attorneys, we have seen several instances of accident victims hurting their own cases. Let’s look at some of the mistakes we caution against.
You’re legally required to exchange contact information and insurance details with the other driver. If necessary, you should also wait until the police and paramedics arrive. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime even if you were not at fault.
If you want the other driver to pay for causing your injuries, you to have proof that they were at fault. If the driver denies liability or disputes your account of the accident, you’ll need evidence from the scene. If you can, you should take photos of the vehicular damage and road conditions as well as your injuries. You should also get contact details for any eyewitnesses.
You should always seek medical attention after a car accident. Not only is this important for your health but it helps you to protect your rights. Some serious injuries don’t show obvious symptoms but going to the doctor can result in a diagnosis. What may seem like just a headache could be a sign of serious head injuries. If you don’t see immediate help, you won’t be able to link your injuries to the crash. The other driver’s insurance company will likely argue that something else caused your injuries.
In order to recover compensation, you need to show proof of your losses. If you want your medical bills paid, you need to keep copies of receipts from the doctor and the pharmacy. You’ll also need medical reports which state your diagnosis and prognosis. If you want compensation for lost wages, you must be able to show how many days of work you missed. You must also be able to prove how much you earned prior to the crash. It may be a mountain of paperwork but you’ll need all this information for your attorney and the insurance company.
You have two years from the date of the accident to sue for car accident injuries. If you take longer, the court won’t hear your case and you won’t be able to get compensation. Insurance companies have been known to drag out negotiations until the statute of limitations passes. If you want to get compensation, you need to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. They will know when negotiations are going nowhere and it’s time to go to court.
Your car accident lawyer needs to know everything about what happened if they are to truly work on your behalf. Anything you tell your attorney will be held in confidence so you shouldn’t withhold information or lie. Don’t exaggerate your injuries or other losses in the hopes that you will be able to recover even more money. Your lawyer will work hard to get you what you deserve but you need to be honest.
These are some of the most common mistakes people make and very often, they bar them from getting compensation. The attorneys at The Vance Law Firm know that you may not be aware of all the laws which apply to car accidents. That’s why we recommend that you call us immediately after the crash so we can advise you on how to proceed. We’ll make sure you know what to say and how to act in the days and weeks ahead.
We’ll handle all the legalities while you focus on recovering and rebuilding your life. We’ll fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf. Simply call us and schedule a free consultation with a highly skilled car accident lawyer in Alabama. If you decide to hire us, you don’t have to pay until we secure compensation. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and seek the justice you deserve.
