Steps To Take after A Hit-and-Run Accident in Alabama

How To Handle an Alabama Hit-And-Run Collision Case with Confidence and Calm

A hit-and-run accident in Alabama happens when a driver who caused a collision drives off without stopping. This is an illegal act; Alabama law requires motorists involved in a crash to remain at the scene for some time. That’s especially necessary if the accident involves injury, property damage, or death. While there, they are to assist injured victims and provide their names, driver’s licenses, and registration numbers to the other parties.

In Alabama, hit-and-run may be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the collision. When convicted, drivers are faced with steep penalties, including fines and jail time. Fortunately, individuals are also allowed to pursue a civil claim against the at-fault parties to recover compensation for their losses.

Our Alabama hit-and-run accident attorneys can review your case and explain the legal options available to you.

It’s important to note, however, that the success of your compensation claim largely depends on what you do after the crash. That’s why we’ve written this article to guide you through the right steps to take as a hit-and-run accident victim. Strictly adhering to the procedures below will help you avoid simple mistakes that can adversely affect the outcome of your case.

What Should I Do After an Alabama Hit-and-Run Crash?

Your Actions Following a Hit-and-Run Accident in Alabama Are Extremely Important

As we mentioned already, your actions after a hit-and-run accident in Alabama will reflect in how successfully your case ends. That’s why you must painstakingly follow the steps below to ensure that you do every right:

Dial 911

The first thing to do after a hit-and-run in Alabama is to check if anyone is hurt. If you or anyone else is injured, you’re expected to dial 911 immediately. In fact, a good rule of thumb is to call emergency responders even if you don’t notice any injuries. That’s because injuries like broken bones and internal bleeding are often difficult to detect except during professional medical evaluation.

Move Your Vehicle to A Safe Location

After dialing 911, the next step is to evaluate your surroundings to determine if you’re out of harm’s way. If, for example, your vehicle is blocking traffic, it’ll be wise to move your car to a nearby shoulder. Remember to move away to a safe location only as far as is necessary to avoid another accident. Never exit the accident scene entirely before the police or other emergency responders arrive.

Gather Evidence 

No matter how scary your accident is, you wouldn’t get the damages you deserve without compelling evidence. So, ensure that you take as many pictures of the crash site and your injuries as you can. Focus on gathering pictorial and video evidence from different angles. You may also want to interview witnesses and record their accounts of the accident.

Cooperate with Law Enforcement

When police officers arrive, respond to their questions cautiously and obey their instructions. Provide them with all the information they need to investigate your case properly. Always remember never to lie to a police officer. It’s better to let them know that you don’t have an answer to a question than to give them inaccurate information.

Call Your Insurance Company 

It’s important to report the accident to your insurance company as early as possible. The earlier you inform them about the crash, the sooner you can expect your payout. However, be cautious of the information you divulge in your report.

Note that you don’t have to give them all the details of the accident immediately. You can simply let them know there was an accident and your attorney will contact them as soon as possible.

Hire An Alabama Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Consulting our Alabama personal injury attorneys is one of the crucial steps after a hit-and-run crash. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of your case and instruct you on further steps to take based on your unique situation. Our attorneys are experienced professionals who will protect your rights and stand by you from the beginning to the end of your claim.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in An Alabama Hit-and-Run Case

Learn What Not to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Alabama

While focusing on the right steps to take after a hit-and-run accident, you should also watch out for certain common mistakes. While these errors may seem harmless, they can significantly take you many steps backward in your mission to receive maximum compensation. They include:

• Hiring an attorney without prior experience in hit-and-run cases
• Lying to your hit-and-run accident lawyer
• Waiting too long to file a claim
• Settling for the first settlement offer
• Minimizing the extent of your pain or injuries
• Failing to adhere to your doctor’s instructions
• Disregarding your attorney’s advice
• Speaking about your case on social media.

The list of common mistakes hit-and-run accident claimants make cannot be exhausted in this article. So, contact your Alabama hit-and-run crash lawyer for personalized instructions on how to navigate your case without problems.

Contact Experienced Hit-and-Run Auto Crash Attorneys Right Away

You Don’t Have to Face This Challenging Situation Alone

Hit-and-run accidents can leave you frustrated because of the severe injuries and property damage they often cause. While it’s bad enough that the driver was negligent, it’s worse that they abandoned you to handle your losses alone. In times like this, it’s easy to feel scared and confused about the next steps to take. Fortunately, our hit-and-run accident lawyers will stand by you and ensure that you make the right decisions at all times.

At Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, PC, we have an aggressive and effective legal team with many years of experience in handling hit-and-run cases. Our verifiable and exceptional track record of success sets us apart from other law firms in our locality. We have all it takes to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (251) 444-7000 or a free case review. We’re available 24/7 to attend to your questions and emergencies.