What To Do If You’ve Been Rear-Ended in Alabama

Learn How to Navigate an Alabama Rear-End Accident without Hassles

Anyone who has been rear-ended in Alabama can relate to the initial shock of realizing they’ve just been hit. That shock soon transforms into concerns about their health and the extent of their injuries or property damage. Then comes the uncertainty about the next steps to take. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and if you’re in such a situation, we understand how devastated you must feel.

However, realizing that you have no idea what to do next is a step in the right direction. It means that you understand how important it is to make the right decisions following a rear-end crash in Alabama. With this mindset, you’d be open to learning how to navigate your rear-end accident claim as smoothly as possible. Besides increasing your chances of a maximum payout, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that you’re doing the right thing.

If this accurately describes your position, you’ve hit the right page. In this article, we’ll focus on the necessary steps to take after you’ve been rear-ended in Alabama. You’ll also learn how to determine the responsible parties and expected damages in your case.

Are you ready? Let’s get started.

7 Crucial Steps to Take If You’re a Rear-End Accident Victim in Alabama

Increase Your Confidence by Taking the Right Steps following An Alabama Rear-End Collision

The following steps are necessary to ensure that you don’t end up with a bad rear-end accident case in Alabama:

Ensure That Everyone Is Safe

Your safety and that of the other victims in the accident should always come first. So, study your environment to ensure that there’s little risk of additional harm coming to you. If there is, move yourself, your vehicle, and others to the nearest safe location you can find.

Call The Relevant Emergency Responders 

If you can, check yourself and others for any sign of injuries. Make a mental note of your observations and dial 911 to alert paramedics and law enforcement. Ensure that you accurately describe the situation to the operator and wait for their arrival.

Gather Evidence 

The next step after you’ve been rear-ended is to gather ample evidence to support your claims. If you have a smart device, you can do this by taking pictures and videos of your fresh injuries and property damage. You should also focus on getting clear images of the point of impact from different angles.

Gather Driver and Witness Information 

It’s good practice to interact with the other driver and collect their contact and insurance information at the accident scene. If there are any witnesses, approach them to record their testimonies, names, addresses, and other contact information. It’s important to do this as soon as possible because it may be difficult to track them when they leave the crash site.

Beware Of Social Media 

One of the mistakes many injury claimants make is posting about their case on social media. Unfortunately, anything you post on the internet can be used to ruin your case. An innocent photo that minimizes the severity of your injuries can be misconstrued and leveraged to reduce your settlement sum. So, it’s advisable to adjust your privacy settings, limit your posts, and monitor your tags and mentions to avoid unfavorable outcomes.

Contact An Experienced Rear-End Accident Lawyer 

While it’s not a legal requirement to hire an attorney, you can hardly succeed in your claim without one. That’s especially true if you’ve never handled a rear-end accident case alone. Rear-end accident lawyers have experience in resolving cases like yours. They know what to expect in your claim and have effective strategies to navigate the tough legal terrains.

From giving you legal advice to negotiating a fair settlement, they’ll do everything possible to achieve the best outcome in your case. This allows you to prioritize your recovery while also aggressively fighting for the payout you deserve.

Who Is at Fault in My Alabama Rear-End Collision?

Negligence Is the Sole Formula for Determining Liability in A Rear-End Accident in Alabama

Generally, the rear driver is typically the party responsible for most rear-end accidents in Alabama. This is because every motorist is expected to leave a reasonable distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them. The reason for this is to allow vehicles to stop safely if the car at the front stops or slows down unexpectedly. So, in a rear-end accident,  it’s assumed that the automobile at the back was following too closely.

However, this isn’t set in stone. The surest way to determine fault in any rear-end collision is by discovering the party who:

• Owed the other a duty to protect and keep them safe
• Failed in their duty of care by violating a traffic rule
• Caused the accident because of their disregard for the other party’s safety
• Caused the other person injuries or losses due to their careless actions.

Note that you can be partially at fault in the rear-end accident. In such cases, you’ll not be allowed to file a settlement claim against the other driver because of the state’s contributory negligence rule. So, it’s important to speak with an attorney to understand your situation and determine whether you share liability before initiating a claim.

What Damages Will I Receive in An Alabama Rear-End Collision Case?

You’re Entitled to Various Categories of Compensation in An Alabama Personal Injury Claim

You’ll typically be allowed to receive the following types of settlement in a successful Alabama rear-end accident claim:

General Damages

General damages are also called non-economic damages. This kind of settlement covers the intangible or psychological losses you suffered due to the accident. They include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress.

Special Damages 

Special or economic damages compensate you for the tangible losses in the crash. Examples include lost income, cost of medical care, and property damage.

Punitive Damages 

An Alabama court may award you punitive damages in a rear-end accident lawsuit. This happens when the defendant’s actions were intentional, grossly negligent, and deserving of punishment. Another goal of awarding punitive damages is to warn other drivers against wanton disregard for the safety of road users.

Get An Experienced Alabama Rear-End Crash Attorney in A Few Minutes

Our Compassionate Rear-End Accident Lawyers in Alabama Are Waiting to Hear from You

While dealing with a rear-end accident claim can be burdensome, our attorneys make it so much better.  At Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, PC, we want you to focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case. We’re with you every step of the way and will take every necessary step to get you a worthy payout.

So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (251) 444-7000 to get started on your claim. Our initial consultation is free, and we’re ready to answer all your questions as promptly and accurately as possible.