Per the data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau every year, Americans see close to 12 million car accidents occur across the country. That is a large number and there is nothing that can really be done about it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has claimed that out of those accidents, nearly 30,000 individuals are killed every year. If you are residing in the Mobile area of Alabama, and want to know what to do after having met with the unfortunate fate of being in a car accident, you will want to carefully read this article.
Unfortunately, car accidents do not tell us when or where they are going to happen; they just happen and will happen even if you are a careful driver. It takes just a second of distraction to be involved in a collision that could alter the course of your life permanently. It could be that you were backing up without noticing the car quickly approaching from behind you. Maybe you were driving through a narrow roadway and a motorcycle turned abruptly, resulting in you being unable to stop before an impact occurred. These kinds of car accidents happen everywhere, at any time, and without notice.
While some accidents end in tragic results, especially if occurring at a high rate of speed, some are minor and the driver ends up with only a few contusions or lacerations. The driver may feel that they have exited the accident unscathed and without damages; however, it is still important to alert local police and emergency medical service (EMS) of the accident as soon as possible by dialing 911. Whatever the degree of injury, knowing how to get immediate help in the form of emergency medical services and law enforcement by dialing 911 is very important. It can literally be the difference between a normal life and serious injury or death.
A call placed to 911 not only addresses the matter of an injured party on the scene, it also documents the accident with local law enforcement, should there be an insurance claim filed at a later point. Without a police report, an injured driver might have a hard time recovering losses that occurred as the result of an accident. The insurance companies representing the involved drivers will need a copy of the police report and documentation of the accident verifying who the officers on the scene felt was at fault. An insurance company can find that fault rests on the other drivers even if the police have cited only one party as being the cause of the accident, but a thorough investigation must take place first.
Without the resources of technology or the ability to call 911, you would have to make use of more rudimentary methods of seeking assistance like honking or shouting for help. But, once a driver has stopped or a phone becomes available, call 911 dispatchers and inform them of the accident. When utilized, emergency medical services and assistance from law enforcement will be available to you. That is their duty and responsibility. They respond to different kinds of emergencies like family disputes, fires, and car accidents. The first thing to do when you have been in a car accident, whether it is minor or major, is to turn on your emergency lights and immediately make a call to 911 for help. When you call 911, you are not merely exchanging information about your insurance firms or giving the details of what happened through your perspective, but getting immediate help for injuries, as well as protecting your rights to later recover compensation for your damages.
You never know what will happen after an accident has occurred. For example, a car accident occurs where two drivers decided to sort it out themselves, being that the first individual did not cause the accident and the other driver agrees to being fully at fault. However, when the other driver decides at a later point that they do not want to pay for the damages to the first individual’s vehicle, it must be taken to court. During the court hearing, the driver that caused the car accident says the fault is on the innocent driver. This leads to the innocent driver being unable to recover any compensation for the damages to his/her vehicle because 911 was not called nor was a police report filed. So, regardless the circumstances, call 911 and file a police report within 24 hours of the accident. In the rare case that you do not have your insurance details in your vehicle at the time of the accident, retrieve the information and take it to the police station within 24 hours of the car accident without delay.
How to get a lawyer to help you claim compensation?
When you are living in Mobile, Alabama, and are wondering how to hire an experienced lawyer that can get you the adequate compensation you deserve, you will need to know how to retain one. Though most of the lawyers and firms are experienced and genuine, there are some that are only interested in taking your money. Research the lawyers in your area and do not just take the first attorney you find simply because you feel you have no other choice. You will need an experienced attorney to help protect your rights when dealing with the insurance adjusters. You will want an experienced, professional, and passionate attorney that knows the law.
If you have been involved in an auto accident and have suffered injuries and damages, do not wait or hope that the other driver will do the “right” thing. If you try representing yourself with the insurance companies or in court, the outcome could be very different than you expected. You will want to make use of the legal advice of a car accident lawyer who knows how to handle and file a claim in the way that is the absolute best for you.
Hiring a good lawyer is not a time-consuming affair. You can often find qualified counsel rather quickly in most states. You will want to keep a few things in mind as you proceed in finding an attorney. The best way to speed up the process would be to make a list of few lawyers in your area that are experienced in cases like yours, as well as knowledgeable in the field of legal representation involving insurance companies and adjusters. You will want someone that has a proven track record of success and measures his or her victories by the quality of the help they provide, not the quantity.
Not only can an experienced attorney help you legally, but it is also possible that they will be able to suggest qualified doctors and other medical care professionals that can help you recover faster. Recovering quickly after a car accident is the key to being able to return to leading a normal life. That is entirely possible when you have an experienced professional working for you. Once you have shortlisted a few lawyers or firms in your area, you will then want to spend some time on their website to find out more about their services and rates. Most attorneys will give you a free consultation on the specifics of your case. Use these consultations to determine which attorney is best suited for your legal needs.
Once you have retained legal representation, your lawyer can file a claim to your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company. You will want to make sure that you have obtained an experienced, qualified lawyer for your case before talking to either insurance company. The insurance companies handling your case have a lot of experience dealing with accidents and personal injuries. All insurance companies have adjusters that specialize in making sure the least amount of money possible is paid out by the insurance company to the injured party. If you do not have proper legal representation, it is very possible that you will receive a settlement that is only a fraction of what you deserve. Do not let this happen to you. Contact our office today to secure your skilled car accident attorney in Mobile today and protect your rights.
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