Car accidents are frequent occurrences in Alabama, with one traffic accident being reported every 202 seconds in 2016, according to recent data. People in the state of Alabama also have a three-in-one greater chance of being in a car accident that involves injury or death, as compared to the national average. Being involved in a car accident is an unfortunate risk of being on the road in Mobile, Alabama, and if you end up with a car accident injury, you can find yourself on the line for thousands of dollars in damages.
If you have suffered a car accident injury, seeking compensation with a Mobile, AL car accident attorney is the best way to get yourself back on your feet. A car accident attorney can help you through the difficult process of filing an accident injury claim and making sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Handling a Car Accident Injury Claim in Mobile, Alabama
If you are injured in a car accident in Mobile, AL, taking the right steps in the aftermath of the accident is extremely important. There are five basic rules to follow that will help when it comes time to seek compensation for an injury claim.
Charles McCorquodale Law Firm can help those suffering from a car accident injury file a claim for their damages.
- Visit a doctor immediately
- Take detailed notes of the accident site, including pictures, contact information of witnesses, weather conditions, etc
- File a police report and request a copy
- Write down everything related to your injury, including work time you may have missed, pain and suffering caused, and recovery time
- Hire an attorney
Throughout the insurance claims process, retain and record every document that you receive detailing all events occurring in the aftermath of the accident. Medical documents and bills are important documents to have, and even smaller bills, such as the cost of alternative transportation while your car is in the shop all can be covered later on. When you meet with your Mobile, AL car accident attorney, the strength of your case will be decided by the documentation you provide.
When and Where Should I File a Claim?
Filing a claim for a car accident injury should take place as quickly as possible after the incident has occurred. This should include all of the following details:
- Your name and driver’s license
- Your insurance policy number and expiration date
- Details of the accident (date, time, location)
- Information of all involved at the scene (names, phone numbers, addresses)
Alabama requires you to file an SR-31 form with the Driver License Division of the Department of Public Safety after you have been involved in an accident that involves a personal injury. SR-31 forms can be mailed to:
Department of Public Safety
Safety Responsibility Unit
P.O. Box 1471
Montgomery, AL 36102
Alabama requires that all vehicle owners have liability insurance and filing an SR-21 form can help when filing a personal injury claim. If law enforcement was not present at the time of the accident, or if you didn’t have proof of insurance at the time, an SR-21 form can be printed off and sent to the Driver’s License Division of the Safety Responsibility Unit.
Keep in mind that you will likely need to file a separate claim with your car insurance company, especially if your vehicle was damaged in the crash. The contact information for your car insurance company can be found on your insurance card.
Coverage for Car Accident Injuries
The coverage for being hurt in a car accident is usually dependent on the situation. Alabama has a ‘no-fault’ insurance policy, which means that the driver at fault must pay the victim’s medical expenses. The party who is injured in a car accident can also pursue lost wages from the at-fault driver, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. This differs from other states where the possibility of shared fault exists.
Each state sets its own minimum amounts for liability coverage. In Alabama, they are as follows:
- Bodily Injury for One Person: $25,000
- Bodily Injury for All Injuries: $50,000
- Property Damage: $25,000
Reach Out to an Alabama car accident attorney Today
If you are hurt in a car accident, the Charles McCorquodale Law Firm can help you file an injury claim. The process for filing an car accident injury claim can be difficult to navigate, but a seasoned car accident attorney will follow you every step of the way to ensure you receive the compensation you are owed. Contact the Charles McCorquodale Law Firm today to learn more about your legal options.
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