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After an Auto Accident: Your Step-by-Step Guide

  • A car accident can be a frightening, overwhelming situation. It can leave you confused, and when you’re struggling to recover, that’s dangerous. You could lose your compensation if you’re not careful with your claim.

    Once you’ve suffered through an auto accident, what can you do about it? There are a few steps you’ll need to take after your crash, so be ready to act today for your compensation.

    Reporting the Accident

    When you’ve been in an accident, letting the right people know is important. Not only will people at the scene need help, but leaving the scene of a crash without contacting the police is a crime. You’ll need to call 911 first and make sure everyone is OK.

    Once you and the other driver have gotten medical attention, however, you’ll also need to report your accident to your insurance company. Even if you’re concerned that you might be at fault, report the accident without mentioning responsibility and let them know that you’ll be seeking a settlement for your injuries.

    Your Settlement Offer

    Once you’ve contacted your insurer and given them the necessary information, you’ll need to seek a settlement for your suffering. Once your report is filed, an insurance adjuster should review your claim and investigate the accident. Then, they’ll determine the amount of compensation due for the suffering you’ve been through.

    Keep in mind, though, that you don’t have to accept this settlement offer right away. Instead, you might believe that it’s less than what you need to recover. Insurance companies may try to protect their profits at the cost of your recovery.

    If they don’t offer you the full settlement you need, you’ll need to write a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter should detail what you’re owed and why. Unfortunately, they may refuse to budge, in which case, you’ll need to seek compensation through the courts system.

    Taking Your Claim to Court

    The insurance company might not be so agreeable, even with a demand letter, but that doesn’t mean you should go without compensation. In these cases, you’ll need to take your claim to court.

    With a lawyer on your side, you’ll have a chance to get the full compensation you deserve, but you’ll have to fight for it. You’ll need someone on your side to help you gather evidence and defend your claim when the other party claims you were negligent, too. If you don’t, your claim could be dismissed and you could be barred from recovery.

    Seek Out an Attorney

    The aftermath of an auto accident rarely comes without struggles. The claims process alone has many laws and regulations surrounding it, so it’s well-advised to enlist the help of a qualified Alabama car accident lawyer from the Henry Dailey Law Firm. We’ll work diligently to secure your rightful compensation.

    When you’re ready to begin, take advantage of our free consultations. We’ll discuss where you are in your claim and what we can do for you when you sign to team up with us. Call us at 205-995-2412 or reach out to us through our website.