What to Do After a Tailgating Accident in Alabama
Tailgating is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Alabama. While these accidents are entirely preventable, they happen far too often. This means your odds of being involved in a tailgating accident may be high. If you find yourself in this situation, here is what to do.
Seek Medical Treatment for Your Injuries
One of the first things you should do after an accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone needs medical treatment, call 911. Remember that you may not even feel some injuries right away due to your adrenaline after the accident. This is especially true for tailgating-related injuries, such as whiplash or other neck and back injuries.
Failure to get treatment for your injuries may prevent you from recovering any compensation for them later in the claims process. If there is no evidence that you were injured, you may be unable to prove your damages later in the process.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
If you are able, exchange information with the other driver. This information will be important later in the claims process.
You should swap basic information such as:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance company
- Insurance policy number
Additionally, if there were any witnesses, get their contact information. If the other driver refuses to give you their information, call the police.
Notify the Police
Auto accidents in Alabama must be reported to the police if any injuries or fatalities occur. Tailgating accidents often result in injuries, so it is a good idea to call the police to have a report created.
A Form SR-13 is also required if an uninsured motorist causes damage exceeding $500. A police report can be great evidence used to help prove your case later if needed.
Gather Evidence
Gather as much evidence at the scene as you can. Take photos of all the vehicles involved, and get these photos from multiple angles. You will also want to take pictures of the scene, such as road signs, road conditions, and anything else that might be used later to help prove your case.
Call Your Insurance Company
You should notify your insurance company of the accident, even if you were not at fault. For instance, if the other driver did not have insurance, then your own uninsured motorist coverage may have to pay for your damages.
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not make any statements to them without talking to a lawyer first. Anything you say to them could be used against you later to deny your claim. Remember that your conversations with them are recorded, and their adjusters and lawyers may be very good at using your words against you.
The insurance company may make you a quick settlement offer. Be leery of quick offers because they might be much lower than the actual value of your case.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Settling
Always talk to a personal injury lawyer before accepting an insurance settlement. You may be entitled to much more compensation than you realize.
Insurance companies are watching out for their bottom line, so they will do everything they can to pay as little on your claim as possible. Most personal injury lawyers offer free case evaluations, so you have nothing to lose by talking to a lawyer about your case.
Pursue Damages After a Tailgating Accident
If another driver slammed into the back of your vehicle and hurt you, they may owe you compensation for both your economic damages and non-economic damages.
Some common examples of damages available after a tailgating accident include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future lost earnings capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
A car accident attorney will be able to help you better understand what damages you may be entitled to after your car crash.
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your case and any damages you may be entitled to.
Contact a Huntsville Car Accident Attorney at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas.
We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 973-6417
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 207
Hunstville, AL, 35801
(256) 781-9242
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.73050852442579, -86.5863926515444
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 518-6098
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.373594220209505, -86.3092041262694