What to Do After an Auto Accident

After a crash: get safe, call police, document everything, get medical care, notify insurance, and call the Ford Firm at 205-454-7500.

  1. Check for injuries and call 911.
    Get medical help immediately if anyone is hurt. In Alabama, a driver involved in an accident causing injury or death must immediately notify local police, the sheriff, or state highway patrol, depending on where the crash happened.
  2. Move to safety if possible.
    Turn on hazard lights. Move vehicles out of traffic only if it is safe and the cars can be moved without creating more danger.
  3. Call law enforcement and request a crash report.
    A police report can be important for proving what happened. Alabama crash reports can later be purchased through ALEA online or at an ALEA Driver License Office.
  4. Exchange information.
    Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, tag number, insurance company, and policy number.
  5. Take pictures and video.
    Photograph vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, debris, traffic signs, road conditions, injuries, and the full accident scene from multiple angles.
  6. Get witness information.
    Write down names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash. Independent witnesses can be very important if fault is disputed.
  7. Do not admit fault.
    Be polite, but do not say the accident was your fault. Stick to basic facts when speaking with police, drivers, or insurance companies.
  8. Seek medical treatment quickly.
    Some injuries appear hours or days later. Delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your injury claim.
  9. Notify your insurance company.
    Report the accident, but avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company before getting legal advice.
  10. Preserve evidence.
    Keep repair estimates, medical records, discharge papers, prescriptions, photos, lost wage records, towing bills, rental car receipts, and insurance letters.
  11. Check for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
    Alabama requires minimum liability insurance limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury/death, and $25,000 for property damage. Those limits may not fully cover serious injuries, so UM/UIM coverage can be critical.
  12. Talk to an auto accident lawyer before settling.
    Do not sign a release or accept a quick settlement until you understand the full value of your medical bills, lost wages, future care, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage.

Simple Rule

After a crash: get safe, call police, document everything, get medical care, notify insurance, and do not settle too early.

Car Accidents