5 Steps To Take After a Holiday Car Accident

The holiday season is filled with joy, festivities, and travel. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when car accidents are more common due to increased traffic, distracted driving, and unpredictable weather conditions. If you’re involved in a holiday car accident, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your rights and recovering the compensation you deserve.

At Taylor Martino Rowan, Personal Injury Lawyers in Mobile, Alabama, we’re here to guide you through this challenging time. Here are 5 Steps to take after a Holiday Car Accident in Alabama.

Your safety and health are the top priorities after a car accident. Immediately check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor.

Why This Matters:

• Alabama law requires you to report car accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 (Code of Alabama §32-10-5).
• Seeking prompt medical care documents your injuries, which is critical for your personal injury claim.

If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to a secure location, such as the shoulder of the road, to avoid additional accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and reduce the risk of further collisions. If you cannot move your vehicle, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until emergency services arrive, especially if you are on a busy road or highway.

Additional Tips:

• Use road flares, reflective triangles, or emergency lights if available to warn oncoming traffic.
• Avoid standing near your vehicle in active traffic lanes to prevent secondary accidents.
• If your vehicle is disabled in a dangerous location, exit only when it is safe and move to a secure area, such as behind a barrier or off the roadway.

Collecting evidence immediately after a holiday car accident can strengthen your claim. Use your phone to document the scene:

• Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and road conditions.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved.
• Obtain names and contact details of any witnesses.

Additionally, it is also important to avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you.

Notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Provide a clear, factual account of what happened, including the time, location, and details of the accident. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or assigning blame. 

Your insurance adjuster may ask for:

• The police report number (if applicable).
• Names and contact information for witnesses and other drivers involved.
• Photos or documentation of the scene and vehicle damage.

While it’s essential to report the accident, be cautious when communicating with insurance adjusters. Early settlement offers might not reflect the full extent of your damages or injuries. It’s best to consult with a lawyer before accepting any settlement.

Before navigating insurance claims or discussing settlements, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. In Alabama, a contributory negligence rule means that if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation (§32-5-222).

At Taylor Martino Rowan, we will:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly.
• Handle communication with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Help you pursue the maximum compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Alabama is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long could jeopardize your case, so it’s essential to act promptly.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a holiday car accident, don’t face it alone. The team at Taylor Martino Rowan is here to provide experienced legal guidance and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.

Contact us at 251-433-3131 or here on our website to get started.