What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident in Mobile, AL

If your airbag went off, your car is totaled, and you’re trying to figure out what comes next, you’re not alone. Many people in that situation don’t know where to start. The insurance company has already called. Maybe you’ve already given a statement. And you’re still not sure if you need a lawyer or if this is something you can handle on your own.

Here’s the honest answer: when an airbag deploys, and a car is totaled, the accident was serious. And serious accidents have a way of becoming serious legal situations before you realize it.

When your airbag deploys, it tells a story. It means the collision was severe enough to trigger a safety system specifically designed to prevent serious injury or death. Insurance adjusters know this. They also know that serious collisions tend to produce serious injuries, some of which don’t show up right away.

That’s why they move fast. A quick settlement offer before you’ve seen a doctor, before you know the full extent of your injuries, and before you’ve talked to an attorney is rarely in your best interest. It’s in theirs.

A totaled vehicle adds another layer. The value of your car is one thing. What you may be owed for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering is another thing entirely.

The decisions you make in the hours and days after a collision can affect your entire case. Here’s what matters most:

• Get medical attention first. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash, internal trauma, and concussions, don’t show up immediately. A medical record created close to the date of the accident is also important evidence.
• Report the accident to the police. A police report documents what happened and who was involved. Don’t skip this step.
• Don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance company. You’re not required to, and anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.
• Document everything. Photos of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries. Names and contact information of witnesses. Keep every medical bill, every record, every receipt.
• Talk to an attorney before you accept anything. Once you sign a settlement, that’s it. There’s no going back.

Alabama has two legal rules that make getting the right attorney especially important.

First, Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are found even one percent at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering anything at all. Insurance companies know this and may look for any reason to assign partial fault to you. A good attorney can help make sure that doesn’t happen.

Second, the statute of limitations for car accident claims in Alabama is two years from the date of the accident. That may sound like plenty of time, but building a strong case takes time. The sooner you act, the better.

Yes. The same principles apply whether you were hit by a passenger car, a commercial truck, or a bus. Truck and bus accident cases are often more complex. There may be multiple parties involved, including the driver, the company they work for, and others. These cases require an attorney who knows how to investigate thoroughly and build a case that accounts for every responsible party.

If your airbag deployed, your car was totaled, or you were seriously injured in a car, truck, or bus accident in Alabama or Mississippi, don’t go up against the insurance company on your own. Taylor Martino Rowan has represented seriously injured accident victims since 1988. We know these courts, these judges, and how to get results.

Don’t sign anything until you’ve talked to us. One conversation could change what you walk away with. Contact our team today.