Things to do if you are in an Auto Accident in Alabama

Getting into an auto accident can be a terrifying experience, especially if you’re unprepared and unsure of what to do next. The auto accident attorneys at the law firm of Carey & Hamner, P.C. serve clients throughout the Dothan, AL, area. Below, they discuss five essential steps to take in the wake of a car crash.

What to Do If You’re Involved in an Auto Accident

1. Stay Put

Whether the crash was a seemingly minor fender bender or a large-scale collision, never flee the scene of an auto accident. Stay where you are, remain calm, and pull over to the side of the road or safely out of the way of oncoming traffic. Do not leave the scene until you’ve spoken to the other driver and received the all-clear by the attending police officer.

2. Maintain Safety

auto accident Look out for yourself and anyone else who may have been in the accident. Turn your hazard lights on or put up road flares to signal to other motorists an accident has occurred. Though it may be tempting to help others involved in the crash by trying to pull them out of their vehicles, wait until help arrives before taking steps like this.

3. Call for Help

Call 911 and inform them of the auto accident. Even if no obvious injuries have occurred, it’s still a smart idea to call paramedics and make certain that no one is critically hurt. Remember, many injuries may not surface immediately after a crash, and getting medical help now is the best way to help anyone who may not have apparent wounds.

4. Do Not Admit Fault

Along with the paramedics, police will also be summoned with your 911 call. It’s crucial to understand that, at this point, few facts are in and no one is 100% sure what has transpired. Because of this, you should never admit fault when talking to law enforcement or others involved in the accident — this is simply a way to protect yourself.

5. Document the Accident Scene

If you’re able to do so, take photos of the accident scene and if you have visible injuries, take pictures of those as well. Write down any notes you feel could be relevant should a legal case arise. Smartphones make these tasks remarkably easy. You will need to exchange insurance information with the other driver(s), which you can add to your notes. Also, if there were witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.

If you’re involved in an auto accident, contact Carey & Hamner, P.C. to schedule a consultation with an attorney. You can reach them by calling (855) 435-4797 or visiting their website or Facebook page. By knowing the right steps to take after a car crash, you will be looking out for the best interests of everyone involved.