When you are injured in a hit-and-run in Alabama, you may wonder what your rights are and how you’re going to be able to make ends meet during the healing process. You may be able to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit under Alabama’s personal injury laws. If you win your claim, you may be entitled to receive reimbursement for all accident-related expenses. For example, your insurance company or the at-fault driver (if found) may pay to fix your car or buy you a new one.
Dozens of crash victims have trusted Steve Morris Law to help them through the complex legal process of seeking damages for a hit-and-run crash in Alabama. We have the tools to gather key evidence about the collision. We understand how important this information is to help you successfully secure compensation you can use to begin to rebuild.
Immediate Actions To Take After a Hit-and-Run
When you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t stop to help you or call in the crash, you may take these steps to help protect your legal rights. First, you can gather as much information as you can about the cause and location of the incident. Take special note of any clues about the driver’s identity—such as the color, make, model, and logos of the vehicle they drove.
Next, you can report the crash to the local police department and your insurance company. Finally, you may want to see a doctor to address underlying injuries and create a record of the collision.
Gathering evidence at the scene
If you are a hit-and-run victim, the first step you should take is to gather as much evidence as you can about the scene of the crash. For example, you can take pictures of the intersection or location of the road where the collision occurred. You may also benefit from talking to witnesses and recording your own observations about what happened.
Other details you may want to note include the make and model of the other car. If it was a commercial truck, see if you can remember the brand name or logo on the vehicle. You can use these pieces of information to identify the driver or company.
Seeing a physician
Going to the doctor after getting into a wreck can be a life-saving decision. You may have significant injuries that you aren’t aware of because of the stress your body is going through.
Being seen by a healthcare provider early on also helps to prevent you from inadvertently worsening your injuries or getting hurt in other ways because you aren’t fully recovered.
Likewise, you can use this initial visit as proof that the accident occurred and you were hurt because of it.
Reporting hit-and-run accidents
The process for reporting a hit-and-run in Alabama includes notifying the police and your insurer as soon as possible after the accident occurs. Under the Code of Alabama Section 32-10-1 and 32-10-2, drivers involved in a crash that causes property damage, personal injury, or death must stop the vehicle and help those involved in the incident.
Drivers may also have to give their name, address, and registration number to those in the accident—e.g., drivers, passengers, and injured pedestrians or non-motorists. If a driver doesn’t follow these requirements, it may be considered a hit-and-run collision.
How an Alabama Hit-and-Run Lawyer Can Help
When you’re recovering from an auto accident, getting the right legal help from the start can be beneficial. Hiring an attorney may give you the ability to set aside most of the claims process and instead allow a trained professional to take over. Your lawyer can call the insurance company on your behalf, talk to the authorities, and request documents you can use to prove your damages. Additionally, they can help you find the at-fault driver.
Conduct an investigation to locate the at-fault driver
You can partner with a seasoned lawyer to help you figure out who hit you. They can have in-depth discussions with you about what happened before, during, and after the collision. They may also use special tools at their disposal to uncover the identity of the driver so you can hold them accountable for their actions.
Negotiate a fair settlement
A knowledgeable Alabama personal injury lawyer can look through settlement offers the insurance company sends to you. They can let you know if the proposal is in your best interest or if they think it would be better to negotiate a higher compensation package.
Take the case to trial
If settlement negotiations are unfruitful, a car accident lawyer can help you take your claim to court. In this forum, you may have access to a wider range of damages than you might if you pursue a settlement. Your attorney can file the appropriate legal documents—like the complaint and discovery requests—to prepare for trial.
In a Hit-and-Run Collision? Contact Steve Morris Law for Assistance
When you are in a hit-and-run in Alabama, it can cause you to experience stress and disrupt your plans. You can demand compensation by filing an insurance claim with the company that insured the vehicle you were in at the time of the collision. If you are able to locate the other driver, you may also be able to bring a legal claim against the person or agency responsible for your injuries.
For years, Steve Morris Law has stood by those who are hurting because of the mistakes of others—like drunk drivers. We understand what you are going through and the challenges you may be facing. Our Alabama team may be able to offer support and guidance as you navigate the claim and court processes. Contact us today by calling 256-357-9211 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
