After an accident, what the bad guy said then may not be what he says now.
Let me tell you what often happens, he talks to his friends, co-workers and maybe even his insurance company and decides to change his story. It is never to admit more guilt.
That is why it is important that you do 3 things … even if you do not do anything else.
First, call law enforcement. You need documentation of where and when the accident occurred. You can say he admitted fault all you want. It will never count like a Sheriff’s Deputy writing that down. In this regard, take pictures. Lots of them. You have a camera on your phone … use it. These can solve a lot of problems when stories change.
Second, exchange driver and insurance information. If you don’t take my advice and call law enforcement and something happens later, you have no way of contacting the guy who hit you. Also in Alabama if you leave the scene of an accident no matter if you are at fault or not, you can be charged with hit and run … that, my friend, is a criminal act requiring more lawyers and no money in your pocket.
Last, but certainly not least, get medical care even if you do not think you are badly hurt. Many injuries may not fully appear for weeks or months later. I had a client who hurt his back in a traffic accident and thought it would just work itself out. It took us nearly a year to prove that the injury was because of the accident and not some other cause like dragging a deer during hunting season. The trouble was caused because he did not get a medical evaluation when he first got hit. Don’t try to save the co-pay and risk losing the whole financial settlement.
If you are injured, you can talk to us at Eiland and Ritchie for free. There is no charge unless we collect for you. We want to help you and in doing so get you back on your feet.
Alabama personal injury lawyer