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What To Do After a Truck Accident in Mobile, AL

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Being involved in an accident with a commercial truck can be highly confusing and overwhelming. Your adrenaline may produce a fight-or-flight response, making it challenging to know how to protect your rights and potential future claim. Below, an attorney from Jackson & Foster Law outlines what to do after a truck accident. 

Move to a Safe Area

If allowed by law, immediately after the accident, move your vehicle to a safe area away from traffic if you’re able to do so. If you cannot operate your vehicle, exit it immediately if safe to do so and move yourself to a safe location. 

A truck accident can be highly traumatic, so it’s important to calm your breathing and avoid panicking. This will allow you to assess the situation with a clearer head, which is important for your safety and that of those around you. 

Call 911 or Local Authorities

Many drivers are unsure of what to do after a truck accident or who to contact. In Alabama, you are legally required to report vehicle collisions to the police if they result in injury, death, or property damage of over $250. Because of this, you must notify authorities after the accident, even if the damages seem relatively minor.

If anyone appears injured, calling 911 is typically the safest course of action. If no one seems injured, you may call the local police department, and they will dispatch officers to the accident scene to typically create a report. A police report often includes useful information, such as the names of involved parties and a summary of the incident.

If you contacted 911 after the accident, be sure to listen to the medical advice from the responding EMTs or paramedics. If they recommend that you go to the hospital, it’s generally wise to follow their guidance for your safety and to ensure your condition is properly documented.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, a medical evaluation can help identify injuries that may not be immediately apparent. The adrenaline following a truck accident can mask symptoms, making it challenging to know the true nature of your injuries. You might feel fine for the first few hours or days following the crash despite having a severe strain, traumatic brain injury, rib fracture, internal bleeding, etc. 

We recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible if your injuries warrant it, as this may support your claim and prevent your injury from worsening. Failing to seek medical attention may create complications with your insurance company, especially if your condition worsens in the coming weeks. Your insurer may argue that your injury developed after the accident or that you contributed to your injury by not seeking prompt care. 

For severe injuries, seek emergency care. For minor concerns, you may want to try to go to the doctor or urgent care.

Gather Information From Witnesses and Involved Parties

Understanding what to do after a truck accident also means taking steps to support your future claim, if possible. If any witnesses saw the accident, they may be helpful later on in your case. You may want to ask them if they’re willing to share their contact information or a statement for your police report.

You should also gather all contact details and insurance information from the other driver and any other involved parties. In a commercial trucking collision, you may need their employer’s name and phone number as well. 

Document the Scene

Accident evidence is important when pursuing truck accident compensation. Evidence can be challenging to gather, though, as accidents are quickly cleaned up. Because of this, you need to document the scene before leaving if you’re able to. 

We recommend taking photographs of:

  • Your injuries
  • Damages to your vehicle and the truck
  • Any nearby road signs or traffic lights (speed limit, yield sign, etc.)
  • The weather conditions at the time of the accident (rain, snow, hail, etc.)
  • Any relevant road conditions (potholes, defects, etc.)

Contact Your Insurer but Speak Carefully

Once home, you should contact your insurance company to report the accident. This step is important, regardless of who caused the collision. Many insurers in Alabama require you to report accidents within 30 days, though doing so early can be helpful.

As you initiate the claims process, you must be truthful in all of the answers that you provide, but it’s important to avoid admitting fault. Insurers may ask you confusing questions with the goal of minimizing their financial liability. Providing a slightly different statement to an insurer compared to your police report could create complications in your claim. 

Follow All Recommendations From Your Doctor

As you progress through the recovery process for any injuries, it’s important to listen to your doctor’s recommendations on necessary treatments, procedures, medications, rehabilitation, etc. Failing to abide by these recommendations may harm your claim or put your health at risk. 

Be sure to keep all documentation relating to your diagnosis and medical expenses. 

Seek Legal Representation

Navigating a truck accident claim in Mobile is incredibly complex. Alabama follows strict contributory negligence laws, meaning that you are barred from pursuing compensation if you’re found even 1% liable for the accident. Insurers and defense teams may use this law to their advantage, often attempting to make victims assume partial liability for accidents to minimize their financial burden. 

An attorney experienced in Alabama’s trucking laws can help you understand your rights and potential liability under the law. They can help you evaluate your legal options and pursue a claim where appropriate. Consider consulting an attorney after your accident to discuss your options. 

Do You Need Help With Your Truck Accident Claim?

Now you know what to do after a truck accident. Next, learn about personal injury claim mistakes. If you need to consult a lawyer about a recent accident, call Jackson & Foster Law at (251) 433-6699 to discuss your case.

Do You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Mobile, AL? 

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If you were recently involved in a serious car accident, you might hear one recurring piece of advice: “Hire an attorney.” Working with an experienced car accident lawyer is often a good idea, especially if your case is complex. But not every car accident claim requires an attorney’s assistance. 

If you’re asking, “Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?” this guide can help you know when an attorney might be helpful for your case. If you’re still unsure, request a consultation with a car accident attorney in Mobile, AL, to discuss your claim and learn how they can assist you. 

Signs You Need an Attorney After a Car Accident

Hiring legal representation after a car accident may help you manage a complex legal process with greater clarity. If any of the following are true, you might benefit from hiring an attorney to assist with your personal injury claim. 

The Accident Involved Severe Injuries or Fatalities

Serious car accidents, such as ones involving impaired driving, often lead to life-altering injuries and even fatalities. If your accident left you or a loved one with severe injuries, you’re likely facing a large, complicated claim. You might find it difficult to manage a legal claim while recovering from serious injuries. 

An attorney can provide necessary support, guidance, and representation while you focus on recovering from your injuries. They can counter any aggressive tactics from the insurance company and help you navigate a complex injury claim. 

The Insurance Company Is Not Cooperating

Insurance companies may want to balance paying out your claim with protecting their own financial interests. This means they might not offer to pay out what you believe your claim to be worth. Alternatively, they might reject your claim altogether if you do not have enough evidence in their eyes. 

If the insurance company is being uncooperative, an attorney can help you strengthen your claim and resist their tactics. 

You Are Facing Steep Medical Bills and Expenses

Serious car accidents often lead to steep medical bills and other expenses. While your health insurance might cover some of these medical expenses, you will likely be subject to copays and deductibles. You may be eligible for compensation from the at-fault driver for expenses resulting from the accident. 

However, the insurance company might provide you with a payout offer that does not fully cover your expenses. An experienced attorney can help you present evidence showcasing the value of your claim and negotiate a higher offer. If the insurer still fails to provide a sufficient payout, your attorney can discuss litigation with you and detail your other options. 

There Are Disputes Over Liability 

The insurance company usually makes a fault determination based on the evidence it receives from all parties involved in the accident. This determination details who was responsible for the accident and, thus, who is liable for financial damages. 

Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, stating that if a plaintiff is found to be even 1% responsible for their own injuries, they may be ineligible for a compensation claim. As such, the insurer’s fault determination plays a critical role in your opportunity to secure compensation after the accident through this insurance claims process before a lawsuit is filed.

Your attorney may help you provide evidence to clarify your role in the accident and challenge any incorrect fault assessments. 

Times When You Might Not Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim 

Do you need a lawyer after a car accident? There are a few instances in which an attorney may not be necessary: 

  • Your accident did not involve injuries: If no one was injured in your accident, your insurance claim may be relatively straightforward, and you may not need an attorney to help you navigate the process.
  • The insurance company is cooperating: If the insurance company has offered you sufficient funds to account for your monetary losses after the accident, you might not need an attorney. However, a car accident lawyer can help you understand what types of compensation may be available to you and avoid accepting an insufficient offer. 
  • The damage was minor: If the damage to your vehicle was relatively minor, you might not need an attorney to assist with settlement negotiations or provide other legal guidance. 

If you are ever unsure whether you need an attorney, consider scheduling a free consultation with one. They can explain more about their services and guide you in the right direction. 

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Assist You? 

If you are wondering whether you need a lawyer after a car accident, understanding the types of assistance an attorney can provide might aid your decision. These are a few of the ways a car accident attorney can assist: 

  • Gather evidence to support your claim: Your attorney can explore several avenues for collecting evidence to help you strengthen your accident claim. 
  • Speak with other parties on your behalf: They can speak with the insurance company, the negligent party, and other parties to help you avoid making a mistake during communications that could negatively affect your case. 
  • Explain complex liability laws: Attorneys understand Alabama’s liability laws, contributory negligence doctrine, and all other relevant statutes and may help you apply these laws to your case. 
  • Avoid mistakes that could compromise your case: With an attorney providing legal advice and guidance, you can avoid mistakes that might negatively impact your car accident case. 
  • Represent you in court: In the event that your car accident lawsuit proceeds to trial, your attorney will represent you in court. 

Schedule a Consultation With Jackson & Foster Law

Jackson & Foster Law provides legal guidance and support to accident victims across Mobile, AL. If you are wondering whether you need a lawyer after a car accident, our attorneys can provide an initial consultation to discuss the details of your case and explore how we can assist you. We also may be able to advise you on whether hiring an attorney might not be necessary. 

Contact us today at 251-433-6699 to schedule your free consultation, then learn more about car accident settlements and how they work for accident cases. 

Top Eight Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Personal Injury Claim 

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Navigating a personal injury claim can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you have no prior experience with civil lawsuits or liability claims. For that reason alone, your claim might become compromised by a few simple missteps. 

Understanding the mistakes to avoid in a personal injury claim might help you avoid setbacks in the claims process. Keep the following in mind, then contact an experienced personal injury attorney for legal assistance. 

1. Delaying Medical Treatment

A compelling personal injury claim hinges on solid evidence of your injuries. You need to be able to show that the defendant’s negligence led to your injuries and other damages. However, delaying medical treatment until days or weeks after the accident might make it challenging to prove that your injuries were the defendant’s fault. 

Instead, seek medical treatment as soon after the accident as possible if you are injured. Not only will this potentially aid your recovery, but it may also provide you with documentation to use as evidence in your claim. 

2. Missing Filing Deadlines 

Personal injury claims are subject to state-determined statutes of limitations, which dictate the amount of time after an accident you have to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations in Alabama is generally two years from the accident date, but the statute of limitations should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Missing deadlines like this one might render you ineligible to seek compensation from the negligent party, depending on the details of your accident. 

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you remember and adhere to all relevant deadlines in your case. 

3. Ignoring Medical Advice

Along with delaying medical treatment, ignoring your doctor’s advice is another mistake that you may want to avoid in your personal injury claim. Failing to rest, keep the injured body part moving, take medications, participate in physical therapy, or complete any other actions as directed might hinder your recovery.

If this happens, the insurance company or negligent party could claim that your injuries were not as serious as you originally stated or that they are no longer responsible for your medical condition since you did not follow the advice to help you get better. Instead, follow your doctor’s orders closely, though your medical treatment typically is your decision.

4. Not Documenting the Accident Scene

In some cases, documenting the scene of the injury can be useful as you attempt to establish liability. This may involve taking photos and videos of the accident scene, writing down the contact information for any witnesses of the accident, and otherwise recording the cause and aftermath of the accident. 

Once you leave the scene of a personal injury incident, valuable personal injury claim evidence may become lost. Any documentation you can collect might prove helpful later on. 

5. Posting on Social Media About the Accident

Personal injury accidents are often life-altering events, and it may feel natural to share about your accident on social media. You want your friends and family members to stay in the loop about your recovery and provide any support they can. But posting about your accident on social media is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid in a personal injury claim. 

The defense may monitor your social media profiles for anything that goes against what you stated in your claim. For instance, you might share a hopeful post stating that you are recovering well or feeling better; the defense could use this as evidence that your injuries are not severe. 

6. Agreeing to Recorded Statements With the Insurance Adjuster

In the initial stages of your personal injury claim, you might assume that the insurance adjuster is on your side. When they call you to gather information about the claim, you might not hesitate to agree to give a recorded statement. 

However, statements you make to the adjuster may be used against you during a claim evaluation and litigation. You may want to consult with a lawyer regarding giving statements such as this. 

7. Accepting the First Settlement Offer

If the defendant offers to settle out of court, you might feel like you have won your case and be tempted to accept the first settlement offer they provide. However, settlement discussions provide a viable opportunity to negotiate a higher offer and potentially secure a more favorable settlement amount.

You may not want to accept the first settlement offer you receive, and instead allow your attorney to negotiate on your behalf. Insurance companies are motivated to settle out of court to avoid the expense and hassle of a lawsuit, so the defendant or insurance company in your case might be willing to increase their offer. 

8. Not Hiring an Experienced Attorney

Another one of the biggest mistakes to avoid in a personal injury claim may be not hiring an experienced attorney to represent you. Initially, your case might feel straightforward, especially if you have a significant amount of evidence in your favor. This may lead you to believe that you can handle the legal process alone or that your family’s attorney can represent you, even if they do not have experience with personal injury claims. 

However, it may be in your interest to hire a seasoned personal injury attorney who has experience with your type of accident case. They may be able to help you avoid mistakes like missed deadlines, inadequate documentation, delayed medical treatment, and more, providing legal representation and guidance throughout your claim. 

Request a Consultation With Jackson & Foster Law 

Understanding the mistakes to avoid in a personal injury claim can lower your chances of a personal injury claim rejection and improve your chances for an adequate payout. At Jackson & Foster Law, we have nearly 40 years of experience representing personal injury victims in Mobile, AL. 

We provide focused, affordable representation to support clients throughout the compensation process. Contact us today at 251-433-6699 for a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys. 

How To Choose a Medical Malpractice Attorney

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If you or a loved one suffered an unexpected injury at the hands of a medical professional, you might have grounds for a medical malpractice case. Your next step may be finding an attorney to evaluate your case and represent you. However, choosing a medical malpractice lawyer in Mobile, AL, can feel overwhelming.

This guide outlines factors to consider when selecting an experienced medical malpractice attorney. 

Understand the Importance of Choosing the Right Attorney

Why is it so important to spend time learning how to choose a medical malpractice lawyer? Can’t you hire any licensed attorney to represent you? 

There are several reasons why you should do your due diligence in this process:

  • Medical malpractice cases are complex. They require in-depth knowledge of legal procedures. Your attorney should possess the requisite experience to navigate the intricacies of your case effectively. 
  • You need extensive evidence. Medical negligence cases can sometimes be challenging to prove. You’ll need extensive evidence showing that the medical professional breached their duty of care to you, causing your injury. Seasoned attorneys know how to collect evidence from several sources and build a strong case. 
  • These cases often require negotiation. Many medical malpractice cases settle out of court, but this involves negotiating with the insurance company for an acceptable settlement. An attorney with sharp negotiation skills can represent you in all relevant discussions. 
  • The right attorney increases your chances of success. Choosing an inexperienced lawyer, however well-intentioned they might be, could negatively impact your claim. 

With these points in mind, it’s time to start looking for the right medical malpractice attorney. 

Seek Referrals and Personal Recommendations 

The prospect of sorting through a list of all of the medical malpractice attorneys in your area can be daunting. It might help to start by seeking referrals from friends, family members, and even community groups. 

Personal recommendations from those who have navigated medical malpractice can help you feel more confident choosing an attorney. You can ask about the person’s experience with a particular lawyer and why they would recommend them to learn more about their background and style. 

If you can’t find anyone who has filed a medical malpractice case, you may be able to at least seek referrals for other types of attorneys, then ask those legal professionals whether they have recommendations for malpractice lawyers. 

Read Reviews and Perform Research 

While personal recommendations and referrals are often trustworthy, you can’t always rely on this information alone to choose a medical malpractice lawyer. You should also perform your own research to determine whether the legal professionals on your short list seem reputable. 

You may want to read reviews on platforms like Google and Avvo to learn more about other clients’ experiences with these attorneys. Also, visit their websites and learn more about their background, practice areas, and credentials. 

Verifying relevant case histories can help you get a better handle on your options. 

Ask the Right Questions About Their Experience and Style 

Consultations allow an attorney to learn more about you and determine whether you have a case. But they also give you the opportunity to learn more about a lawyer. When determining how to choose a medical malpractice lawyer, the consultation can provide you with key information.

Come into the meeting prepared with questions for the attorney. You may want to ask any of the following: 

  • How many medical malpractice cases have you represented?
  • What types of medical events have your malpractice cases centered on? 
  • What were the outcomes of past malpractice cases?
  • How will you build a strong case for me? 
  • What percentage of the malpractice cases you have represented have settled out of court? 
  • Do you have trial experience, and are you prepared to represent me in court if necessary? 
  • How many other cases are you currently handling? 
  • How do you prefer to communicate with clients about their cases? 
  • Do you work on a contingency fee basis or another fee structure? 

Don’t be afraid to jot their answers down during the consultation. You can compare notes from several meetings to narrow your options and choose an appropriate medical malpractice attorney. 

Make the Final Decision 

At this stage, you will have extensive information about several attorneys. It’s time to choose one who seems like the right fit for your case type, preferred communication style, and budget. 

Once you decide on your legal representation, they will likely have you sign an agreement laying out the terms of their representation, fees, and scope of work. Review this document closely and save a copy of it for your own reference. 

Jackson & Foster Law: Trusted Malpractice Attorneys in Mobile, AL

If you are wondering how to choose a medical malpractice lawyer in the Mobile, AL, area, consider that Jackson & Foster Law has nearly 40 years of experience representing clients in medical malpractice and other personal injury cases. 

Schedule a free consultation today by calling 251-433-6699 and learn more about suing for medical malpractice.

Why Do Personal Injury Claims Get Rejected? Learn How To Avoid Claim Denials 

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When you file an insurance claim after a personal injury accident, you expect to receive your compensation and move on. But the process isn’t always this simple. 

Insurance companies reject personal injury claims for numerous reasons. They may request more information about your claim before they can make a decision, or they may deny it altogether, barring you from gaining compensation through this process. 

Understanding why personal injury claims are rejected — and how to avoid it — can streamline and simplify your insurance process. Learn more from an experienced personal injury lawyer in Mobile, AL.

When Are Insurance Companies Allowed To Reject Claims? 

Is it lawful for insurance companies to reject claims? Yes — as long as they have a valid reason for doing so. 

Insurance companies must investigate all claims to ensure that they meet the terms of the policy. They have the right to deny a claim that does not fall under the policy’s covered items. Sometimes, an insurer may reject a claim, then eventually accept it once you provide further information.  

But insurers occasionally reject claims under “bad faith” practices. This occurs when an insurance company intentionally violates its contractual obligations to a policyholder, such as by: 

  • Rejecting a valid claim
  • Delaying a claim beyond a reasonable timeline
  • Offering less money than a claim is worth
  • Falsifying information to justify the claim denial

Common Reasons for Personal Injury Claim Rejections 

Outside of bad faith insurance practices, an insurance company may reject a claim for several valid reasons. When an insurer rejects your claim, it will typically send you a written notice of the rejection along with the reason behind it. These are a few common reasons insurers reject personal injury claims: 

  • Insufficient evidence: An insurance company may need more evidence before it can agree that its policyholder was responsible for your accident or that the accident falls under the policy terms. Providing further evidence may increase your chances of approval. 
  • Disputed liability: An insurance adjuster may deny your claim if they believe their policyholder was not responsible for the accident or that you were even 1% responsible (under Alabama’s contributory negligence doctrine).
  • Policy exclusions: An insurance policy may exclude certain types of personal injury accidents. For example, some policies exclude intentional acts. They may also exclude accidents that happened on watercraft or aircraft. 

Your personal injury attorney can review your claim denial notice and determine what information the insurer needs to approve your claim. 

How To Avoid an Insurance Claim Rejection and Increase Your Chances of Securing Compensation 

Insurance claim rejections can be a huge headache as you attempt to seek compensation for your accident injuries. 

Knowing how to avoid denials of personal injury claims can help you streamline your compensation and increase your chances of securing adequate compensation to cover all your economic and non-economic damages. These are a few tips you can follow to avoid claim rejections. 

File Your Claim As Soon As Possible 

Plan to file your insurance claim as soon as you can. Doing so can help you avoid missing any deadlines the policy has set. You’ll also have access to fresh evidence that you can use to support your claim. 

You may have a more challenging time proving the policyholder’s negligence weeks or months after the accident, when your injuries have begun to heal and the wreckage from the accident has been cleared away. 

Provide Substantial Evidence To Support Your Claim 

The strongest personal injury claims have extensive evidence to back them up. You may want to provide all of the following evidence with your claim, if you can: 

  • Copies of all medical records relating to your injuries from the accident
  • Photos and videos of the accident scene
  • Repair estimates for any physical damage
  • Testimonies from witnesses to the accident

Follow Up With the Insurer About If They Need More Information 

If you haven’t heard back from the insurance adjuster, you may want to reach out and request an update about your claim. Ask if the insurer needs any additional information to approve the claim. This may prompt them to investigate the claim further rather than simply rejecting it. 

All of the information in these sections may depend on whether you’re dealing with your insurance company, another party’s insurance company, and what the language in the policy actually says. 

Bolster Your Personal Injury Claim With Jackson & Foster Law 

One of the strongest ways to avoid personal injury claim denials is to hire skilled legal representation to support your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can take care of the claims process for you while you focus on your physical recovery. They can help you seek special or general damages and maximize your payout while handling all communications with the insurer and the at-fault party. 

Do you need assistance navigating personal injury claims? Contact Jackson & Foster Law today at 251-433-6699 for a consultation in Mobile, AL. 

Common Mistakes To Avoid After a Car Accident in Mobile, AL 

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In the days, weeks, and months after a car accident, you may feel like you’re in over your head. Serious injuries demand your attention day and night, but you’re also trying to navigate a complicated insurance claim or legal process. 

Making mistakes in the aftermath of a car accident is understandable, but unfortunately, doing so can impact your ability to secure adequate compensation. Learn a few common mistakes after a car accident to avoid from experienced accident lawyers in Mobile, AL. 

Mistake #1: Admitting Fault, Even Inadvertently

Initially, you may not be sure who was at fault for your car accident. The details may feel blurry, and the adrenaline you experience from the crash can cause you to misremember what happened. But no matter what you remember from the crash, avoid admitting fault in any way. 

This includes saying statements like “I’m sorry” or “I should have been paying closer attention.” These statements may sound kind in theory, but they will show up in the police report, and the insurance company or other party can use them against you as an admission of fault.

Mistake #2: Not Seeking Medical Attention Soon After the Accident

The adrenaline you feel from the car accident can mask injuries that require your immediate attention. Don’t assume any pain you notice is simply bruises and sore muscles from the jolt of the accident. Instead, seek medical treatment as soon as possible to rule out potentially serious injuries. 

If needed, a medical professional can complete a full-body examination to look for any underlying injuries you may not have initially noticed. This way, you can begin undergoing treatment immediately and improve your chances of recovery. 

Seeking immediate medical attention also serves as valuable evidence in your car accident case. You can clearly pinpoint the exact injuries you experienced from the crash and tie just compensation to them. 

Mistake #3: Posting on Social Media About the Accident (or Anything Else) 

You may feel tempted to post about your car accident on Facebook or other social media platforms. This could be an efficient way of updating your family and friends about your condition and seeking well-wishes from others, but it isn’t a good idea for your car accident case. 

The defense can take anything you post on social media and use it against you. If the details you provide on Facebook even slightly differ from the details you give the insurance company, the defense could argue that you misremembered the accident and your testimony is unreliable. 

Further, you should avoid making any social media posts during your case. This is one of the often-overlooked common mistakes after a car accident. Even a seemingly innocent photo of you spending time with family could indicate that your injuries are not as bad as you made them seem, hurting your case. 

Mistake #4: Making Recorded Statements Without an Attorney Present

Anything you say about your car accident can be used against you in your insurance claim or lawsuit. This is especially true for recorded statements. 

Insurance companies often ask for recorded statements to make their investigation process a bit easier. They can refer back to your exact words about the accident and use this evidence to support their claims process. Recorded statements can also serve as evidence against you in your lawsuit. 

Avoid making any recorded statements without an attorney present to help you avoid saying the wrong thing. Always ask insurance adjusters and the defendant’s legal counsel whether they are recording your conversation, and assume that they are. 

Mistake #5: Accepting a Quick Settlement That Doesn’t Cover All Your Damages

Car accident lawsuits often settle out of court, which means the defendant offers the plaintiff a sum of money without a judge’s intervention. Expect a settlement offer to come your way before your court date — but avoid accepting an offer that doesn’t adequately cover your damages. 

You may feel tempted to take the first offer you receive just so you can avoid the headache of future settlement negotiations or court dates. But this is one of the more common mistakes after a car accident.  Typically, the first settlement offer for motor vehicle collisions is a lowball one. You may stand to gain a higher settlement by being patient and giving your attorney time to negotiate on your behalf. 

Mistake #6: Skipping Medical Appointments — Or Seeking Unnecessary Treatment 

The judge in your car accident case wants to see that you are taking measures to support your physical recovery. You should attend all medical appointments, follow your doctor’s orders, take medications as instructed, undergo physical therapy, and follow any other recommended actions to help your body heal. 

If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions, the judge may assume your case is not worth as much as you say it is because the severity of your injuries is partially due to your own neglect. On the flip side, you shouldn’t seek unnecessary medical treatment just to inflate your medical expenses. Assume the defense will find out about this behavior and use it against you during your case. 

Mistake #7: Failing To Hire Experienced Legal Representation 

The skill and experience of your attorney make all the difference in your car accident case. Not hiring the right attorney is one of the common mistakes after a car accident that can seriously hurt your compensation. 

You may want to look for a car accident attorney who practices in Mobile, AL, and has experience with your type of accident. Your attorney should be an excellent communicator and have case studies to back up their success rates. It’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with an attorney to learn more about their skillset before hiring them. 

Jackson & Foster Law: Your Mobile Car Accident Attorneys

Avoid common mistakes after a car accident, like accepting a low settlement offer, by hiring our knowledgeable and passionate legal team. Contact Jackson & Foster Law today at 251-433-6699 to schedule your case evaluation.