What Happens After You Get Hurt in an Accident?

Getting hurt in an accident can be scary and confusing. You might have questions like: What do I do now? Who will pay for my doctor visits? How long will all of this take?

At Strickland & Kendall, our Montgomery attorneys Michael Strickland and Ed Kendall have helped thousands of people just like you understand what happens after an accident. Let’s break down the journey from accident to court in simple terms that anyone can understand.

Step 1: The Accident Happens

It starts with an unexpected event – maybe a car crash on Eastern Boulevard, a fall at EastChase Mall, or an injury from a defective product. Whatever the accident, the most important thing is to:

  • Get medical help right away
  • Report the accident to police or property owners
  • Take pictures of what happened if you can
  • Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
  • Don’t talk about whose fault it was yet

Michael Strickland, who has been helping accident victims in Alabama for over 30 years, always says: “Your health comes first, documentation comes second.”

Step 2: Meeting With a Lawyer

After you’ve seen a doctor, the next important step is talking to a personal injury lawyer like those at Strickland & Kendall. During this first meeting (which is free at our firm), we ask questions like:

  • How did the accident happen?
  • What injuries do you have?
  • What did the doctors tell you?
  • Have you missed school or have your parents missed work?
  • Do you have pictures or police reports?

Ed Kendall, who has won some of the biggest personal injury cases in Montgomery’s history, explains: “We need to understand everything about your case to help you get what you deserve.”

Step 3: Investigation

Now the detective work begins! Your attorneys will:

  • Get copies of all your medical records
  • Talk to witnesses
  • Review police reports
  • Sometimes hire experts to recreate the accident
  • Gather evidence about how the accident affected your life

Think of this like putting together a puzzle that shows exactly what happened and how it has hurt you.

Step 4: Sending a Demand Letter

Once your lawyers understand everything about your case and your doctors know how long your recovery will take, they send a letter to the insurance company. This letter:

  • Explains what happened
  • Shows why the other person was at fault
  • Lists all your injuries and medical treatments
  • Asks for a specific amount of money to make things right

Step 5: Negotiation

The insurance company usually responds with an offer that’s lower than what your lawyers asked for. Then the negotiation begins!

“Insurance companies start low, hoping you’ll settle quickly,” Michael Strickland explains. “But at Strickland & Kendall, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This forces insurance companies to take us seriously.”

During negotiations, your lawyers will keep you updated and give you advice, but you always make the final decision about accepting an offer.

Step 6: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)

If the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount, your lawyers might file a lawsuit. This is a legal document that officially starts your case in the Alabama court system.

In Montgomery, most personal injury lawsuits are filed at the Montgomery County Courthouse downtown. After filing, the other side (called the defendant) gets a copy and has to respond.

Step 7: Discovery

Once the lawsuit begins, both sides exchange information in a process called “discovery.” This includes:

  • Written questions (called interrogatories)
  • Requests for documents
  • Depositions (recorded interviews under oath)

This might sound scary, but your lawyers at Strickland & Kendall will prepare you for everything and be with you the whole time.

Step 8: Mediation

Before going to trial, the judge might ask both sides to meet with a neutral third person (a mediator) to try one more time to settle the case. Many cases end here with an agreement that works for everyone.

Step 9: Trial

If your case doesn’t settle, it goes to trial. In Montgomery, trials happen at the county courthouse and usually last 2-7 days. During the trial:

  • Both sides make opening statements
  • Witnesses testify and answer questions
  • Evidence is presented
  • Lawyers make closing arguments
  • The jury decides who wins and how much money to award

Ed Kendall has tried over 100 cases to verdict and knows exactly how to present your case to a jury in a way they’ll understand and care about.

Step 10: Resolution

After the trial, the winning side gets a judgment. If you win, the other side might:

  • Pay the judgment
  • Appeal the decision
  • Negotiate a payment plan

Most cases never reach trial – about 95% settle before that point. But at Strickland & Kendall, Michael Strickland and Ed Kendall prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often results in better settlements for their clients.

How Long Does All This Take?

One of the most common questions we hear from young people in Montgomery is: “How long will my case take?”

The honest answer is that it depends on your specific situation. Simple cases might settle in a few months. More complicated injuries might take 1-2 years, especially if they go to trial.

“We understand waiting is hard,” says Michael Strickland. “But it’s important to be patient. Rushing can mean getting less than you deserve.”

Real Help from Real People in Montgomery

The legal process might sound complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Strickland & Kendall, our experienced attorneys Michael Strickland and Ed Kendall work directly with every client.

Unlike some law firms where you never meet your actual lawyer, at Strickland & Kendall, you’ll work directly with our experienced team throughout your entire case. We’ve helped thousands of people in Montgomery and across Alabama get fair compensation after accidents.

If you or someone in your family has been hurt in an accident, you can call Strickland & Kendall at 334-269-3230 for a free consultation. We’re located right here in Montgomery at 2740 Zelda Road, and we’re ready to help explain your rights in simple terms you can understand.

Remember: This article provides general information about personal injury cases in Alabama. Every case is different, so for advice about your specific situation, please contact Strickland & Kendall directly.