By Kit Yona, M.A. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed May 29, 2024
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Whether you're in a city like Birmingham or on a shady road near a small town in Alabama, the threat of an auto accident is always present. While 76% of car accidents in Alabama took place in cities, 59% of the fatalities occurred in rural areas. No matter where your accident occurs, it's a good idea to be familiar with Alabama car accident reporting basics.
The police report is an important document used by insurance companies to aid in determining fault and negligence in accidents reported for insurance claims. Understanding how it's created and what information it consists of can help you have a more favorable outcome in any claims or lawsuits you may file.
While the focus of this article will be on the crash reports of Alabama, we'll also examine the relevant auto accident laws of the state, fault and negligence statutes, and what to do after an accident.
Nobody wants to be in a car crash, but knowing how to proceed in the aftermath can make all the difference. Read on to learn about Alabama car accident report basics.
From required insurance to reporting accidents, there's a lot to know about Alabama auto accident laws. Let's see how they all fit together.
All drivers in Alabama are required to carry at least the state-mandated minimum amount of auto liability insurance. While you have the option of paying a higher premium to have more coverage, these are the minimum permitted coverages:
Owners convicted of mandatory liability insurance violations face fines, fees, and license suspensions.
The biggest worries after an accident are often figuring out who is responsible for causing the crash and how the repairs will be paid for. Both are legitimate concerns.
Alabama uses the fault system for auto accidents. This means the driver determined to be the biggest reason for the crash is liable for paying the medical expenses and property damage repair costs for the accident victims. In most cases, this is handled by the at-fault driver's auto liability insurance.
If the at-fault driver doesn't have enough coverage to pay for your damages, you have a couple of options. You can attempt to negotiate with their insurance company, which will not be easy and the least probable. For a better understanding of what you'll encounter along this path, give FindLaw's Alabama Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline article a look.
Your other option is to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court. If this seems like your best chance of gaining remedy, consider speaking with a car accident lawyer for legal advice.
Alabama's doctrine of contributory negligence can also have a huge effect on any possible settlements. This system, only used by a few states, bars recovery for anyone found to be at fault for the accident in any way, no matter how small. Even if you're just 2% responsible, Alabama's contributory negligence system will not let you be awarded any amount of damages.
Trying to get recovery in Alabama can be intimidating and frustrating. For a comprehensive explanation of how damages work in Alabama, consult FindLaw's Alabama Car Accident Compensation Laws article.
In Alabama, the police don’t have to investigate a car crash that only results in property damage, so there is no need to contact them. The law asks you to move off the roadway if possible. But don't leave the accident scene before at least exchanging information with the other parties to the accident.
The information gathered should include:
Drivers are required to call law enforcement when a crash causes an injury or death.
Check on the health of everyone involved, including yourself. Offer first aid if needed.
When a reportable accident occurs on an Alabama highway, you should dial *HP (*47) or 334-242-4128 to reach the nearest state trooper post.
Dial 911 for all other car accidents with injuries, letting the operator know about the severity.
Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible. This will allow them to begin the insurance claim process.
If the local police aren't coming, you're required to file an accident report within 30 days. If more than $500 in damage was caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, file form S-31 instead.
Be aware that many large cities in Alabama, such as Montgomery, may have their own reporting requirements. They offer copies of accident reports as well. Check with law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred.
It's a good idea to call the police after an accident, even if there's only property damage. The police report can be extremely important in helping the insurance companies determine who was at fault in the accident and what damages, if any, should be covered.
The police accident report combines statements taken from drivers, passengers, and witnesses with objective data gathered by the investigating officer at the scene of the accident. To recreate the crash, the information the law enforcement officer collects may include:
When it's your turn to give your side of the incident, try to be calm and truthful. Keep Alabama's contributory negligence in mind, and don't admit to any fault.
You will need copies of the police report for your insurance claim or any potential lawsuits. You can get copies on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. The fee is $15.
The chart below recaps and expands on the information shared above about Alabama laws and procedures for filing a car crash report.
State Accident Statutes |
|
|---|---|
When To Call the Police After an Accident |
You should call the police immediately after an accident when:
|
When You Have To File an Accident Report |
You must file an SR-13 report within 30 days of the accident when:
You must file an SR-31 report with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) when:
|
Acquiring a Police Crash |
Purchase a Motor Vehicle Accident Report from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The fee is $15. |
Note: Laws are subject to change. It's important to verify the information you read about by conducting your own research or consulting with an Alabama attorney.
Every accident is unique but has shared aspects with other crashes. Below, find answers to situations that might be similar to yours.
Your best plan is to find out exactly what your sister hit. When a vehicle is brought to a repair shop to fix damage caused by a crash, the shop manager must report the vehicle within 24 hours. Authorities will be provided with the registration number and the name and address of the owner or operator.
If whatever your sister hit belongs to someone, she needs to make a report to law enforcement immediately. If you find yourself in this position, the two of you should consider speaking with a criminal defense attorney.
It could well be. Alabama is tough on motorists who fail to report an accident to police immediately or don't submit an accident report. If the accident only results in property damage, a driver risks being convicted of a Class A misdemeanor. Failure to report an injury-causing accident may be punished as a class C felony if a death results.
If there's any sort of injury in your accident, call the police. If it's just property damage and the police don't write an accident report, make sure you file one yourself.
You don't have to figure out what to do after a car accident on your own. An experienced Alabama attorney can help you sort out your car accident claim and help protect your rights during the process. Consider contacting a car accident attorney to learn more about how the law applies to your personal injury case.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
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