Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Whether it is a minor fender bender or a multi-vehicle collision involving serious injuries or fatalities, car accidents can be extremely traumatic. When there is extensive damage to the vehicles involved and victims have suffered severe injuries, emotions tend to run high. As a result, it can be difficult to remain calm and level-headed about what to do next. The following is a list of important steps to take if you have been involved in a car accident.
Do not leave the scene of the accident
Remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. If you leave before the police show up and someone has been seriously or fatally injured, you could face criminal charges for being a hit and run driver. Ensure that you are pulled over in a safe place.
Check yourself and the other motorists for injuries
If anyone involved has been injured, call for medical attention immediately. If someone is unconscious or appears to have a neck or back injury, do not attempt to move them until the ambulance arrives, unless their life is in danger.
Go to a safe spot
If your car is drivable but is causing a hazard where it is, it is vital to pull over to the side of the road. If it is not causing a hazard, leave your car where it is and get yourself to safety, either by the side of the road or on a sidewalk.
Call the police
If the wreck resulted in property damage, injuries, or fatalities, call the police so that they can file a police report. Ask for the name and badge number of the officers on the scene so that you can obtain a copy of the report.
Exchange information
For insurance purposes, be sure to obtain the names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident. Try to remain calm and cordial and do not apologize for anything as it can be interpreted as admitting guilt, which can then make you liable for damages.
Obtain witness testimonies
Ask every witness for details about what they saw and ask for their names, phone numbers, and addresses. If any of the witnesses live in the vicinity, ask if they have seen other accidents take place in the same location.
Take pictures of the scene
If you are physically able to do so, take a picture of the damage to your vehicle. This will help the insurance adjuster determine how much money you should be compensated for the damage of your vehicle. It will also provide concrete proof of the actual damage to your car if it is questioned in court.
Keep copies of all medical records
Keep track of your medical treatment, including doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, and any other medical professional that treated you for injuries you sustained from the car wreck. It is best to keep organized copies of your medical records, including a detailed account of how the injury has impacted your life as well, as this can help speak to pain and suffering.
Notify your insurance company
Let your insurance company know as soon as possible if you have been in an accident, providing an honest account of what happened, making sure that you do not omit any pertinent information.
Contact a skilled car accident lawyer
To increase your chances of a successful claim, contact an experienced attorney who is well-versed in car accident litigation and has experience assessing liability.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Car Accidents
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident in Maryland, it is important that you take the right steps immediately following the incident. The Baltimore car wreck lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation that you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are conveniently located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, and we represent car accident victims and their families throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.