Steps To Take Immediately After a Maryland Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Unfortunately, car accidents are quite common in the United States of America, Maryland, is no exception. According to statistics, there are over 5.9 million police-reported accidents in the U.S. yearly. Knowing the right steps to take after a car accident can significantly improve your health, safety, and legal posture. Below, the team at Hardball Law outlines some of the important steps to take after a Maryland car accident.
- Ensure Safety
After a Maryland car accident, the first thing to do is to ensure your safety and that of others involved. Check yourself, passengers, and anyone else involved for injuries. If it is safe to do so move your car to a safe location away from traffic to prevent blocking traffic and/or hazardous conditions.
- Contact the Police
Contact the police to insure the safe handling of exchange of driver information and expediting medical attention, if necessary.. In some instances, calling the police may be a legal requirement. Under Maryland law, after a car accident, you must call the police when;
- Someone has suffered injuries
- A driver appears drunk
- Public property has been damaged
- A driver does not have a license
- A vehicle cannot be safely moved
- The other driver tries to leave the scene without sharing the proper information
Calling the police is the best practice in general so they can document your accident. The police report can prove invaluable in your legal claim.
- Exchange Information
After a Maryland car accident, you should exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, contact numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. However, don’t discuss the accident with the other driver(s). Why? Because whatever you say can be twisted and used against you.
- Document the Accident Scene
Another immediate step to take after a Maryland car accident is documenting the accident scene. First, take pictures of everything, including damage to the vehicles involved, license plates, debris or skid marks, road conditions, weather conditions, and traffic signals or road signs. Capture images at different angles to ensure you have a detailed visual record. These photos can serve as vital evidence if you pursue a legal claim.
Second, if there are witnesses, get their names and contact information at the accident scene. Witness statements can help verify details, establish fault, and provide vital evidence for your car accident claim. Look for cameras in the area including, but not limited to, traffic cameras, neighborhood cameras or those located at local businesses. Ask the owners if they will preserve the video for you.
- Seek Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention even if you have minor injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and others seem minor at the start but can worsen over time. Seeking prompt medical attention is the best way to insure your overall well being as adrenaline can sometimes mask pain. Obviously if you are not injured, there is no need to seek medical attention. Early treatment and diagnosis will support any legal claim you might pursue later. Prompt medical documentation can be crucial for establishing causation and the severity of your injuries.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Reporting the accident to your insurance company should be accomplished as soon as possible, however, consulting with your attorney prior to making your statement can be important! Together, you and your attorney can provide your insurer with the facts. Avoid sharing unnecessary information.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Last but certainly not least, contact a car accident attorney. An attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. They can help you file a legal claim and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Remember, your neighbor’s criminal attorney may have won his DWI case but handling a personal injury case is an entirely different matter. Hire an attorney who handles these cases on a regular basis.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our Towson personal injury lawyers at Hardball Law have experience handling car accident cases in Maryland and are prepared to fight for you to recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/car-accident-statistics/#1:~:text=Car%20accidents%20are%20a%20fact%20of%20life.%20In%202022%2C%20a%20total%20of%2042%2C514%20fatal%20car%20accidents%20occurred%20on%20roadways%20across%20the%20United%20States.%20Another%201%2C664%2C598%20crashes%20resulted%20in%20injuries%20and%2
