Remember these steps to take after a car accident, to help avoid problems with insurance or the law.
Every year, more than six million car accidents occur. If you are in a car accident, litigation may emerge from this event as a result of an auto or personal injury. However, there are several steps you can take immediately after a car accident to do your part to maintain honest and direct communications afterward.
Move Over After a Car Accident
It is never wise to drive away from an accident, even a minor one. If you are on a busy street, move to the shoulder or to the first available clear area, which will not put you or your car at further risk.
Protect the Scene
You can help to prevent further accidents by putting on your flashers, or “hazard” lights. It can be useful to keep a flashlight in the car, so if you are ever in an accident in the dark, you can use that light to help you see.
Call the Police
Regardless of damage, it is best to call the police to file a report immediately after a car accident. You may need that police report to file a claim with your insurance company.
Make An Accurate Record
When the police arrive, tell the officer exactly what happened to the best of your ability. Do not speculate or misstate facts. If you don’t think you are injured, tell the officer that you aren’t sure whether you are rather than a flat “no.” You may not notice injuries until hours after a collision.
Take Pictures
If you have any visible damages to your car, take a photo as soon as possible.
Exchange Information
After a car accident, you should gather the name, address, and telephone number of all persons involved. You should also ask to see the insurance card for all vehicles involved. If there are witnesses, you should gather contact information from them as well. Police will usually provide all drivers with a police report number, which you can use later to obtain the report.
Report the Accident
Notify your insurance company after the car accident as soon as possible.
Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention after a car accident at your local emergency room or from your physician. Even in accidents with minor impact, you can acquire long-lasting damage. If you lost consciousness during or after the collision, this may indicate a concussion.
Keep a File
Keep all of your accident-related documents together. This should include items such as a claim number, police report, the claims adjuster’s information, names and numbers of all contacts, rental car receipts, and evidence of any other resulting expenses.
Protect Your Rights
Often, insurance companies want statements taken immediately after an accident. You should receive legal advice before providing your statement.
Let Simons & Goldner, P.A. Represent You
Simons & Goldner, P.A., located in Lutherville, MD, consists of two partners, Stevan G. Simons and Richard H. Goldner practicing primarily in personal injury, medical malpractice, Worker’s Compensation, and criminal law. The partners come with decades of experience assisting clients injured by the negligence of others or injured on the job. We serve clients in the Baltimore, Towson, Essex and Dundalk area and work closely with our clients to ensure that your case moves quickly and efficiently and that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled.
Initial consultations are available by phone or in-person and are free of charge. Contact us now to schedule a consultation, or call us today at 410-296-3110. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn for advice and updates.
