If you are involved in a car accident, it’s essential to know what to do immediately afterward. The steps you take in those first moments are critical for ensuring your well-being and protecting your legal rights. Failing to exchange information with the other motorists involved can lead to severe consequences. Please continue reading as we explore the steps to take after a car accident and how a seasoned Prince George’s County Car Accident Lawyer can assist you.
What Information Must I Exchange After a Car Accident in Maryland?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Maryland, it’s important to understand the immediate actions required to protect your rights and interests. In the aftermath of a collision, you are legally obligated to exchange information with the other motorists involved, call 911 if there are injuries or property damage, and report the accident to your insurance company. Leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information is considered a hit-and-run offense. As such, it’s imperative to know the details you need to recover from the other parties involved in the crash. You should collect the following information after a car accident:
- Personal details: Full legal names, addresses, and phone numbers of all motorists involved.
- Driver’s license number: Make sure to verify the driver’s identity by checking their license.
- Insurance information: Get the other motorist’s insurance company name and policy number.
- Vehicle details: Note the make, model, and color of each vehicle, as well as their license plate number.
- Accident location: Record the precise location of the collision, including street names, intersections, or mile markers.
Following a car accident, collecting this information is crucial for filing an insurance claim. However, be cautious when interacting with other motorists, as they may be uncooperative or aggressive, especially if they believe they are at fault. It’s best to avoid engaging with them and wait for law enforcement to arrive. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, don’t attempt to chase the fleeing motorist for your safety and the safety of others. This could lead to dangerous situations and potentially violent confrontations. Instead, contact the police immediately and provide them with all the details you have about the accident and the fleeing motorist.
What Are My Next Steps?
After you have exchanged information with the other motorists involved, you should seek medical care. Even if you feel okay, a doctor’s assessment is vital as adrenaline can mask pain. Immediate medical attention will ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, as well as mitigate your damages. Delaying medical care can be used against you by the other party to downplay your injuries, potentially leading to a claim denial or reduced settlement.
If possible, document the accident scene by taking photos and videos of the vehicle damage, visible injuries, and road conditions. These images can help establish liability for the accident. If there are any witnesses, gather their contact information. Their statements can provide an objective account of the collision, corroborate your version of events, and offer additional details that may have been overlooked.
After seeking medical attention, it’s advisable to contact a skilled attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. At McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P., we are prepared to guide you through this intricate process and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for more information.
