What to Do After a Car Accident

Experienced Silver Spring Attorney Helping Motor Vehicle Collision Victims in Maryland

In the immediate aftermath of a car crash, you may have trouble concentrating and understanding what you need to do. Your priority is your health, but the steps you take at the scene and in the following hours and days can also impact your potential personal injury claim. At Whitlock Law, LLC, we want you to protect your health and ensure that you will have the best chance of recovering compensation. As you respond to a car accident, you should:

Assess Injuries

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Also, try to determine if people in other vehicles are injured. While you may not be able to assist anyone, the details you give 911 operators can be vital.

Call 911 and Remain at the Scene

Call 911 to report your accident, even if someone else is doing so. The information you provide about injuries sustained allows dispatchers to send first responders to the scene. Police officers will also come to the scene to provide aid and complete a report detailing what happened.

It is illegal to leave the scene of an injury accident, although moving vehicles out of traffic may be a good idea. You will need the police report detailing your crash when filing a personal injury case. This report will include essential details that can be used to determine who was at fault for the collision.

Gather Evidence

You are in a unique position to gather evidence at the accident scene. You can use your phone to take photos and record videos of relevant details, such as:

• Vehicle damage and position
• Injuries
• Skid marks
• Witnesses present
• Visibility and weather conditions
• Potholes or other roadway obstacles that may have contributed to your crash
• Any other evidence that may point toward liability
• Witness statements, with permission
• Your own recollection of how your accident happened while it is fresh in your mind

Remember to share your photos and recordings with your attorney from Whitlock Law, LLC during your free consultation.

Exchange Information With Others Involved

You need to exchange contact and auto insurance information with other drivers involved in your crash. If possible, you should also attempt to get contact details for eyewitnesses, as their testimony may prove to be crucial evidence in your claim.

Accept or Seek Medical Treatment

You may think your injuries are minor, but you should always accept a medical evaluation from paramedics at the scene of the accident. If emergency medical technicians were not dispatched, you can receive treatment at an urgent care clinic or emergency room.

Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, but they may cause significant health risks if they remain undiagnosed and untreated. Trained medical professionals can usually spot these injuries before they endanger you further. In addition to your health, the documentation from your initial examination will provide important details about your medical condition following your crash. That medical record is another vital piece of evidence that can substantiate your car accident claim.

Limit Conversation

Be very careful about what you say to other drivers, witnesses, and the police. You may be angry at the responsible driver, but keep your remarks to yourself. Do not elaborate on what you believe happened, and do not speak to the other drivers’ insurance companies. Anything you say may be used against you.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Many people say, “I’m sorry,” out of habit after something bad happens, regardless of whether they were responsible. However, it is very important to avoid saying anything that could indicate that you were at fault for the accident. Insurance companies can twist your innocent statements into an admission of fault, which might disqualify you from obtaining compensation.

Report Your Accident to Your Auto Insurance Company

Car insurance companies have varying deadlines for reporting an accident. Check your policy documents to ensure you notify your insurer in time. It is a good idea to have your attorney contact the insurance company on your behalf. We know what to say and what not to say, and we will not be intimidated into providing information that could damage your claim.

Remember What Not to Do After a Car Accident

As important as knowing what steps you should take after a car crash, it is just as vital to understand what you should not do. You can severely damage your claim by making simple mistakes.

Contact Whitlock Law, LLC

Pure contributory negligence laws in Maryland and Virginia prohibit you from receiving compensation if you bear any fault for causing your car accident. Insurers know this, and they may attempt to blame you to avoid paying your claim. When you choose Whitlock Law, LLC, we will investigate your accident, establish fault and liability, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Call Now for Your Consultation With Our Silver Spring, MD Car Accident Lawyer

You need effective legal representation to achieve the best results in your car accident claim. At Whitlock Law, LLC, the client’s best interests always come first. We will use our considerable experience, legal knowledge, and skills to advocate for you. Attorney Whitlock has tried and won cases in all Maryland counties, Baltimore, and most of Virginia, and she will handle your case personally to ensure you receive competent support and assistance.

Contact us 24/7 for your free consultation with our aggressive car accident attorney. We handle motor vehicle accident cases throughout Maryland and Virginia, and you will not pay us any fees unless we win compensation for you. Se Habla Español.