Auto Accidents in Waldorf, MD — What to Do After an Auto Accident Where Injuries Have Occurred
Car crashes and accidents that result in injuries often happen very quickly and without warning. Often, those involved are a bit shocked and uncertain about what should be done next. In this article, the skilled and top-rated Maryland auto accident attorneys at the Law Office of Robert Castro discuss things you should remember to do right after an accident. Call us at (301) 870-1200 for a consultation.
The law requires certain steps to be followed if there has been an auto accident here in Waldorf or anywhere else in Charles County or Southern Maryland. However, what is required depends on whether injuries have been caused by the accident. For example, if there are no injuries and there is only damage to the vehicles, then there is no need to call the police. In fact, the police are unlikely to come and investigate if there are no injuries. The parties must exchange contact information. The information exchanged should include the following:
- Full names, addresses, and phone numbers
- Insurance companies and policy numbers
- Driver’s license and license plate numbers
- Type, color, and model of vehicles
- Date, time, and location of the accident
With respect to moving the vehicles, they can be moved to the side of the road while the parties exchange contact information. On the other hand, if the vehicles are inoperative and cannot be moved, then the police must be called. See here for a Maryland Government fact guide.
If there are injuries, then Maryland law requires some different steps after the accident. Importantly, if there are injuries, then the police and ambulance services MUST be called. Generally, the vehicles should NOT be moved unless not moving the vehicles would be dangerous or the vehicles represent a continuing danger to other traffic on the road. Further, obtaining the contact and insurance information from all the parties involved will likely be done by the police when they arrive on the scene. So, it may not be necessary for you to take that step. Speaking practically, steps should be taken after an accident to get everyone to safety and to check on injured parties — including yourself, passengers, and others involved. Getting everyone out of immediate danger might be needed where a fire has started or traffic continues to move.
Aside from what Maryland law requires, some other steps should be taken, particularly if you are the injured victim of a Maryland car accident. These are steps needed to preserve the injured party’s claims for compensation. These include:
- Making sure contact and insurance information has been exchanged — might be done by the police after they arrive
- Gather whatever evidence can be gathered at the scene of the accident — this evidence is mostly smartphone video or photos
- Get the contact information for witnesses (if any)
- Obtain medical treatment
- Contact an experienced Maryland auto accident attorney for legal assistance and guidance
- Call your own insurance carrier
- Obtain copies of the police report and any tickets/citations issued by the police
- And more
Contact Waldorf, MD Personal Injury Attorney Robert Castro Today
This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Personal Injury lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD, 20601.
