Car accidents are often disorienting both immediately as the crash happens and for some time afterward. Thus, one first step is to try and remain calm and focus on what is truly important — the health and safety of the people involved. It does not matter that “you will be late” or will “miss your appointment” or anything like that. Next, it is crucial to do the following to the extent possible:

Check for injuries — this applies first to yourself and any passengers or loved ones that may be with you; then check for anyone else who might have been injured in the accident

Call for assistance — it is almost always useful to call an ambulance immediately; even if the injuries do not appear serious, it is helpful to have emergency responders evaluate everyone

Contact the authorities — this is often done at the same time as calling an ambulance; in Maryland, policies arequire uthorities to be called for any accident; aside from that requirement, it can be important later in your case to have an official police report

Exchange information — Maryland law requires that insurance and contact information be exchanged by persons involved in auto or car accidents; this basically means exchanging name, phone numbers, maybe home addresses and details on each party’s car insurance policy (name of company, phone number to call to make claim, policy numbers, etc.); do not forget to get the other person’s license plate number

Gather evidence — this is not always possible, but is a lot easier than many people think given that every cell phone is also a photographic and video camera; a few clicks or a “run” the video feature for a few minutes is all that is really required; try to capture images of the vehicles, where they ended up after the accident, the accident site, road conditions, visible damage, images of the other party and any witnesses

Take the ambulance to the hospital — this should obviously be done if there is any sort of serious injury involving loss of blood, broken bones, lacerations, etc.; even if you think “you’re fine,” we here at the Law Office of Robert Castro recommend you take the ambulance to the hospital; some injuries will not manifest until the next day and there is no reason not to seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible

Notify your insurance company — as soon as possible, you must notify your insurance company of the accident; this is a legal required and also a requirement that is imposed by your car insurance policy; failure to notify your insurance company is a possible grounds for denial of coverage; when you talk to your insurance company, give them the basic information, but do not admitting fault or say anything that might hurt your case

Seek legal guidance — everyone in Maryland who has been injured, through no fault of their own, is entitled to complete and full compensation for their injuries and for property damage; hiring experienced legal assistance is the best way to maximize your recovery.

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.