What To Do After a Car Accident
There are more than 6 million auto accidents each year in the United States and an average of 115,555 in Maryland alone. When a person gets into an auto accident, whether they are behind the wheel, are a passenger, or are just a nearby pedestrian, it is extremely jarring. Persons involved will be confused, disoriented, possibly hurt, or worse. This makes assessing the scene difficult. Over the years, Charles County car accident lawyers have settled on a list of best practices after a driver has been in an accident. These best practices should be performed in the order they are listed, with life-saving actions taking precedent over insurance claims-related actions.
What To Do After a Car Accident
- Determine whether anyone is hurt
If you have been hurt, attempting to move may cause further injury. If possible, you should check for injuries among your passengers and try to find out whether other people involved have been injured. If anyone has serious injuries, call for an ambulance immediately.
- Move away from danger
When accidents happen, they tend to attract further danger. Other vehicles rushing to the scene unaware, downed power lines, broken fuel lines, and more can pose additional risks. Move away from danger and advise anyone else present to do the same.
- Contact the authorities
If the accident was caused by criminal activity, the authorities need to know. Police will document the scene and the information they gather may be helpful later on when you are attempting to collect compensation.
- Gather information
If possible and safe, talk to the other parties, take pictures of the damage, skid lines on the street, and anything else that may be relevant. Taking pictures and recording conversations is an easy and reliable way to do this. Try to think of details that would be useful to a car accident injury lawyer in Charles County who is representing you.
- Document evidence
As you gather information, keep in mind that you are also gathering evidence. This means taking a picture of a smashed bumper might not be enough. It should be a clear and properly framed picture. Skid marks (for example) that lead up to the impact can be an important detail.
- Refrain from discussing responsibility at the scene
After an accident, your adrenaline will be pumping, and you may want to rush to conclusions. However, discussing fault can skew the proper results of a trial if you need to go to court to determine fault. Try to keep interactions calm and do not discuss details that a car accident lawyer in Charles County should handle.
- Call a tow truck if necessary
After everyone is out of harm’s way and the scene has been assessed, then is the time to call for a tow truck if necessary. Your legal representative may want to look at the vehicle.
- Contact your insurance provider
Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. Their work may be aided by the evidence and information you gathered at the scene. You can expect to be contacted by an insurance claims adjuster from the other party’s insurance provider. Refer them to your auto accident attorney. You do not need to speak with them.
- Seek treatment for injuries
If you have been hurt, seek medical attention. If you are not at fault, your Charles County auto accident lawyer may be able to help you get compensation for your medical bills.
- Consult car accident lawyers in Charles County
If you have not done so already, get in touch with qualified legal representation.
Contact the Law Office of Robert Castro
If you have been involved in an automobile accident and believe you are not at fault, you need a Charles County car accident injury attorney with the experience, the expertise, and a winning track record to represent you. If you follow the steps listed above carefully, you will be in a good position to receive the compensation you deserve and require after an auto accident. The Charles County car accident attorneys of the Law Office of Robert Castro will:
- Gather evidence proving negligence
- Communicate with insurance companies
- Negotiate a settlement
- Obtain and organize medical records and bills
- Represent your interests at trial
If you have suffered injury, property damage, or lost wages due to an accident that was not your fault, you need the help of a car accident injury lawyer in Charles County MD. Contact the Law Office of Robert Castro today.
