The aftermath of a car accident is often a frightening situation. It can cause anyone to panic and be unsure of what to do. This is even the case in small accidents such as fender-benders. During this time, while it can be difficult, it is important to stay calm. This allows you to focus on the situation at hand and ensure the best outcome.
After an accident, it can be helpful to follow the steps below:
Call the Police
Contacting law enforcement is crucial after an accident, even if the other party involved tells you not to. When police are at the scene of an accident, they can secure it and ensure your safety as well as that of other drivers on the road. In addition to this, they can draft an official police report, take statements from witnesses, and conduct chemical tests. This information can be used to process a claim with your insurance company.
Do Not Apologize
After being involved in an accident, it is important to try and avoid issuing an apology to the other party involved. This is because an apology can often be interpreted as an admission of fault in some cases. Instead, simply being polite and calling emergency services allows you to avoid the discussion of liability.
Photo or Video of the Wreck
If the scene is safe, taking pictures and videos of the wreckage can be helpful. This allows you to capture evidence of any broken glass, deployed airbags, skid marks, and bloodstains that happened during the accident. It can also be helpful to document the weather and road conditions for a future claim.
Record Important Details
All necessary information should be gathered before leaving the scene of an accident. It is important to record any details that can help file a claim. This can include the names of witnesses, their phone numbers, and the registration information of all vehicles that were involved in the accident. You should do so yourself and not assume that a law enforcement officer at the scene will do so for you.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The most important thing you can do after an accident is to receive medical attention, even if you feel fine at the moment. This is because it is possible to have an injury without knowing it and experience later symptoms. While emergency responders can conduct examinations on the scene, you should still see a doctor for an official diagnosis. Doing so will document your injuries, including where, how, and what time they happened. This information can also be used to file a claim.
Contact our Firm
If you are in this situation, it is important to discuss this situation with an attorney. The attorneys at Timian & Fawcett, LLC provide effective legal services to clients in Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. and all of Maryland. Our firm is dedicated to our clients. If you need our help, we are ready to serve. Contact Timian & Fawcett, LLC.
