Have you ever been in a car accident that was not your fault? You are not alone. In this blog, the Poole Law Group offers actionable steps to take when you’ve been involved in a car crash.
After a serious Maryland car accident, help is just a phone call away. Call the Poole Law Group at 301-790-3600 for a free, comprehensive consultation.
Living through an accident in a car, truck or other motorized vehicle is a traumatic event. This can be doubly traumatic if you are involved in a crash that occurred through no fault of your own. You may feel distracted and unfocused in the hours, days, weeks, and even months after a high-impact collision. For many people, a traumatic accident may leave them feeling isolated, fearful, and unsure of what happens next.
As Maryland car accident attorneys who specialize in personal injury claims, Poole Law Group wants everyone to understand what to expect after a motor vehicle accident; in this blog, we explain what to do after a car accident that wasn’t your fault.
If you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, call the car accident attorneys at the Poole Law Group today at 301-790-3600.
What To Do After A Car Accident (Not Your Fault)
If you're involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, follow these steps to protect your legal rights, ensure your safety, and make your car insurance claim go as smoothly as possible.
Ensure Your Physical Safety
After a car accident, your first responsibility is to check for — and respond to — any physical injuries. Make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe; if anyone appears injured, call 911 immediately. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, away from traffic. Vehicle damage is vastly less important than physical injuries.
Your physical safety is the most important factor after any auto accident, regardless of liability.
Read More: 5 Common Myths About Car Accidents Debunked
Call the Police
Never settle your accident “off the record,” as this will make it harder for you to collect full compensation. Call the police and request a copy of the police report, even if you believe the accident wasn’t your fault. Filing a police report can help provide vital evidence when dealing with disputes about your insurance coverage, as well as any future legal claims that may result from the accident.
If you later find that there is an inaccuracy in the police report, call the Poole Law Group for assistance.
Gather Evidence
If you are able, take photos and videos of the accident, including physical injuries, any visible damage to your vehicle, license plates, weather conditions, and any relevant road signs or signals. If there were eyewitnesses, get their contact information and a brief statement if they’re willing to provide you with this information.
Read More: Written and Recorded Statements After an Accident: What to Provide and What to Ensure You Have
Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). This should include names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance company, and policy number. When you file a car accident claim, you will need to provide this information. If you are unable to write, use your cell phone to record a short video of the other driver giving you this information.
This is a simple list of information to gather after a car accident:
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Contact Information (Name, address, and phone number)
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Insurance Information: Company name, policy number, and the insurer's phone number
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Driver's Licenses: Driver's license numbers
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Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, color, license plate number, and VIN number
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Location: The location of the accident
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Photos: Traffic signs, weather conditions, position of cars after impact, injuries, auto body damage
Seek Medical Attention
See a doctor as soon as possible after your accident, even if you feel ok. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not become apparent right away. Your medical records will also be crucial if you decide to file a claim for any injuries; the earlier you see a doctor, the easier it will be to establish a foundation on which to build a case for compensation.
Medical records should reflect the full extent of your injuries. In many cases, injuries only become apparent after days or even weeks after the accident. Bone fractures, concussions, and post-accident trauma may become evident in the wake of your crash. This is why it is vital to get a full medical examination as soon as possible after the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Always inform your insurer about the accident, even if you have good reason to believe that it wasn’t your fault. Many policies require you to report accidents within a certain time frame, and your insurance company can guide you on what to do next. Depending on your coverage, this will help alleviate financial strain from your medical bills and lost wages. Repair shops can also bill your insurance company directly.
Maryland is an “at-fault state,” which means that drivers first file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to collect compensation. If you are not at fault in an accident, you may also file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company (often called a “third-party claim”). In third-party claims, the other driver’s insurance pays for your car repairs and other accident-related expenses.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
If you have suffered ongoing injuries, significant vehicle damage, or complications with insurance, always consult a Maryland car accident attorney to discuss your case. A lawyer can help you navigate insurance claims, understand your rights, and potentially recover damages through legal action. For locals, there are multiple reasons to hire a Frederick personal injury lawyer in Maryland.
Speak To A Car Accident Attorney Now: 301-790-3600
Frequently Asked Questions: What To Do After A Car Crash
At the Poole Law Group, our highly trained team of Maryland car accident specialists is your best line of defense against insurance companies that delay, deny, or underpay claims.
In the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, you need a hardworking team of advocates on your side: legal advocates who understand not just Maryland law but the intricacies of auto insurance claims. We work alongside medical professionals who are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat car accident injuries like yours. This may include spinal injury, whiplash, fractures, soft tissue injuries, and concussions. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only receive payment after you do.
If you need help after a car accident, call the Poole Law Group today for a free consultation: 301-790-3600.
