What to do if you’ve had a car accident – The 8 crucial steps to assist your accident lawyer

Car accidents happen every day and can happen to anyone. Just last weekend, a teenager was involved in a car accident in which he collided with another motor vehicle. It was extremely dark outside, and because of the poor meteorological conditions (rain) at a stop, the teenager was unable to break due to aquaplaning. Luckily for him, no person was hurt, but both the cars involved in the accident took some heavy damage. It was a shocking experience for the young driver but one from which he learned some valuable things, including how important it is to know in advance what you have to do in such a situation.

Here is what you have to do if you too have to do if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident:
(You can write this checklist down and put it in the glove compartment to help you just in case)

1. Don’t leave the “scene of the crime”. In most US states it is considered a misdemeanor if you leave the scene of a motor vehicle accident which only resulted in property damage (no person was injured). This misdemeanor usually comes with a substantial fine of about $1,000 and a possible sentence of up to a year.
2. If no person was injured, you can move the car if still possible not to interrupt the traffic flow.
3. Don’t get out of the car until you are safe to do so.
4. If you think you need medical attention or if another person was hurt you should call 911. Do not attempt to move the injured person as you might make their injuries worse. Leave this to the paramedics.
5. Even if no person was injured, you should contact the police if it is required by your state’s law
6. If you are not sure about your state’s law and what you are obligated to do after a car accident, you should contact your accident attorney for further assistance.
7. Exchange information with all the drivers involved in the accident, including:
   1. Name
   2. Contact information
   3. Vehicle make and model
   4. Driver’s license number
   5. Insurance carrier and policy number
8. DO NOT share details of your policy (like coverage limits or deductible) with other people from the accident
9. DO NOT apologize or admit fault (if you think you were at fault do not admit your guilt). This can be used against you in the court of law (regardless if you were fully responsible).
10. Take photos or a video of the scene of the accident the damage.
11. Note how the weather conditions were and the time of day when the accident happened.
12. Try to find people who will write a witness statement saying how they saw the accident happen (if your attorney recommends).

These steps will help you keep a cool head after your accident and will help you act responsibly after such a stressful event.

For more information about a car accident, you can contact the best personal injury lawyer from Maryland.