What To Do In Case Of A Car Accident …the 11 Steps

Step 1. Maryland law requires that all drivers involved in a car accident stop if there has been an accident, even a minor accident. Failing to stop at the scene of an accident is a traffic violation and can result in criminal charges.

If possible, the cars involved in the collision should be stopped near the scene of the accident, without obstructing the flow of traffic and without jeopardizing anyone’s safety.

If any of the vehicles are disabled and are obstructing traffic, turn on the car’s emergency flashers and, if possible, raise the hood so that other drivers can see the cars. If visibility is not good, turn on the cars’ headlights. It is a good idea to carry road flares in the trunk of your car in case of an emergency.

Step 2. If anyone is injured, call 911 for an Ambulance and Police assistance. Do not move a person who has been injured as this could contribute to the injuries, unless the person must be moved in order to protect their safety. The Paramedics will transport all injured persons to the nearest Emergency Room.

Even if you are not visibly bleeding or feel that you can move on your own, it is still important to have a Doctor examine you at the hospital.

There may be internal bleeding and injuries to the neck and the back which are not visible. Depending on the extent of the injuries, the injuries start to set in the next day, or even several days after the accident.

Keep in mind that there was property damage to a motor vehicle, which weighs an average of 4,021 pounds, therefore, in all likelihood there is physical damage to the occupant of the vehicle who weighs just a fraction of that. If you cannot go the hospital right away, then go to a Doctor as soon as possible following the accident.

Step 3. Write down the names, telephone numbers and addresses of any and all witnesses before they leave the scene of the accident. If you are unable to do this, ask them to stay until the police arrive and to speak with the police.

The police officer will include their statements and their contact information in the accident report. If any witnesses attempt to leave before providing information, you should write down their vehicle’s license plate number.

Step 4. When the Police arrive, they will take the driver’s licenses, registration cards, and insurance policy information of the drivers involved in the collision. Inform the officer of any witnesses so that they include their statements and contact information in the Accident Report.

Step 5. Do not admit fault, even if you believe you caused the accident because it is possible that the other driver was more at fault or equally at fault, which can affect liability.

There are many factors involved in car accidents which an investigation will uncover. Also, accidents happen within seconds and are stressful and traumatic so that any statements made have the potential of being misinterpreted. You do not have to answer to the other driver, you only need to cooperate with the Police.

Therefore, if you asked questions by the police officer, you may provide facts regarding the direction in which you were traveling, if there were any traffic signals, the location of the other vehicle, etc.

Step 6. If you have a camera, or a cellular telephone that can take pictures, photograph the accident scene, including any skid marks, and the vehicles involved.

Step 7. Request the Accident Report number from the police officer, along with the officer’s name, badge number and contact information.

Step 8. If your vehicle is going to be towed, remove any valuable personal belongings from the vehicle before it is towed.

Step 9. As soon as possible after the accident, write down the facts of the accident while they are fresh in your mind. Write down any relevant statements you heard, such as the other driver’s apologies, or comments that they did not see you, or did not see the traffic signal changing.

Record the lengths and locations of any skid marks, the location of the damage on the vehicles, if speed was a factor in the accident, write down the posted speed limit.

Step 10. Inform your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company of the accident. However, do not provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company (Read Should I Provide a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company?).

Step 11. Call for immediate legal advice to protect yourself and your claim and to avoid the common problems encountered with insurance companies in these cases (Read Common Problems with Insurance Companies).

     For more information about your car accident case and what you need to do right now, call me directly at: 410-446-6644 and I will discuss, review and evaluate your case with you at no charge. You may also contact me by completing the Contact box on the left side of this page, or by email at alexmiller@alexmillerlaw.com.

     You can also protect your case by reading my advice in my Free Automobile Accident Fact Book.