A car accident often throws you into confusion. Something like a rear end collision or a side swipe likely caught you by surprise, and you may suffer serious injuries. In that moment, you may feel unsure of what to do next. It may feel unnatural to get out of the car to handle the situation when all you want to do is avoid it. However, it is important to perform a number of steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here is what you should do after a car accident:
1. Safety First
As the old adage says, you need to first check on yourself and determine the extent of your injuries. Check for broken bones or blood. Often you will not notice an injury right away, because the adrenaline of the moment can mask pain. If you cannot safely move, call paramedics to the scene so they can take care of you. Next, check where your car is now that everything has slowed down, and make sure you are in a safe spot, away from oncoming traffic, before you get out of the car to check for damage.
2. Call the Police
This step is important for a couple of reasons. Possibly the most crucial reason is to obtain a police report. If you would like, you should be able to obtain a copy of the police report the day of the accident. The report is useful to your attorney and can save time in starting your case. However, it is not necessary. Furthermore, the police will help you and the driver who hit you exchange information peacefully so you get everything you need. Sometimes, even if the other driver is at fault, he or she may act irate out of frustration, and having police there can serve as a valuable form of mediation. Officers may also act as witnesses if the other driver says something that reveals an important factor in the accident.
3. Gather Information
Gather contact information from witnesses as well. There is no need to take a statement from a witness, as you will likely run into evidentiary hearsay issues. But their contact information can be helpful later.
4. Notify your Attorney
If you are injured, a personal injury attorney will assist you based on your individual facts and make sure everything is handled smoothly and correctly. Your attorney will also tell you what steps you may have missed and what needs to happen next. As a plaintiff, you have certain requirements, which this article touches on below, that may affect your recovery after an accident. The laws also differ in each state. Given that we are located in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, the accident may have occurred outside your home state. Your attorney can help you evaluate which state’s law applies.
5. Notify your Insurance Company
Your accident lawyer will generally instruct you to notify your insurance company of the accident. First, you may have a duty to notify them depending on your insurance contract. Moreover, the driver who hit you may not have coverage, so you may need to rely on your uninsured motorist coverage or your underinsured motorist coverage anyway. You may even have Personal Injury Protection coverage or Medical Payment coverage depending on the state and your policy.
6. Mitigate Damages
The duty to mitigate damages is a legal duty that falls on the plaintiff, who in a car accident is the victim. This duty applies to all aspects of your claim to a certain extent. It may apply in several situations. Examples include seeking medical attention and following the treatment plan your medical professional prescribes. You should also limit lost wages, remove your car from a tow lot, and secure vehicle repairs if not having a car forces you to take Ubers or Lyfts to work. As always, consulting with your personal injury attorney will help you comply with this requirement.
This list is not exhaustive. Still, it gives you a good foundation for handling a car accident if you ever face one. Here is a list of what not to do if you are involved in an accident. Need assistance after a car accident? Our consultations are free, and we are available 24/7 by phone. Were you injured as a passenger or driver in a Baltimore Uber or Lyft accident? Visit our Baltimore Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer page to learn about your rights under Maryland law.
If you have been injured, contact our personal injury lawyer for a free consultation.
