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Serving Injury & Accident Victims
in Maryland, Virginia, and DC
Serving Injury & Accident Victims
in Maryland, Virginia, and DC
A car accident can happen in a matter of seconds, but the aftermath can affect your health, finances, and future. Whether the crash is a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, knowing what to do immediately afterward can make a major difference in protecting both your physical well-being and your legal rights.
In Maryland, car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain and mental suffering, property damage, and other losses. However, the things that you do right after a crash can directly impact your ability to recover money for these damages. Our Silver Spring car accident attorneys will advocate for your rights and help you get maximum compensation for your injuries.
At DuBoff & Associates, we are fierce advocates for clients throughout Maryland who have been hurt in all types of motor vehicle accidents. We handle all auto crashes on a contingency fee basis, which means that you’ll never pay a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Silver Spring personal injury lawyer, contact our law firm today.
It isn’t always easy to know what you should do after being involved in a traumatic incident like a car crash. Below is a guide that spells out what you should do immediately after a car accident in Maryland. If you have questions, you can always reach out to us to talk to a seasoned personal injury attorney.
The first priority after any type of accident should be safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights and check yourself and others for injuries. Even if the crash appears minor, it is often a good idea to call 911 and request police assistance.
Maryland law requires drivers to stop after an accident involving injury, death, or property damage. Drivers involved in a collision that caused personal injury are also required to report it to law enforcement. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in serious criminal penalties.
When emergency responders arrive:
A police report can become important evidence in a future insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
One of the most important things you can do after a Maryland car accident is seek medical treatment right away. Some injuries are obvious immediately after a crash, such as broken bones or lacerations. Others may not show symptoms for hours or days after, such as whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and back injuries.
Adrenaline can temporarily mask pain, leading some people to believe that they are fine when they actually suffered serious injuries. Prompt medical treatment is important for two major reasons:
Even if you feel mostly ok, it is a good idea to get a medical evaluation after any car accident within 36 hours.
Maryland drivers involved in an accident should exchange important information with one another. Be sure to collect:
If there are witnesses nearby, try to obtain their names and contact information as well. Witness testimony can become extremely valuable if liability is later disputed.
Remain calm and polite during these interactions, but avoid discussing fault or apologizing for the accident. Even simple statements such as “I didn’t see you” may be later used against you by insurance companies.
Evidence can disappear quickly after a car accident. If you are physically able, document the scene thoroughly before vehicles are moved or debris is cleared away.
Helpful evidence may include photographs or videos of:
These images can help to establish how the collision occurred. They can also be useful to support your claim later.
Most insurance policies require drivers to report accidents promptly. When contacting your insurance company:
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, you do not have to give them a statement. Insurance adjusters may appear friendly, but their goal is to reduce the amount that a company pays on a claim. It is generally better to speak with a Silver Spring car accident attorney before discussing the case with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Not every car accident requires legal representation. For example, if you were involved in a truly minor fender bender with no injuries, then you may be able to handle the claim on your own. However, many injury claims become far more complicated than people initially expect.
An experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer can:
Having legal representation is especially important in Maryland, given its strict contributory negligence rules. An attorney can advocate for you so that you can get justice for your accident.
The moments after a car accident can feel overwhelming and chaotic. That can make it even more difficult to think clearly and make smart decisions in the immediate aftermath of a crash. However, if you can remember the steps outlined in this guide, you can protect your rights and achieve a far better outcome for your case.
At DuBoff & Associates, we work hard to help our clients achieve justice for their car accident cases. Our experienced team of car accident attorneys will fight to get you maximum compensation for your injuries. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Maryland car accident lawyer, give us a call at 866-210-6821 or fill out our online contact form.
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